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2 DaysModerate

Quartz to Canyons: Hiker's Mini-Traverse

A 2-day moderate hiking adventure from granite peaks to canyon wilderness.

2 Days
85 miles
3 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Experience the best hiking in southwestern Oklahoma with this moderate two-day traverse from the granite peaks of Quartz Mountain to the rugged wilderness of the Wichita Mountains. Start with lake-and-granite views at Cedar Valley and Baldy Point, enjoy shoreline walks at Tom Steed Lake, then challenge yourself with classic granite routes like Elk Mountain's stone steps or the boulder navigation of Charon's Garden. Perfect for hikers seeking diverse terrain and stunning photography opportunities.

Highlights

  • Cedar Valley & Baldy Point area at Quartz Mountain State Park
  • Shoreline walk at Tom Steed Lake / Great Plains State Park
  • Granite routes in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Elk Mountain or Charon's Garden)
  • Baldy Point Summit Trail with big overlooks
  • Post Oak Falls seasonal waterfall
  • Wilderness boulder navigation at Charon's Garden

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Kiowa CountyGreer CountyComanche County

Cities:

Lone WolfGraniteMountain ParkIndiahomaLawton

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Quartz Granite + Tom Steed Shoreline
35 miles
8-10 hours

Start with granite hiking at Quartz Mountain's Cedar Valley and Baldy Point area, combining easy-moderate loops with lake-and-granite views, then enjoy shoreline walks at Tom Steed Lake with optional golden hour photography back at Baldy Point.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Quartz Mountain State Park (hub & map pickup)
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Pick up official trail map and check conditions at Quartz Mountain Lodge. The trail map shows the Baldy Point & Cedar Valley network.

Quartz Mountain Lodge
22469 Lodge Rd, Lone Wolf, OK
GPS: 34.8909, -99.3029
Duration: 15 minutes
Next: 5 minutes (2 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Pick up official trail map
  • Check trail conditions
  • Restrooms and water available
  • Baldy Point & Cedar Valley network just west
🥾
Cedar Valley / Baldy Point area (easy-moderate loop)
9:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Combine short signed segments for ~1.6-mile loop with lake-and-granite views. Great warm-up hike with benches and scenic overlooks.

Cedar Valley / Baldy Point Area
E1460 Rd, Quartz Mountain State Park
GPS: 34.8992, -99.3337
Duration: 2 hours
Next: 5 minutes (1 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Great warm-up with views
  • Benches available
  • Cedar Valley Trail ~3,000 ft with benches
  • Combine segments for full loop
🥾
Optional Baldy Point Summit Trail
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM

Short, steeper spur (~1,000 ft on park map) to big overlook. Access from Baldy Point lot on E1460 Rd.

Baldy Point Summit
E1460 Rd, Baldy Point lot, Quartz Mountain State Park
GPS: 34.8992, -99.3337
Duration: 40 minutes
Next: 30-35 minutes (25 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Short steeper spur to summit
  • Big overlook views
  • Access from Baldy Point lot
  • Optional challenging add-on
🥾
Tom Steed shoreline walk (Great Plains State Park)
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Shaded shoreline paths and lake points with views of granite knobs. Swim beach and day-use areas nearby with signed loop trails.

Great Plains State Park
22487 E 1566 Rd, Mountain Park, OK
GPS: 34.85, -99.15
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Next: 30-35 minutes (back to Quartz) (25 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Shaded shoreline paths
  • Views of granite knobs
  • Swim beach nearby
  • Signed loop trails available
📸
Golden Hour - Return to Baldy Point for sunset
5:30 PM - 7:15 PM

Return to Baldy Point area for sunset light on the granite slabs. Classic photography spot with granite formations.

Baldy Point Overlooks
E1460 Rd, Baldy Point area, Quartz Mountain State Park
GPS: 34.8992, -99.3337
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Special Notes:
  • Sunset light on granite slabs
  • Classic photography location
  • Wide vistas over Lake Altus-Lugert
  • Perfect end to hiking day

Overnight: Quartz Mountain Lodge or Snyder/Hobart area

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

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
  • Plenty of water (3+ liters per person)
  • High-energy snacks and trail food
  • Camera with extra batteries
  • First aid kit

Additional Recommendations:

  • Headlamp for early starts
  • Weather-appropriate layers
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat
  • Trail map and GPS device
  • Cash for park fees

Important Notes

  • Check heat restrictions - Refuge limits hiking to sunrise-10am during extreme heat
  • Start Day 2 at civil dawn if heat restriction active
  • Backcountry camping in Charon's Garden requires permit via Recreation.gov
  • Day hikes do not need permits
  • Carry plenty of water - no water sources on trails
  • Rocky terrain requires sturdy shoes and careful footing
  • Trails close at sunset - plan accordingly
  • Check weather conditions before departure

Quick Facts

Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Season

Spring and Fall (March-May, September-November) - avoid summer heat restrictions

Total Distance

85 miles

Estimated Cost

$100-200 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Quartz Mountain Lodge
34.8909, -99.3029
Cedar Valley / Baldy Point Area
34.8992, -99.3337
Baldy Point Summit
34.8992, -99.3337
Great Plains State Park
34.85, -99.15
Baldy Point Overlooks
34.8992, -99.3337

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