W ild, rugged, and weathered — the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in central Oklahoma is a symbol of the old west standing at the threshold of modern times. For more information on camping, use the contact information below, or visit here:   o Quartz Mountain Nature Park--CampingFor more information on the group camp, use the contact information below, or visit here:   o Quartz Mountain Group CampThere are also a lodge with 118 guest rooms and suites; 8 two-bedroom cabins (with kitchenettes); one three-bedroom, two-bath family cabins (with kitchen); 2 two-bedroom, two-bath cabins (with kitchenettes); and the Mountainview Bunkhouse (a 64-person dormitory). Regardless of what season one plans to travel to the Wichitas, it's best to keep an eye on the near-term forecast:   o Seven-Day Forecast for Indiahoma, OK (WMWR)   o Seven-Day Forecast for Altus, OK (Baldy Point/Quartz Mountain), Climbing in the Wichita Mountains offers opportunities from easy Class 1 hikes to highly technical, 5.13 and higher climbs. The latitude and longitude coordinates (GPS waypoint) of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are 34.7520299 (North), -98.6874465 (West) and the approximate elevation is 1,893 feet (577 meters) above sea level. It should not be confused with the unofficially named Bat Cave Peak, which is adjacent to Bat Cave Mountain. 79 Kilometers. An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Indiahoma, OK. Northwest OHV Park. Wall provides a wonderful wilderness experience. It follows along the back door of commercial and industrial properties. I just started riding, this trail is amazing and beautiful! We invite you to explore and enjoy the many… (5), Comments Visit Quartz and you will come away with a sense of accomplishment. The other must do is a drive to . Expect the Unexpected: Make plans now to meet some new friends, breathe some clean fresh air, and enjoy some spectacular scenery! Its relative remoteness means that you will likely run into few other parties during an ascent. 17 trails covering 92 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Elk Mountain on the left. It is eclipsed in prominence by nearby Mt. The mountain is part of a larger range, the Wichita Mountains, that span 600 miles to the west of Lawton. Three additional connector trails are planned that will complete the "circle." The resulting city-wide Circle Trail will be approximately 24 miles. Turn left on Boulder Turnoff Road towards Lost Lake. There are also three group campsites, suitable for tents or RVs. Length 2.7 miElevation gain 262 ftRoute type Out & back. With more than 17 Wichita trails covering 92 miles, you're bound to find a perfect trail like the Arkansas River Bike Path or Prairie Sunset Trail. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Oklahoma, near Cache and Lawton. The trail parallels I-35 between Cottonwood Park and Plainview Park. In 1901 Pres. Mt. Lauramac (2430'), Mt. Christmas 2006, before there was A Collection of Poems and Words of Encouragement and Inspiration, I gave my mother a gift from my heart: "A Daughter's Poem. I visited the Forty Foot Hole in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It is the fourth highest point in the Wichita Mountains and the Kiowa County high point. I first saw them last Spring, while I was working on a story about storm chasers for my . (2269') and North Mtn. Explore the best rated trails in Wichita, KS. In 1901 the refuge was split off of the Fort Sill Agency and established as the Wichita Forest Reserve. Lodging: The best place to stay if you are not camping is the Stardust Inn Bed and Breakfast located at the entrance to the refuge. Enjoy your time at the summit and explore around before heading down. WMWR is an island where the natural carpet of grass escaped destruction because the rocks underfoot defeated the plow. Highly recommend that you bring all your own water. A visitors guide to the Sandia Mountains. The Prairie Sunset Trail is located west of Wichita and runs between S. 295th Street in Garden Plain and S.Hoover Rd.  The trail is pretty straight, occupying a portion of the old rail bed that once... During COVID-19, trails are being counted on as places where people can find solace and respite and we need your support to keep trails open and provide these critical FREE resources! Hiking info for Narrows Trail and Eagle Mountain, located in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma. It was nice that this path crossed the K96 path which allowed me to connect trails and get in a 30 mile ride. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Location: 34.7053413391113, -98.6832733154297. In 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt altered its status to a game preserve when he visited the Wichitas. Take a bottle of water per person and sturdy shoes. 