Mt. Scott, Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, Medicine Park, Holy City of the Wichitas, and Lake Lawtonka are all a single short drive from Oklahoma City or an hour drive from Wichita Falls to Southwestern Oklahoma. But guess what- world-class recreational hiking is there too. The Wichita Mountains hiking trails offer a wide variety of degrees of difficulty and length, providing great trails and a great time for nearly every type of hiker.
While a large part of the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the general public, the remaining public use area still provides a vast area for numerous recreational activities, not the least of which are great hiking trails.
Easy Wichita Mountain Hiking Trails
1. Elk Trail 0.6
The Elk Trail is a short loop in the trail system. It is important to note this is not Elk Mountain Trail. The trailhead begins at the French Lake parking lot. From the parking lot, you’ll immediately cross over a bridge and onto the Bison trail. Continue alongside the waterway and you are likely to encounter some wildlife.
A sign on the left indicates the convergence of the Elk trail. This .07, moderately visited trail crosses a small hill, then loops back to the beginning.
Leashed dogs are welcome and hikers of all skill levels will easily master this segment. However, with all of the trails anywhere in the state of Oklahoma, don’t forget to bring water.
2. Burford Lake Trail 0.5
Aside from tall brushy segments, this is great for the whole family. Critters, dragonflies, butterflies, lizards, and frogs are some of the wildlife to enjoy along the way and in the lake itself.
It is easy to hike along the Burford Lakeshore. Even though there isn’t much of an elevation gain, when you reach the top of the dam, you still get a fabulous view of the canyon below.
The trailhead can be found in the parking lot adjacent to 49 at Burford Lake. At the end of the trail, you can either go back the way you came or continue around the lake.
3. Osage Lake Trail 0.6
This is an easy hike from the Osage Lake road to the boulders surrounding Osage Lake. Additionally, you can easily extend the hike by bouldering to the shore.
There are incredible ledges, overhangs and if the water is just right, you will be able to find a small yet relaxing waterfall. Most of the trail is well marked.
4. Jed Johnson Tower Trail 0.5
Jed Johnson Tower Trail stretches .5 out to the tower and continues on 1.4 miles out and back trail to Central Peak. The hike is easy, with smooth paths and you have great vistas of Jed Johnson Lake and vistas beyond. All of that makes for a trail that is good for all skill levels.
The trail begins at the north side of Jed Johnson Lake near the Holy City of the Wichitas. A round trip takes about an hour, so make time to include this incredible place during your next day’s visit.
5, Quanah Parker Trail 0.8
This popular trail starts at and crosses the Quanah Parker Lake dam and is one of the most recommended trails for families. From the dam, it is a short hike and an easy trek to Little Baldy. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must remain leashed.
Every time I have taken this hike I see very small children walking with their parents, ascending. Later, I see the same parents carrying the children, descending.
Little Baldy Trail is a short and sweet hike in Oklahoma that offers some spectacular views. It’s less than a mile long, measuring in at about 0.8 miles. It’s also fairly flat, making it the perfect option for people who want to see great sights while taking it easy.
To reach the summit of Little Baldy via the most direct route takes a little bit more effort, as there are a few large boulders to skirt around and over. However, it’s still a relatively low level of difficulty.
But, if you are concerned about the thought of climbing over boulders, you could go around to the other side and there are some ‘stairs’ that can help you climb it without having to do any scrambling.
However you arrive, the top of Little Baldy is a favorite spot of many hikers.
6. Kite Trail 1.2
Kite Trail parallels Bison Trail on the other side of West Cache Creek and is the shortest route to the well-known Forty-Foot Hole. To get there, the trail head is located at the Boulder Picnic Area parking lot or the Lost Lake Picnic Area.
This one is a favorite of the many Wichita Mountains hiking trails.
7. Longhorn Trail 2.4
This is one of those in the Wichita Mountains hiking trails system that is really suitable for families with small children. It begins at the French Lake parking lot.
Some hikers have noted this trail is less scenic than most others in the system. However, the good boulders for hopping and lots of great areas for scrambling around more than make up for it for many hikers.
Trekking this one in Springtime is recommended because the trail fills with color from flowering indigenous flora.
8. Elk Mountain Trail 1.1
The official trail leads to the summit of Elk Mountain. This is one of the more frequently used trails in the refuge, and a number of alternate trails have evolved over time.
It is quite rocky for the vast majority of the trail, and some of the trail isn’t as well marked as others. It is easy to get off the main trail coming down. The easiest trail is the one that goes to the left from the bridge going up, and to the right on the way down.
If you choose one of the trails on your left as you are coming down, be prepared for quite a bit more scrambling and boulder hopping. We wound up coming down the Valley of the Boulders, which entailed a lot more bouldering than we had anticipated. Cool experience, but much more difficult than we had originally planned.
The trail is 1.1 miles one way, and the enterprising hiker could take a different descent. In doing so, you’ll pass an amazing arch, Apple and Pear, Big Boulder Room, and Valley of Boulders.
