Just minutes from Medicine Park lies the iconic Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, a vast 59,000-acre refuge renowned for its roaming bison, elk, longhorns, and a wild trail experience.
Must‑Do Trails:
- Elk Mountain Trail: ~2.2 mi easy out‑&‑back; offers sweeping views.
- Mount Scott: 3 mi paved ascent to summit (2,464 ft) with panoramic vistas; ideal for cars, bikes, or walkers.
- Longhorn Trail & Bison Loop: ~2–3 mi, moderate; prime bison-spotting on wide loops.
- Jed Johnson Tower Trail: 1 mi out‑&‑back around Lake Jed Johnson; take in cabins and lake scenery.
- The Narrows & Kite Trail: Under 1 mi rugged granite scrambling; less known, more wild.
Reflections from the Refuge:
The refuge features ~15 mi of maintained trails, but it’s the 22,000-acre public use area that truly beckons exploration. You’ll wander prairies, rocky slopes, and granite outcrops, spotting wildlife at nearly every turn. Conditions range from well‑worn footpaths to adventure, naturally formed “trails”.
Planning Your Visit:
- Free admission; visitor center provides maps, conditions, and interpretive exhibits.
- Respect wildlife zones; only about 40% of the refuge is open to hikers.
- Come prepared: water, sun protection, and awareness of local fauna like rattlesnakes and scorpions.
Explore More:
For trail maps, planning tools, and the latest refuge updates, visit the official Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge website: USFWS Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
And don’t forget our Wichita Mountains Trail Guide, your companion for trail-by-trail breakdowns, elevation profiles, wildlife tips, and seasonal advice. See link
Final Take
From the cozy, cobblestone charm of Medicine Park trails to the sweeping wild terrain of the Wichita refuge, these landscapes offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re aiming for panoramic limestone summits or peaceful creekside wanderings, our curated trail guides have your back. Lace up, get out and let Oklahoma’s hidden mountain gems surprise you.
Happy Trails!