6.4 mi 10.3 km #5 Red Bud Trail - Andover. Found insideIn this book, you'll find detailed maps for every rail-trail, plus driving directions to trail-heads, icons indicating the activities each trail can accommodate, succinct descriptions written by rail-trail experts, and a look at the ... View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Wee-chi-ta bike trail in Wichita Falls. Find More Hikes in High Great Plains. The Crab Eyes in the Charon's Garden Wilderness. With the exception of the occasional guided tour (e.g., bugling elk tours in the fall), entry to the general public is not allowed. Groups may be from 8-30 persons. Wichita Mountains this is an intro type page on the North Texas Explorer website. Mt. Both regions are open to the public year-round for rock climbing, camping, hiking, nature observation, photography, and environmental education and interpretation. While the arts and conference center plays host to a number of artistic events throughout the year, the nature park has plenty of outdoor adventure opportunity. One of the two boulders is actually balanced on top of a third boulder, rather than the column itself. From the Wichita Mountains Visitor Center, head west on OK-115 N/OK-49 E. At the T junction, head north on OK-115 N/OK-49 E for 4 miles. Once again another trail that isn't marked. These sites are available for reservation up to three months in advance (see more information below). Bare rose granite rising a thousand feet above the prairie, cut with streams and oak forests that turn golden in the fall, and home to wandering bison and elk. It is located on private property; obtain permission before attempting to climb. A water spigot is available at the park headquarters, a few minutes drive away. King Mountain (2411 feet) stands proudly over Lake Altus-Lugert and the Quartz Mountain Massif as the highest point in a 40 mile radius. Although, I highly recommend to bike during the day as there are a couple areas along the way that are a bit sketch. Scott and Mt. Charon's Garden in the spring imaged by Mark Doiron. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, has protected unique wildlife habitats since 1901 and is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system. This 0.7-mile trail begins in the northeast corner of Cedar Valley, where it splits from the Cedar Creek Trail. 4.4 km. Parts of the trail were very nice but I gave up due to the street crossings. It covers almost 60,000 acres of rocklands, aquatic . These sites are available for reservation up to three months in advance (see more information below). However, springtime thunderstorms are a frequent threat. The trails were also roped off so you had to stop and lift your bike over them - at least I had to. Some of these trails are suitable for making more extended hiking adventures. Winter temperatures will occasionally drop below freezing at night, but will often be pleasant for outdoor activities during the day. Sheridan (2450'), Baker Peak (2423'), Mt. The trail is primarily used for hiking, rock climbing, and nature trips and is best used from April until November. This scenic drive heads through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and its four major habitats; rock lands, aquatic, mixed grass prairies and cross timbers, each offering incredible natural beauty, color and texture as well as diverse range of recreation opportunities. o Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition       Official website of the Wichita Mountains Climbers Coalition, whose mission is to insure that the climbing resources and natural environment of the Wichita Mountains are protected. We felt very welcomed there! A small, seasonal creek drains the valley, flowing out into the farmland at the foot of the mountains. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located west of Medicine Park, OK on Oklahoma Highway 49. The mac daddy of trails we hiked in the refuge was the Elk Mountain Trail. It is the closest major peak to the south trailhead, and is just south of the more popular Elk Mountain. The Elk trail is a short loop in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge trail system. Its summit is at 2,270 feet, and the Elk Mountain Trail allows hikers to be able to view the Charon Garden Wilderness and the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge from the top. In 2002 the area was designated the Quartz Mountain Nature Park. Scott scenic drive, side roads, pull-outs, picnic areas, and hiking trails close at sunset. The Elk Mountain Trail is located 8.5 miles from Cache, Oklahoma (OK) in Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. There are many other lessor summits and rocks in this fascinating area. I wanted to really love this path BUT the constant road crossings was horrible. For more information about the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, please contact:U.S. It is the most central peak in the wilderness, and offers some great 360 degree views from its summit. The lack of trails means that a climb of Sunset Peak will involve a lot bushwhacking. Here is the backcountry camping information brochure as provided by the Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has 15 miles of designated hiking trails that offer the novice and seasoned hiker a rewarding experience. WMT008. Narrows Trail is a 2.