The Wichita Mountains are a must-see for anyone that enjoys nature and the great outdoors.
The area spans over 59,000 acres and was home to an American Indian tribe that inhabited the southwestern Oklahoma region centuries ago. Igneous rocks such as granite, rhyolite, and gabbro make up this ancient mountain range with average rises of 400-100 feet, for approximately thirty miles.
Table of Contents
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Medicine Park
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway
Iron Door of the Wichita Mountains
Saddle Mountain
The Holy City of the Wichitas
Hiking Trails of the Wichita Mountains
Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
Amazingly, there is no admission fee to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. In spite of the free price, services are vast. They range from driving through the well-paved roads in the comfort of your car to primitive camping in the Charon’s Gardens Wilderness area.
President William McKinley began its implementation in 1901. Later in 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as a game preserve.
With 59,020 acres under management, people visit for scenic beauty, photography, camping, hiking, and fishing. Additionally, buffalo and elk hunting takes place through a lottery system.
In 1907, the American Bison Society and New York Zoological Society collaborated to reintroduce the first 15 American Bison. Notably, Comanche Leader Quanah Parker witnessed the first herd’s release. At this point, park management maintains a herd of 650 animals.
Additionally, a herd of 800 Rocky Mountain Elk roams freely as do Texas Longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, and many other animals. Additionally, 806 different plant species thrive in the refuge.
Situated throughout the mountainous terrain, 13 artificial lakes are available for boating and fishing. In fact, licensed fishermen and women can catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and crappie.
Key Points:
- Animal Watching
- Visitor Center
- Mount Scott
- The Holy City of the Wichitas
- 40-Foot Hole
- Quanah Parker Lake and Dam
- Little Baldy
- Lake Jed Johnson/Jed Johnson Tower Trail
- Parallel Forest
- Hiking Trails
- Campgrounds
Find Out More About the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge HERE
Medicine Park
Visitors outnumber residents on any given day in this quaint resort community. Current revitalization endeavors include restoring or rebuilding original red granite cobblestone houses and structures.
The town comes to life each weekend as travelers converge to enjoy the shops, music, restaurants, and other eateries, and even swim in Bath Lake.
Many of the original structures are constructed out of naturally formed granite cobblestones. Indeed, these red granite cobblestones are unique to the Wichita Mountains.
With a little bit of an Austin vibe, Medicine Park, Oklahoma hosts festivals almost monthly. Additionally, visitors can stay in rental cottages, camps, or find lodging in nearby Lawton.
Key Points:
- Annual Festivals
- Plunge Week/Polar Bear Plunge
- Park Stomp
- Thunder and Lightning in the Wichitas
- Rockin’ the Park
- Blues Ball
- Artwalk/Flute Festival
- Street Rod, Muscle Car, and Classic Car Show
- Christmas Parade & Carnival
- Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge
- Water-Related Attractions
- Walk the River Trail
- Medicine Park Aquarium & Natural Sciences Center
- Lake Lawtonka
- Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area (LETRA)
- Medicine Creek
- Base Camp Adventure Outfitters
- Bath Lake
- Camping & Hiking
- Places to Eat & Businesses in Town
Find Out More About Medicine Park, OK HERE
Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway
Robert Frost wrote about The Road Less Travelled, and the Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway certainly fits the bill. Although it is one of only seven official scenic routes in Oklahoma, it is definitely less traveled than any of the others.
During this drive, you will be able to drive to the peak of some mountains. Mount Scott is a prime example. Moreover, once you reach the summit, you can enjoy miles of panoramic vistas.
In all, you can drive less than half a day traveling the entire route. You will pass vast ranches, stunning mountains, sacred Native American sites like Rainy Mountain, and even recent marvels such as wind farms.
Additionally, you will also pass through historic towns like Medicine Park, lakes such as Lake Lawtonka. Traveling even further, you will see bison, elk, and longhorn cattle in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.
Key Points:
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
- Rainy Mountain
- Saddle Mountain
- Meers Store & Restaurant
- Kiowa Headquarters
- Mountain View- Millie Durgan
- Blue Canyon/Caddo Wind Farms
- Medicine Park
- Camping
- Prairie Dog Town
- Mount Scott
- Lake Lawtonka
Find Out More About Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway HERE
Hiking Trails of the Wichita Mountains
Be sure and watch for rattlesnakes when you hike any of the trails in the Wildlife Refuge! They are at home there and you are only a guest.
The park’s established trail system is designed for easy and moderately difficult hikes. Also, there is one trail that is described as difficult.
The trails take you to wilderness areas, mountain peaks, lakes and waterfalls, and native prairie grasslands. However, any of the trails may be completed in a day and you will finish some of the shorter trails in only a few minutes.
