One Day in the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma
Did you know there were mountain ranges in Oklahoma?! Okaaay, they may not be snow-covered and 14,000 ft, BUT they do lead to amazing hikes and views. There are actually FOUR different mountain ranges in Oklahoma, but this post will be covering everything you need to know about spending ONE Day in the Wichita Mountains. Everything from which hikes to take, where to eat, stay, and other important tips to know! ANDDDD it’s a great dog-friendly weekend getaway from the big city of Dallas!
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Table of Contents
Where are the Wichita Mountains Located?
At just over 3 hours from Dallas and 1.5 hours from Oklahoma City, the Wichita Mountains make for a great weekend escape from the big city life. A true gem in Southwestern Oklahoma!
When is the best time to visit?
For me personally, I am NOT a big fan of hiking in the heat so I avoid the South at all costs in the summer months. I enjoyed my trip here in January, but everything was brown and dead. If hoping for some greenery or even Fall colors (but still have cooler weather), plan your trip from April or May, or late October-November.
Wichita Mountains Average Temperatures:
- Summer (June-August): 91/66
- Fall (September-Nov): 72/48
- Winter (December-Feb): 50/25
- Spring (March-May): 70/45
Things to do in the Wichita Mountains
Hike The Narrows Trail
This hike was the main reason we visited the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It turned out to be better than I researched, but I also was pleasantly surprised with all the other hikes and things to do.
When we arrived at the trailhead, we were the only car there (yay!). There are bathrooms on-site and you will find the trailhead just beyond the Boulder Cabin. (You will also see piles and piles of Bison poo).
The first part of the trail is well-marked and traveled, but once you go down into the Narrows, there is no longer a trail and you are more so bouldering through. We did have to turn around after about 1 mile due to worrying our dog was going to get hurt. Still completely worth it though.
The trail offers awesome overlook views + adventures into the Narrows.
The Narrows Trail Wichita Mountains Details:
- Length: 2.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 262 ft
- Dog-friendly?: Yes, until you get to the base and then you will be facing some boulder hopping.
Hike to the Forty-foot Hole
Just down the dirt road from The Narrows Trail, you will find the trailhead for The Forty-foot. This is a quick .7 mile trip to the overlook. There is a little elevation gain, but it is an easy well-marked trail. A great spot for a photo op!
Forty-foot Hole Trail Details:
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 154 ft
- Dog-friendly?: Yes!
Search for the Wind Cave (at your own risk)
I read mixed reviews on this cave on Alltrails, but of course, I wanted to try it myself. I mean, who doesn’t want to check out Oklahoma caves?!
It’s a quick .5 mile rt trail to the entrance of the cave, BUT it is all boulders. Once over the boulders, you will see the cave and dead tree leaned up against it to be used as a ladder. I climbed up okay, but I was terrified to go down. Probably would not do this one again because I am a scaredy-cat. It was cool to hang out in the cave for a bit though!
(This one is NOT DOG-FRIENDLY due to the huge boulders, no trail, and dead tree ladder).
PS. we saw a Bison on the way to this trail, not on the trail.
Looking for more fun Oklahoma Weekend Trips?! Here’s a list of 29 OK getaways!
Have a Picnic by a Lake
Park at the Little Baldy trailhead and head across the dam to find a great picnic spot by the lake. After your picnic, you can continue up the trail.
Little Baldy Trail Details:
- Length: .8
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation: 157 ft
- Dog-friendly?: yes!
Hike to Lake Jed Tower
This was an easy trail with a cool destination. Although you can not go up into the tower, it leads to great views and a fun hike!
Lake Jed Tower Trail details:
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 94 ft.
- Dog-friendly: Yes!
Eat Lunch/Dinner with a view
After our day of hiking, we headed into Medicine Park and found the cutest dog-friendly restaurant, Riverside Cafe. They had a beautiful dog-friendly patio, drinks, delicious food, and beautiful views. The inside was also very unique as it’s built around live trees!
Explore the streets of Medicine Park
After filling up, we decided to stroll the quaint streets of Medicine Park. With cute shops, Bath Lake Park, and ice cream, we definitely could have spent longer hanging out. We grabbed ice cream from Cobblestone Creamery and enjoyed the views of Bath Lake.
In the summertime, you will find many swimmers splashing in the clear water of Bath Lake and the colder months will bring fishermen and festive Christmas decorations and activities.
Drive up to Mount Scott for sunset
You can choose to hike up or drive to the top of Mount Scott. Hikers will be using the same road as cars though. We choose to drive up to watch the beginning of the sunset.
Once at the top, you will find a large parking lot, viewing platform, and a lot of room to walk around and explore! You’ll likely forget you are still in Oklahoma!
There are certain times that are designated just for hikers, so be sure to check out the details here!
Where to stay?
If traveling with a dog, your options are more limited as there are no dog-friendly stays in Medicine Park. BUT just a short 30 minute drive away you will find plenty of dog-friendly hotels in Lawton, OK
Traveling with a dog?
- Surestay Plus by Best Western– This is where we stayed and it was definitely a budget hotel, but worked for the night and offered a free hot breakfast.
- Homewood Suites by Lawton- Another dog-friendly choice in Lawton!
Traveling without a dog?
- Medicine Park Cabin Rentals: Different cabins, prices, and amenities at the base of the wichita Mountains! Unfortunately, no pets are allowed.
One-day Itinerary with dogs in the Wichita Mountains
- Stop 1: The Narrows
- Stop 2: Forty-Foot Hole
- Stop 3: Wind Cave
- Stop 4: Little Baldy Trail
- Stop 5: Lake Jed Tower
- Stop 6: Riverside Cafe
- Stop 7: Medicine Park
- Stop 8: Mount Scott
Wichita Mountains FAQ’s:
- How many lakes are in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge? There are 13 public lakes
- What kind of wildlife may I see? Bison, elk, prairie dogs, deer, Texas Longhorn
- When are the Wichita Mountains Open? Dawn to Dusk, Visitor Center is open from 9am to 5pm
- Is there camping in the Wichita Mountains? Yes! There are 47 tent sites and 23 RV sites located within Doris Campground. There are also backcountry camping available within the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area.
- Is there anything else to do near the Wichita Mountains in Lawton, OK? If looking to extend your trip, you can check out the Apache Casino, Lawton Axe Throwing, or check out events at the Lawton Speedway.
One Day in the Wichita Mountaisn Packing List:
Even though you are only in the Wichita Mountains for one day, it is best to arrive prepared to avoid having to waste time by running to the store for forgotten items. Below you will find everything (okay…maybe not everything) you will need for your quick getaway.
- Comfy walking shoes (for your walking tours, museums, parks). I wear my keens EVERYWHERE.
- Travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, deoderant…you know all your daily essentials). This is a perfect travel case that meets TSA regulations!
- Since this is such a quick getaway, you won’t need all the clothes. Grab your favorite joggers, a comfy shirt, sweatshirt, and any other layers you may need.
- Makeup and hair supplies
- ID and any other travel documents or itineraries needed.
- Phone charger
- Kindle or current reading book
- Any needed medications
- Water bottle or water bladder backpack!
- Andddd of course your camera! A gopro would be fun for these adventures!
Want an easier way to plan your Weekend Trips?! Click the picture below to download your FREE Weekend Getaway Planner!
Looking for more Oklahoma Adventures?!
Check out One Weekend in Broken Bow or a Chickasaw National Forest Itinerary!
If you have any questions you can always DM me on Instagram! Come follow along for more hidden gems in the USA!
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