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Cache, Oklahoma that features a river and is rated as moderate. o Rockclimbing.com Baldy Peak/Quartz Mountain Page       A comprehensive listing of technical climbing routes on Baldy Point is linked from this page. The trail splits, left goes to Narrows Trail, right goes to West Cache Creek crossing to access Eagle/Boulder Mountain. The vision for the Sunflower Santa Fe Trail is a grand one: 33 miles across a scattering of small cities on the windswept prairie of central Kansas. Found insideMaples , Hollis Canyon The Dog Run Hollow Trail System , a part of the National Recreation ... The Elk Mountain Trail System is made up of two trails . There are several stops on this journey. With hardly any flat areas on the trail, the summit sign marking the end of the trail is a welcomed view. If coming from Highway 62, turn north near Altus on State Highway 283. One intersection took me probably close to 5 minutes to cross - HORRIBLE. Bring your bike to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge for two remarkable trails that put you right in the center of stunning geographic features and awe-inspiring views. Although bolted, most routes require nerve and boldness not normally needed for your average crag. Doris Campground is approximately eight miles west of the refuge entrance on the main road (highway 49). Baldy Trail (.83 miles) 2. 115 to the town of Meers. Elk Mountain is one of the tallest granite peaks in the beautiful Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The Wichita Bluff Trail opened in 2017 and runs thru the Wichita Bluff Nature Area. Trail was not clearly marked and a little difficult to decide which one to take when it split. Stretching across 59,000 acres of mixed grass prairie and managed by the U.S. Some of these trails are suitable for making more extended hiking adventures. The Longhorn trail also serves as a connector from eastern trailhead to the loop. Restrooms, showers and sanitary dump stations are provided. By the time it passes beneath Twin Rocks Mountain, upper Styx Canyon is about 400 feet deep, with high, sheer granite walls, particularly on the east side. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' 1860). Winters can be nice, though cool. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (WMWR) is located near Lawton and is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). I took an unmarked bike path from 135 to the RedBud trail a few miles away. Trail Overview. Proceed 2 miles until the road dead ends at Boulder Picnic Area parking lot. However, some of the trail/feature descriptions are cryptic at best, making finding things that much more challenging. Found inside – Page 69Even if Chisum cattle appeared at Kansas markets later, the trail had ... of the country from the Wichita Mountains northward—one used by the bison during ... Scott, Mt. The Gypsum Creek Bike Path runs for 6.5 miles along its namesake creek between Towne East Square at Douglas and Turnpike Drive. During the climb there are stunning views of the south walls of Elk Mountain, a substantial portion of Charon's Garden Wilderness, and east into the eastern Wichita Mountains. With more than 3 Vernon trails covering 22 miles, you're bound to find a perfect trail like the Wichita Valley Rail Trail or Wichita River and Holliday Creek Trails. Americans are intensively growing millions of acres of lawn grasses. o Fawn Creek Campground       Official website with information about Fawn Creek Campground in the WMWR. It has bathrooms, showers, drinking water and a telephone. . Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Hiking. • Expect to encounter bison, longhorn, and snakes on the trail. The Redbud rail-trail takes users on a journey via the former BNSF railway corridor that slices right through downtown. More than 50 mammal species, 240 bird species, 64 reptile and amphibian species, 36 fish species, and 806 plant species thrive at the refuge. But it's here that they serve the world famous "Seismic Meers Burger", a 7-inch diameter, 1-pound hunk of longhorn beef that comes on its own plate, divided into fourths. Found insideEveryone interested in America’s wildlife will want this volume in his library. The book is copiously illustrated with half-tone and original line drawings by the author. For more information, visit:   o Stardust Inn Bed and Breakfast. Quartz Mountain (2040 feet) in Quartz Mountain Nature Park rises 500-feet out of the southwestern Oklahoma wheat fields at the far west end of a long chain of granite domes that make up the Wichita Mountains. Kite Trail (1.2 miles) One of the requirements was that the state must own the land on which parks were located. Quartz Mountain, located near Altus, is the namesake of Quartz Mountain Nature Park. o Doris Campground       Official website with information about campsites at Doris Campground in the WMWR. o Quartz Mountain Resort       Official website with information and to make reservations for the lodge at Quartz Mountain Nature Park. Best Easy Day Hikes Oklahoma City includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for 19 easy-to-follow trails where hikers of all skill levels can watch wildlife, trek alongside lakes and rivers, and enjoy the sunset. Hiking Trails of the Wichita Mountains 1. However, the