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2 DaysEasy

Frontier & Flight

A 1–2 day journey through aviation heritage, pioneer history, and granite mountain overlooks.

2 Days
140 miles
3 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Explore the aviation heritage and pioneer history of southwestern Oklahoma with this museum and nature combination adventure. Start with the comprehensive Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus, featuring Native nations, homesteading, and Altus Air Force Base history. Then enjoy short family-friendly hikes at Quartz Mountain with stunning granite overlooks and golden hour photography. Optional second day includes the Old Greer County Museum in Mangum for deeper pioneer heritage exploration.

Highlights

  • Museum of the Western Prairie (Altus) - Native nations, homesteading, Altus AFB heritage
  • Quartz Mountain State Park - Cedar Valley Loop easy family hike
  • Baldy Point Summit spur - short steep hike with granite views
  • Golden hour granite overlooks over Lake Altus-Lugert
  • Old Greer County Museum & Hall of Fame (Mangum) - pioneer exhibits
  • Great Plains State Park (Tom Steed Lake) - optional shore walks and swim beach

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Jackson CountyKiowa CountyGreer County

Cities:

AltusLone WolfMangumMountain Park

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Altus history → Quartz Mountain golden hour
75 miles
9-10 hours

Begin with comprehensive aviation and pioneer history at the Museum of the Western Prairie, then drive to Quartz Mountain for family-friendly hiking and spectacular golden hour photography over granite peaks and lake vistas.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Museum of the Western Prairie (Altus)
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Comprehensive galleries covering Native nations, homesteading, and Altus AFB/aviation heritage. Plan 60-90 minutes for full exploration.

Museum of the Western Prairie
1100 Memorial Dr, Altus, OK
GPS: 34.64874, -99.32813
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next: 35-40 minutes (35 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Native nations and homesteading exhibits
  • • Altus AFB aviation heritage
  • • Check site closures on OHS website
  • • 60-90 minutes recommended
Check OHS websiteWebsite
🏛️
Quartz Mountain State Park hub (Lone Wolf)
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Stop at Quartz Mountain Lodge for maps, information, restrooms, and to check trail conditions before hiking.

Quartz Mountain Lodge
22469 Lodge Rd, Lone Wolf, OK
GPS: 34.8909, -99.3029
Duration: 30 minutes
Next: 10 minutes (5 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Pick up trail maps
  • • Check conditions
  • • Restroom break
  • • Head to Baldy/Cedar Valley area
Website
🥾
Cedar Valley Loop (easy family hike)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Gentle loop approximately 1.6 miles with big lake-and-granite views. Perfect for families with snack and photo stops.

Cedar Valley/Baldy Point Area
Cedar Valley trailheads, Quartz Mountain State Park
GPS: 34.8992, -99.3337
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Next: 5 minutes (0.5 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Gentle loop with big views
  • • Perfect for families
  • • Allow time for snack and photo stops
  • • Trailheads signed near Baldy Point
🥾
Baldy Point Summit spur (optional, short & steeper)
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

Optional steeper hike to Baldy Point Summit, approximately 1 mile round trip with rocky sections. Requires sturdy shoes.

Baldy Point Summit
Baldy Point Summit trail, Quartz Mountain State Park
GPS: 34.8992, -99.3337
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Next: 0 minutes (0 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Optional steeper hike
  • • Rocky and steep sections
  • • Sturdy shoes required
  • • Great summit views
📸
Golden hour at Baldy Point overlooks
5:30 PM - 7:15 PM

Easy access to wide vistas over Lake Altus-Lugert with superb sunset light on the granite formations. Perfect for photography.

Baldy Point Overlooks
Baldy Point area, Quartz Mountain State Park
GPS: 34.8992, -99.3337
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Special Notes:
  • • Easy access to wide vistas
  • • Superb sunset light on granite
  • • Perfect for photography
  • • Lake Altus-Lugert views

Overnight: Quartz Mountain Lodge or Altus area

Plan to stay in Quartz Mountain Lodge or Altus area area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Comfortable walking shoes for short hikes
  • Camera for museum exhibits and granite views
  • Water bottles for hiking
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat

Additional Recommendations:

  • Weather-appropriate clothing layers
  • Cash for museum admissions
  • Snacks for trail energy
  • Binoculars for lake and mountain views

Important Notes

  • Museum hours can be seasonal - call ahead (Altus: Tue-Sat 10-5)
  • Check OHS website for any posted closures
  • Quartz Mountain trails range from easy to moderate
  • Sturdy shoes recommended for Baldy Point Summit
  • Golden hour timing varies by season
  • Old Greer County Museum typically Thu-Sat 10-4
  • Great Plains State Park has wind-sheltered coves on breezy days

Quick Facts

Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Best Season

Year-round (museums with outdoor hiking components)

Total Distance

140 miles

Estimated Cost

$75-150 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Museum of the Western Prairie
34.64874, -99.32813
Quartz Mountain Lodge
34.8909, -99.3029
Cedar Valley/Baldy Point Area
34.8992, -99.3337
Baldy Point Summit
34.8992, -99.3337
Baldy Point Overlooks
34.8992, -99.3337

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