9. Dog Run Hollow Trail System 8 Miles Total
Crazy beautiful views at both, bases and at elevations, inspire any hiker to walk farther and scramble higher. Although the system has only one main loop, there are a number of offshoots to keep the trek fresh, visit after visit. For example, hikers can enter trailheads from French Lake, Boulder, Lost Lake, or the Dog Run Hollow parking lots.
Most of the routes are clearly marked; you can rest at peaceful Lost Lake, be inspired at the wonder of Forty Foot Hole, explore West Cache Creek, and scramble in the shadow of Elk Mountain. Additionally, other trails in the system are Elk Trail, Longhorn Trail, and Bison Trail.
This trail is actually a combination of several others, making it a great way to experience several of the Wichita Mountains hiking trails at once. the system encompasses most of the area between French Lake and Lost Lakes. Access can be had from either of those trailheads.
10. Charon’s Garden Trail 2.4
Beginning at the Sunset picnic area, cross the bridge and follow the pond shoreline to the west. Continue to the Refuge’s boundary. Charon’s Garden trail begins here; follow the creek (if it is dry, it will only be a creekbed) west.
As the creek bends west an established portion of the trail crosses it. Shortly afterward, it begins to open up to a scenic view- grass prairie and Elk Mountain and The Crab Eyes portion of Crab Eyes Trail appear.
For those of us who love backcountry camping, Charon’s Garden wilderness area is the place in southwest Oklahoma to do it.
You have options for routes to the top. The easier route is to the north, so if your children are with you, that is the prime choice.
In this area you can bushwack, boulder hop, climb, or scramble. The vantage point is inspirational and you might not want to leave.
At nearly 2 and a half miles of trail, Charon’s Garden Wilderness area is a great place to encounter a flock of wild turkeys and Rocky Mountain Elk, or other wild animals. Along with the fauna, the flora is diverse as there are many plant species indigenous to the location.
11. Parallel Forest Loop 0.8
The Parallel Forest is on the east side of the Meers Road entrance/exit. Park management planted the 16-acre forest of over 20,000 red cedars in 1912. The easy-moderate .8 mile trail goes east through the Parallel Forest and loops north to connect with the very heavily trafficked Mount Scott Trail. Turn southwest to return to the trailhead.
12. South Border Trail 3.4
This easy, 3.4-mile trail should take a little over an hour and a half to complete. This is a firebreak road and is great for families with young children. There is a water crossing, especially following recent rains. Begin at the end of Indiahoma Road.
13. Burford Lake and Panther Creek 2.3
The trailhead is located at the parking area to the East of Burford Lake and the trail runs to the south along the lake. Continue south along Panther Creek. You will cross Panther Creek, loop west toward Fish Lakes/Lost Lake, and then proceed north. This 2.3-mile jaunt is easy. Expect an elevation gain
14. Prairie Dog to Buffalo Trail Loop 1.6
What can be more fun than hiking through a prairie dog town! The easy 1.6 miles out and back trail begins at the parking area on Highway 49 and follows Turkey Creek southward to West Cache Creek. You will find a series of dams, cross over and you can connect to the Bison Trail section of Dog Trail Loop.
Moderate Wichita Mountain Hiking Trails
15. Little Baldy Trail .83
This is the first trail many climbers take in their life! It is relatively flat, fairly short, and has great panoramic views. Atop Little Baldy, I have seen American Bison and Texas longhorn cattle, the Environmental Education Center, and Lake Quanah Parker and her dam. Furthermore, you get spectacular views of other mountains in the mountain range.
This hike connects Doris Campground, Lake Quanah Parker, and the highest point of Little Baldie.
16. Mount Scott Overlook 5.6
Some describe this trek as easy because it is paved the entire way. However, half of the entire trek is uphill with a significant gradient. When you get to the summit, the views are incredible.
You can hike Mt. Scott anytime from sunrise to sunset Monday through Thursday. On the weekends, Friday through Sunday, you can hike from sunrise until noon. Hikers must be off the mountain by noon those three days.
Be aware that the road is also open to drivers and bikers sunrise to sunset Monday through Fridays, and noon to sunset Saturday and Sundays. That leaves Saturday and Sunday mornings exclusively for hikers and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons exclusively for motorized vehicles, and bicyclists.
It can get quite busy on the weekends so whether you are driving, biking, or hiking Mt. Scott, you need to pay close attention to your surroundings and fellow travelers.
17. Narrows Trail .8
If you have time for only one hike during your visit to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Reservation, this is the trail to hit. Begin at Boulder cabin off Indiahoma Road. This has an elevation climb and several vantage points.
You will see Rattlesnake Island (not an island) with great rock patterns, then the trail culminates in the creek bed. If it’s dry, you can side skirt the pool and look for the Pennington mine.
18. Bison Trail 6.1
The longest single stretch of all of the Wichita Mountains hiking trails is the Bison Trail. It’s popular with runners and hikers alike and is easy to follow. You always need to be snake-aware out here.
Aside from the multiple offshoots, the iconic 40 Foot Hole is on the western quadrant of Bison Trail.