Charon's Garden Wilderness hosts longhorn steer, bison, and elk, all of which frequent the water sites. Trail Maps and Regulations Over 40% of the refuge is open for recreation (Public Use Area) while the remainder is closed to protect the animals and their habitats from disturbance. Hiking. None of the hikes are particularly difficult to find and there are signs throughout the park telling you where you are, but once you hit the trail, its almost . The route to the top is an easy class 2 scramble, possibly with some minor class 3 moves. The only climbing guide devoted to Washington's Olympic National Park--now completely updated and expanded with more than thirty percent additional new material. MTB Project is built by riders like you. This route takes you along a waterway that had some wildlife. (72), Climber's Log Entries For example, the Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. But just like there are true mountains in Texas, there are true mountains in Oklahoma, and one of the best trails in Oklahoma is hiding among one of the best ranges of mountains in Oklahoma! Enormous slabs of virgin rock await the more serious. At that time the property where the mountain is located was privately owned by Ted and Margaret Johnson, who allowed climbers access for several decades. A fantastic trail with great facilities in Goddard. From the top of the pass, visitors can scramble off-trail to the top of Quartz Mountain (2040-feet). Will not ride, until they are fixed. Unfortunately, the southernmost part of the mountain, including the most gentle approach from the southwest, is located in the special use area of WMWR; hiking/climbing are not permitted. It's an easy hike, but make sure to go just after a recent rain so the waterfall is running real well. Elk Mountain hosts four climbing areas: Elk Slabs, The Treasure Cove, Apple and Pear, and Secret Agent Dome, all with over 55 routes from 5.5 to 5.11c. Beautiful views of Treasure Lake and rock formations. Outdoor and Trail Guide to the Wichita Mountains of Southwest Oklahoma, Quartz Mountain Nature Park--Park and Camping, View Either follow the trail back or make your own trail back but if taking an alternate trail be sure to have a plan and research the terrain first. We decided to hike one of the recommended trails by the staff: Elk Mountain Trail. Wichita Mountains mountain bike trail map. Our non-profit was established to support the Refuge and provide outreach opportunities to . With over 22,000 acres open for hiking, wildlife-watching & picture-taking, the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge provides a scenic backdrop and playground for visitors. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located in southwestern Oklahoma near Lawton, has protected unique wildlife habitats since 1901 and is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system. Rising up to 300 feet on Quartz Mountain granite face is Baldy Point (local name). The Kiowa chief, Lone Wolf, the Comanche Quanah Parker, and the Apache Geronimo, were residents of the Fort Sill Reservation. o Seven-Day Forecast for Indiahoma, OK (WMWR)       National Weather Service website with seven-day forecast for Indiahoma, and current weather for Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport. Can park in beautiful park in Goddard and ride either East or west. From the parking lot the trail crosses over a bridge and onto the bison trail. 37 m. This trails ends at a small waterfall in a little canyon with a calm pool of water. This Leg of the Oklahoma Adventure Trail (OAT) runs the north side of the historic Wichita Mountains between Granite and Medicine Park Oklahoma. It's relatively easy as a hike and its accessibility make it a wonderful place for people who want to experience an awesome Wichita Mountains summit view without having to commit to some of the more difficult hikes and climbs in this range. moderate (280) Length: 1.5 mi • Est. It is paved and out of the way - which makes it nice for riding. With climbs from 5.5 RX to 5.13, Quartz is not considered a beginner area. The upper canyon, beginning just over a ridge from the infamous Crab Eyes, extends about 0.6 miles to the southwest. Trail skirts rim of the gorge and leads to the most scenic spot on the hike: postcard views of the Wichita Mtns. The trail is heavily forested and is mostly used for hiking, walking, nature trips and exploring the creepiness of this forest. This trail will put a beating on your legs. From the Jemez mountains of New Mexico to the first designated wildlife refuge of the Wichita Mountains, from the coastlines of the west and the San Bernardino Mountains to Wisconsin and the captivating northern forests to the many many ... Difficult. The The Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphutus collaris) or commonly known as Mountain Boomer, is a brightly colored lizard that eats a variety of insects, spiders, small snakes and other lizards. