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3 DaysModerate

Granite & Grasslands Getaway

Summit granite peaks, wander wide-open prairie, and cool off at big-sky lakes across SW Oklahoma.

3 Days
280 miles
6 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Experience the rugged beauty of the Wichita Mountains, explore the unique cobblestone town of Medicine Park, and discover the vast grasslands of southwestern Oklahoma. This adventure combines hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and cultural experiences across multiple counties. Summit granite peaks at Mount Scott and Quartz Mountain, wander through wide-open prairie at Black Kettle National Grassland, and cool off at big-sky lakes including Tom Steed Lake and Foss Lake.

Highlights

  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Mount Scott, Elk Mountain)
  • Medicine Park creekwalk & Bath Lake area
  • Quartz Mountain State Park (Baldy Point/Cedar Valley)
  • Great Plains State Park on Tom Steed Lake
  • Washita Battlefield National Historic Site (Cheyenne)
  • Black Kettle National Grassland (Skipout Lake)
  • Foss State Park (Foss Lake)

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Comanche CountyKiowa CountyGreer CountyRoger Mills CountyCuster CountyBeckham County

Cities:

LawtonMedicine ParkLone WolfMountain ParkGraniteCheyenneFossElk City

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Wichita Mountains & Medicine Park
45 miles
10-12 hours

Start early with hiking in the Wichita Mountains, enjoy panoramic views from Mount Scott, explore the unique cobblestone town of Medicine Park, and end with a famous longhorn burger at Meers Store.

Activities Schedule

🥾
Elk Mountain Trail Hike
6:45 AM - 9:15 AM

Start early with a challenging hike up Elk Mountain Trail (1.1 miles one-way). Rocky stair-step path with spectacular views. Allow 2-2.5 hours with photo stops.

Sunset Picnic Area (Elk Mountain Trailhead)
Sunset Picnic Area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.7354, -98.7522
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Next: 20 minutes (12 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Hike before potential midday heat restrictions
  • • Bring plenty of water
  • • Rocky terrain requires good shoes
Website
🏛️
Visitor Center Stop
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Stop at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to grab maps, check wildlife board, and refill water bottles.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
32 Refuge HQ Circle, Indiahoma, OK
GPS: 34.710644, -98.623426
Duration: 45 minutes
Next: 35 minutes (18 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Check wildlife sighting board
  • • Refill water bottles
  • • Get trail maps
(580) 429-3222
📸
Mount Scott Summit Drive
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Drive up the paved 3-mile road to Mount Scott summit for 360-degree panoramic views of the Great Plains. Stay 40-60 minutes for photos and views.

Mount Scott Summit
Mount Scott Road, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.7443, -98.53186
Duration: 1 hour
Next: 12 minutes (8 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • 360-degree views
  • • Slow scenic drive to summit
  • • Popular photo spot
🍽️
Lunch in Medicine Park
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Choose between Old Plantation Restaurant (classic Oklahoma plates with riverside stroll) or Riverside Cafe (casual Southern staples with patio by the water).

Medicine Park Restaurants
Medicine Park, OK
GPS: 34.7, -98.5
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Next: 15 minutes (10 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Two great options available
  • • Riverside dining atmosphere
  • • Historic cobblestone town
🚗
Scenic Wildlife Loop Drive
1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Self-drive tour through the refuge with stops at prairie dog town, Burford Lake Trail (0.5 mi easy), and various scenic pull-outs. Plan 1.5-2 hours with stops.

Wildlife Loop Drive
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.72, -98.6
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Next: 10 minutes (5 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Stop at prairie dog town
  • • Burford Lake Trail is easy 0.5 mile
  • • Multiple photo opportunities
🥾
Optional Short Walk
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Choose between Burford Lake Trail (0.5 mi easy) for quick lake views, or Little Baldy/Jed Johnson Tower trails (0.5-0.8 mi each) for elevated views.

Refuge Trail Options
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.71, -98.61
Duration: 1 hour
Next: 25 minutes (15 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Easy options available
  • • Good for families
  • • Quick nature walks
🍽️
Dinner at Meers Store
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

End the day with dinner at the famous Meers Store & Restaurant, known for their longhorn beef burgers since 1901. Rustic atmosphere with historic charm.

Meers Store & Restaurant
26005 OK-115, Meers, OK
GPS: 34.77, -98.63
Duration: 2 hours
Special Notes:
  • • Famous longhorn burgers
  • • Historic establishment since 1901
  • • Hours vary seasonally
(580) 429-8321Website

Overnight: Medicine Park or Lawton

Plan to stay in Medicine Park or Lawton area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
  • Plenty of water (especially for summer visits)
  • Camera or smartphone for scenic photography
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat
  • Weather-appropriate clothing layers

Additional Recommendations:

  • Snacks for trails and remote areas
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Cash for small-town establishments
  • Offline maps downloaded to phone

Important Notes

  • Check heat restrictions for hiking in summer - Wichita Mountains may restrict hiking to sunrise-10am during extreme heat
  • Trails and refuge roads close at sunset - plan to be off trails before dark
  • Some restaurants have seasonal hours - call ahead to confirm
  • Bring cash for small-town establishments
  • Download offline maps for rural areas with limited cell service
  • Check weather conditions before departure - storms can develop quickly
  • Optional add-on: Frederick (Hackberry Flat WMA) in Tillman County

Quick Facts

Duration

3 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Season

Spring and Fall (March-May, September-November) for comfortable hiking weather

Total Distance

280 miles

Estimated Cost

$200-400 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Sunset Picnic Area (Elk Mountain Trailhead)
34.7354, -98.7522
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
34.710644, -98.623426
Mount Scott Summit
34.7443, -98.53186
Medicine Park Restaurants
34.7, -98.5
Wildlife Loop Drive
34.72, -98.6
Refuge Trail Options
34.71, -98.61
Meers Store & Restaurant
34.77, -98.63

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