Key Points:
- Easy Trails
- Elk Trail
- Burford Lake Trail
- Osage Lake Trail
- Jed Johnson Tower Trail
- Quanah Parker Trail
- Kite Trail
- Longhorn Trail
- Elk Mountain Trail
- Dog Run Hollow Trail System
- Charon’s Garden Trail
- Parallel Forest Loop
- South Border Trail
- Burford Lake & Panther Creek
- Prairie Dog to Buffalo Trail Loop
- Moderate Trails
- Little Baldy Trail
- Mount Scott Overlook
- Narrows Trail
- Bison Trail
- Post Oak Falls Trail
- Post Oak Lake to Isom’s Dam
- Difficult Trails
- Boulder Mountain
Find Out More About Hiking Trails in the Wichita Mountains HERE
Iron Door of the Wichita Mountains
Legend has it that there is an invaluable treasure behind a mysterious Iron Door, secured with chains and a padlock, hidden in the Wichita Mountains. Supposedly, loot could be from Native Americans, Spanish Conquistadors, Jessie James, the Younger Gang, or even Belle Starr.
All of this has led to numerous treasure hunters exploring every remote acre of the reserve and have not found it yet. You might be the one who finds it!
One thing is almost certain, every one of the people who found the Iron Door was unable to re-find its location. At the same time, they say the spirits of 17 Native Americans guard the treasure, so who knows?
Key Points:
- Where Did the Legend Originate?
- Spanish Explorers
- Belle Starr
- Jesse James
- Treasure Hunters & Possible Sightings
- 1850s Treasure Hunters
- Father and Son
- Old Lady from Missouri & Silas Lee Isom
- 3 (4) Boys 1910s
- Frank James
- Coon Hunters
- Some Treasure Was Found in 1940s
- Treasure Hunters
- Traveler
Find Out More About Iron Door in the Wichita Mountains HERE
Saddle Mountain
While it is a few miles from the Wildlife Refuge, Saddle Mountain has a distinctive peak on both the north and the south ends. Additionally, a small township was located at the base up until the mid-1950s.
As you drive by, you can still see the old Saddle Mountain Store. When the store closed, the building was used as a museum and headquarters for the local fire department.
Key Points:
- Saddle Mountain Store
- Saddle Mountain Oklahoma Baptist Mission
- Topographic Map of Saddle Mountain Oklahoma
- Geological Map of Saddle Mountain Oklahoma
Find Out More About Saddle Mountain in the Wichita Mountains HERE
The Holy City of the Wichitas
A replica of Old Jerusalem was built within the National Wildlife Refuge. Annually a local organization performs one of America’s longest-running Passion plays, “The Prince of Peace.”
Structures include a gift shop, World Chapel, a replication of Christ Church in Virginia, the Last Supper Building, and the Tomb of Jesus, as well as other scenes from the Passion. Additionally, The Holy City of the Wichitas also features Veteran’s Walkway, Jesus of the Wichitas, as well as a memorial to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.
Other on-site attractions include a memorial for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, a Veterans Walkway, and the World Chapel, which has become a popular wedding locale. This modern-day chapel features ceiling and wall murals by now a deceased local artist, Irene Malcolm.
Key Points:
- Annual Festivals
- Plunge Week/Polar Bear Plunge
- Park Stomp
- Thunder and Lightning in the Wichitas
Find Out More About The Holy City of the Wichitas HERE
Conclusion
The Wichita Mountains are one of only two locations in the state where igneous rocks are found above the earth’s surface. For these mountains, however, the most common igneous rocks are granite, rhyolite, and gabbro.
The passage of millions of years weathered the mountains into the formations of today. resulting in some boulders that are huge while some sit precariously on top of mountain peaks.
The Wichita Mountains truly have it all. There are stunning vistas and a vast array of activities. There are free-roaming wildlife and unique plant species. Go further and you can find historical figures and mythical legends. There truly is something for everyone.
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Interesting. I have never been there before, but I love nature. I would love to check it out.
I had never heard of the Wichita Mountains until we moved to the Wichita Falls area, even though I am a born and raised Texan. From our first visit, however, it’s been one of our favorite places for a day trip.
I’ve never been to Oklahoma when visiting America. Wichita Mountains looks wonderful and is somewhere I’d love to visit. There’s so much to see!
I have lived in Texas and Arkansas my entire life but had never heard of the Wichita Mountains, either until we moved to the Wichita Falls area. On our very first visit to the Wildlife Refuge, we were ‘stuck’ waiting for a bison to cross the road just a few feet from our car. It was such a cool experience and the start of our addiction to the area!
I am sad to say that we have spent no time in Oklahoma. The Witchita Mountains sure do look like a must-see spot to visit. And to do the scenic drives. Seeing bison and elk roaming is always a fun thing for us. Although even us Canadians might pass on a Polar Bear Plunge at Medicine Park.
I am not going to lie, I won’t be participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, either! But the town is an absolute gem to visit. It’s such a quaint, quirky place that is such a cool surprise in the middle of the Wichita Mountains.
Oh I was hungry for some pictures. I didn’t realize how much you can do I. These Wichita Mountains. Just love the town name, Medicine Park.
The town of Medicine Park is as cool and quirky as the name implies, too.
First time I read about the Witchita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It seems to be a great area for hiking and exploring. I will research more about the possibilities there.
We had never heard of them before moving to this area but they are now our first recommendation to anyone in the area.
I have actually never visited Oklahoma before but it looks like such a great time. The Wichita Mountains look beautiful especially the scenic drive! Thanks for sharing!