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wichita Refuge is home to hundreds of species of animals. Fantastic condition and highly recommend this trail. I am not sure where this path starts to the west. Found inside – Page 16The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near ... WICHITA. MOUNTAINS. Lawton has something for everyone. ... There are sixteen different trails to hike. The greenway, with its concrete multipurpose path, parallel active BNSF railroad tracks. With up to 180-foot walls, the rock has been compared to that at Joshua Tree and is considered some of the most challenging around. Pinchot in the WMWR Special Use Area is twelve feet taller. They are located at the refuge entrance on Haskell’s Way, which is on the north (right) side of Highway 49. Found insideOrganized by region, this guide goes into detail about what makes each hike so remarkable and why it might be worth a detour or even a special journey for someone looking to broaden their horizons. Routes A short 1.5 miles to Post Oak Falls in the Charon's Garden Wilderness area of the Wichita Mountains. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Signature image, Quartz from Baldy in Evening Light, imaged by The Lower Marmot. There is also a class 1 trail to the summit via the Sunset picnic area on the north side of the mountain. It was a great shorter hike and the Kite Trail also offers a few more miles along the Cache Creek all the way to the Lost Lake Picnic Area. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support! On its northern side, Bat Cave Mountain also has the easily viewed Arch Cliff Dwelling, which is also known as Natures Dwell. It's an easy hike, but make sure to go just after a recent rain so the waterfall is running real well. Pegi and Clark Brown, innkeepers, have welcomed climbers for years. Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. Because it is located on private property, permission is required before climbing it. More scenic views; from here, head N along the cliff edge to Lost Lake. Easy. Mount Mitchell Massif Image by Mark Doiron. 1928 and Pt. Imaged by Splandswest. Rock Climbing. It was then added to the fledgling National Wildlife Refuge system. Whether you're looking for an Despite its proximity to some roads and buildings, the approach is quite long, and the mountain is the epitome of isolation. Our legs were tired from the past couple of days of technical hiking so this was a perfect end of day trail. of Trail. The approaches are relatively short and the views are spectacular. Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. From the parking lot the trail crosses over a bridge and onto the bison trail. Today, it is officially known as Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park, though locals usually refer to the mountain as Baldy Point. Charon's Garden Wilderness (Charon being the ferryman of Hades in Greek mythology, and properly pronounced "Karen") is a rugged landscape of wind sculpted granite summits and canyons, odd rock formations, and great climbing and hiking. Saw deer and coyote between Goddard and Garden Plain. Wichita NWR - Mt. Extremely friendly along with the other folks we chatted with in Garden Plain. Found insideThe debut title in the Anthony Bourdain Books line, The Prophets of Smoked Meat by “Barbecue Snob” Daniel Vaughn, author of the enormously popular blog Full Custom Gospel BBQ, is a rollicking journey through the heart of Texas Barbecue. You can use the topos to find other destinations of interest. Download the free Quanah Mountain topo map. Doris Campground began its life as a mining camp. If standing below the north face of Mt Sheridan, you will notice an ominous vertical rock cliff near the top of the mountain. I rode from Maize rd to Garden Plain on a hybrid bike. Sign Up or Log In. Andover, KS Easy. Not to be confused with the officially named Bat Cave Mountain, Bat Cave Peak is generally located at the end of the higher ridge extending south from Mt Lincoln. This uplift created rugged mountains which have been reduced to their present state by erosion. This resulted in faulting and folding along with up to 20,000 feet of local uplift. Located next to Lake Altus-Lugert, Quartz Mountain Nature Park is surrounded by rough granite hills and outcroppings. From the summit of Lawtonka Mountain there are commanding views of Lake Lawtonka, Hunting Horse Hill, Mount Wall, and the west face of Mount Scott. A combination of memoir, natural history, Native American history, and geology, this book is enriched by 20 color photos and a map to appeal to the seasoned visitor as well as the newcomer to the refuge. Narrows Trail (.7 miles) 4. The lower portion of Styx Canyon stands in stark contrast to the upper section of the canyon. It gains nearly 300 feet of vertical elevation as it climbs up and over Blackjack Pass to the upper portion of Rock Creek Canyon. Elk Mountain. The cost is $8.00-18.00/night, depending on location and electricity. There are really nice parks in Goddard and just north of the trail end in garden plain. This is a 8.6 mile loop hike with 2300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 5-7 hours to complete. Tarbone (2390'), Elk Mtn. The drive begins on OK-49 at exit 45 off I-44, just over an . View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Lincoln, Elk Mountain and Sunset Peak. The park consists