Waterfalls are rain-dependent, so plan your hike according to what you hope to experience. And since this hike is longer than most of the others, be sure and remember to take water. The OK summer is no joke!
19. Post Oak Falls Trail 1.5
Take the Indiahoma Road and turn north along Post Oak Creek in Spanish Canyon. This trail begins at the end of the pavement and continues north to Post Oak Falls. The trail is a 1.5-mile moderate hike (depending on the amount of recent rainfall; difficulty increase corresponds with the amount of water).
There are a couple of options, a high trail has great views and the low leg has water or the creekbed. It is easy to turn this into a loop. You will find boulders to hop and climb and some drop-offs to navigate.
Some areas of the trail are brushy, and it isn’t marked. This trail corresponds roughly with the southern end of Charon’s Garden Trail and goes alongside Treasure Lake.
20. Post Oak Lake to Isom’s Dam 3.6
Begin this 3.6-mile hike at the bottom of Post Oak Lake. You can find Spanish Cave on this route. The trail is difficult because it’s both hard to distinguish and involves a lot of bushwhacking and bouldering. Wear long pants, gloves, and carry a walking device. The trail finishes on the road near the old Job Corps work site.
Difficult Wichita Mountain Hiking Trails
21. Boulder Mountain 1.1
Some call this a route rather than a trail because it isn’t an official trail. The trail head originates at the Boulder Cabin, and once you cross West Cache Creek the trek continues south to the summit of Eagle Mountain, also referred to as Boulder mountain. The 1.1-mile trail is difficult and there are places to get hurt- take a partner.
Maps of Wichita Mountain Hiking Trails
Most of the maps show differences in trails, trail names, and distances. Many only highlight which ones the authors deem as ‘most important’ or the ‘best’, which vary from author to author.
Below are a couple of the more well-known ones, but even these are not identical and do not include all of the trails.
Visiting the Wichita Mountain Hiking Trails
As with any outdoor activity, hikers need to stay aware of local wildlife, both big and small. Snakes, tarantulas, lizards, longhorn cattle, and of course, buffalo are all more active at various times of the year.
The best time of the year to visit will really depend upon what you would like to see (or NOT see), but most wildlife wants to avoid you even more than you want to avoid them.
However, if the thought of critters, both large and small bothers you too much, there is even a perfect trail for you, Just stick to the Mount Scott roadway all the way to the top of Mount Scott and stay on a paved road the entire trek.
However you choose to traverse this interesting part of Oklahoma, there is a perfect place for every type of hiker in this beautiful place.
Wichita Mountains Hiking Trails
Need Housing Near the Wichita Mountains?
You can plan your hike for just a day visit, or stay in Fawn Creek Campground or Doris Campground. Whether you are looking for RV sites, primitive camping sites, group sites, or just a place with a picnic table and fire ring, there are options for almost every group size.
If you are looking to make a cabin reservation, however, there is only one on the entire Refuge. But book it, and you can have the advantage of staying right off the main road while still in the middle of the park.
And of course, there are plenty of places to stay and things to do in nearby Medicine Park or Lawton, OK.
Things to Do While Hiking the Trails in the Wichita Mountains
Next visit to the Wildlife Refuge, go ahead and marvel at the prairie dogs in prairie dog town. (Although it seems like it will be loads of fun, I advise against playing Whack-A-Mole with them.) The wildlife service protects them.
Go through the visitors center and learn about the native habitats since this visitor center is much more than just a gift shop and information booth. It also contains dioramas, educational areas, an artists’ gallery, and a film on the history of the Refuge.
You can also trek through a replica of biblical Jerusalem, a site that appears at first glance to be hundreds of years old. However, the Holy City is a fairly recent (the early 1900s) addition.
Throughout the Refuge, there are lakes, managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. You also can check out their website or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Facebook page if you’re interested.
Or bring a picnic lunch into one of the many picnic areas throughout the Refuge, and take advantage of all of the public use areas throughout the park.
Even if you only want to come in, hike, and get out, the Wichita Mountains hiking trails are a great place to come and try out some of the treks this sooner state offers within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
And when you have had your fill of this area, head on a little further West and visit the Quartz Mountain, Nature Park. Just another of the many interesting places of Oklahoma’s beautiful, diverse terrain.
*Clarification about the Hiking Trails in the Wichita Mountains*
Before we close, I need to clarify a few things. In researching a definitive list of trails, there are usually some discrepancies such as those noted in the maps above.
First, some of the hiking trails are called different names by different sources. Often this is because the trail names may have merged with destinations. For example, some sites list the 40-Foot hole as a trail site, while most just include it as a destination in one of the trails.
Some lists of trails combine two or more trails, while others only include individual trails.
Second, the distances of the trails often differ slightly from one source to another. That said, the difference is usually only that of a couple of tenths of a mile.
All of these discrepancies can lead to a confusing mix of information, so we have attempted to provide as thorough a list as possible. Regardless, please let us know if you think we have left out any trails.
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