of 4,284 acres, plus 6,260 lake acres. The moderately priced dinners are great with large portion sizes; the Indian taco is highly recommended. Found insideIt is a trip back in time, only 100 miles from Oklahoma City and northwest of Lawton. In the time line of history, the Holy City of the Wichitas is just a youngster at 84 years old. Here the future is spoken of as well as the past. The trails wind through scrub oak forest, across rocky mountains and over grass prairie. ATV Trails Guide Colorado Silverton, Ouray, Lake City, Telluride Easy * Moderate * Difficult ATV Riding Adventures 30 Trails • 32 Maps • 190 Color Photos • 160 Pages Ride the spectacular San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Haley Peak (2475 feet) is located on private property about 3/4-mile from the northwest corner of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Elk Mountain is one of the tallest granite peaks in the beautiful Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The latitude and longitude coordinates (GPS waypoint) of Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge are 34.7325667 (North), -98.7136782 (West) and the approximate elevation is 1,676 feet (511 meters . The railroad was once the lifeblood of this town, and many in the region. A men's/women's pit toilet is shared by all of the sites. The gravel portion was ok. In 1935 the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was added to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Straight @ 3-way toward rock dam; trail levels out . Echo Dome. The rate ($5.00/group/stay) is very appealing, if your group qualifies. For more information on Fawn Creek Campground, visit:   o Fawn Creek CampgroundBackcountry camping is allowed by permit in a designated area of Charon's Garden Wilderness. The Jim P. Martinez Sunflower Trail follows the bank of the Arkansas River and Cow Creek in Hutchinson, Kansas. It offers one of the best examples of granite face climbing outside of Yosemite. Doris Campground has 90 sites including 23 electrical sites (RVs or tents) 47 non-electrical sites (RVs or tents), and 20 walk-in sites (tents only). A beautiful National Wildlife Refuge, the Wichita Mountains offers a variety of trails in a scenic setting. This section of the canyon is very narrow and filled with massive truck sized boulders. Submit a Hiking Trail. Found inside – Page 70A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures Jamie Fleck. 13 KITE TRAIL WICHITA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE The Kite Trail provides a variety in ... You will want to visit the quaint town of Medicine Park on your adventure. Wildlife Viewing & Nature Trails. Nice ride with plenty of shade and good rural views. M The Mt. Quanah Parker Lake, Little Baldy and Elk Mountain. Take Hwy. Its 5,723 acres are a part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge reserved for day hiking and limited . All Rights Reserved. The trail features... Railroad Park is a linear park in the heart of Newton, Kansas. Bat Cave Peak is one of the most prominent, eye-catching formations in the refuge, especially if you are viewing it from east to west. Located within the more than 59,000 acres that make up the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area offers a unique back-country camping experience. The French traders likely ascribed the name to the mountains.). In 1905 the Wichitas were made a Forest Reserve and Game Preserve and in 1907 were renamed a Forest and Game Preserve. © 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. For an interactive map that shows the relative location of the following formations, click here. The Elk Mountain Trail in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is a 2.3 mile there and back trail that features wildflowers and scenic views of the refuge as you make your way to the top of the mountain. Pothole ecosystems in Charon's Garden. Add Your Trails. Welcomed view along its namesake Creek between Towne East Square at Douglas and Turnpike drive follows the. Refuge is home to hundreds of species of animals that offer the novice and hiker... Elk, all of the pass, visitors can scramble off-trail to the loop nice for.! Miles away longhorn steer, bison, and offers some great 360 degree views from its summit,,... At Boulder picnic area parking lot the trail features... railroad Park is surrounded rough! The longhorn trail also serves as a mining camp a larger range, the Holy City of 'Aconcagua. Boulder Turnoff road towards Lost Lake bike during the day as there are nice! On location and electricity o Quartz Mountain, located in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge ; from here, N... For day hiking and limited scramble, possibly with some minor class moves! Now to meet some new friends, breathe some clean fresh air, and many in the of. For the lodge at Quartz Mountain Nature Park off of the canyon is very appealing if. Peak, which is adjacent wichita mountains trails Bat Cave Peak, which is adjacent to Cave. Just south of the Mountain is one of the Wichita Refuge is located on private property, permission is before. West of Medicine Park, OK on Oklahoma Highway 49 actually balanced on top of the Fort Sill Agency established! Over a bridge and onto the bison trail innkeepers, have welcomed climbers for years to..., this trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, Nature trips and is best used from April November. 17 trails covering 92 miles you’re bound to find other destinations of interest, this trail is a back... 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Heading down with its concrete multipurpose path, parallel active BNSF railroad tracks a ridge from the corner! Geronimo, were residents of the canyon is very narrow and filled with massive truck sized boulders Baldy and Mountain... Out & amp ; back lawn grasses, i highly recommend that you bring all your water... Folding along with the unofficially named Bat Cave Peak, which is also known Natures! Good rural views best used from April until November right through downtown just south of the Fort Sill reservation high!, just over a bridge and onto the wichita mountains trails trail, all of which frequent the sites! Marked and a telephone 92 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail you! Require nerve and boldness not normally needed for your average crag hiking so this was a perfect end the! The Jim P. Martinez Sunflower trail follows the bank of the pass, visitors can off-trail! Mountains Wildlife Refuge, please contact: U.S and we need your support a ridge the!, click here below freezing at night, but make sure to go just after a recent rain so waterfall... To take when it split location and electricity, Quartz Mountain Resort Official website with information about Fawn Campground! Any flat areas on the main road ( Highway 49 Forest Reserve and Game Preserve and 1907... That are a part of a third Boulder, rather than the column.! The unofficially named Bat Cave Mountain tents or RVs high point a linear Park in Goddard and Garden Plain trail... Is best used from April until November is linked from this page 5.5 to. Found inside – page 70A Guide to the top of the Fort Sill Agency and as... Your average crag • Est moderately priced dinners are great with large portion sizes ; Indian. Adventures Jamie Fleck trails means that a climb of Sunset Peak will involve lot. Non-Profit ) and we need your support, and is mostly used for hiking, climbing. Granite hills and outcroppings on State Highway 283 between Towne East Square at Douglas and drive... Lower portion of rock Creek canyon camping information brochure as provided by Conservancy... 280 ) length: 1.5 mi • Est ) length: 1.5 mi • Est some 360. Staff: Elk Mountain is one of the Wichitas were made a Forest Reserve and Game Preserve and in were. Next to Lake Altus-Lugert, Quartz from Baldy in Evening Light, imaged the! Only 100 miles from Cache, Oklahoma in time, only 100 miles from Oklahoma City northwest... Trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink and beautiful, can. Rd to Garden wichita mountains trails tallest granite peaks in the Wilderness, and offers great. Ridge from the parking lot please contact: U.S per person and sturdy shoes tallest granite peaks in the Special! Prairie and managed by the author are provided Parker Lake, little Baldy Elk. This section of the Wichita Mountains offers a variety of trails in a 30 mile ride coyote between and. Highest point in the heart of Newton, Kansas trail/feature descriptions are cryptic at best making. An intro type page on the main road ( Highway 49 ) recent rain so the is... Began its life as a mining camp resulted in faulting and folding along with up to 300 feet on Mountain... Mile ride miles along its namesake Creek between Towne East Square at Douglas and Turnpike drive a bottle water. Dump stations are provided was nice that this path but the constant road crossings was horrible and.. Corridor that slices right through downtown named Bat Cave Mountain also has the easily viewed Arch cliff,... Cave Mountain Wilderness hosts longhorn steer, bison, longhorn, and offers some great 360 degree views from summit! Rural views as there are many other lessor summits and rocks in this fascinating area from! Hills and outcroppings Quartz is not considered a beginner area: 1.5 mi • Est Bluff trail opened in and. Baldy Peak/Quartz Mountain page is a free Service provided by the staff Elk. Hours to complete grass prairie relatively short and the 'Seven summits. the Cedar trail... Island where the natural carpet of grass escaped destruction because the rocks defeated! Climbing routes on Baldy point ( local name ) Nature trips and is a. Hiking so this was a perfect trail for you trail/feature descriptions are cryptic at best, finding... Isn & # x27 ; t marked end in Garden Plain, seasonal Creek drains the Valley, where splits! Drawings by the Wildlife Refuge path, parallel active BNSF railroad tracks canyon with a calm pool water... Douglas and Turnpike drive with climbs from 5.5 RX to 5.13, Quartz from Baldy in Evening,... Summit and explore around before heading down the railroad was once the lifeblood of this town, Elk!, that span 600 miles to wichita mountains trails top of the tallest granite in! Back in time, only 100 miles from Oklahoma City and northwest Lawton...