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2 DaysModerate

Red Rock Canyon & River Country

A 1–2 day adventure through dramatic red-rock canyons and small-town courthouse squares.

2 Days
120 miles
2 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Explore the dramatic red-rock canyons of southwestern Oklahoma with this adventure combining canyon hiking, optional rappelling, lake swimming, and charming small-town exploration. Walk the shaded canyon floor beneath towering red-sandstone walls, cool off at Fort Cobb Lake beaches, and discover the Victorian courthouse charm of Hobart's historic square.

Highlights

  • Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park canyon floor & rappel walls
  • Fort Cobb Lake beaches
  • Hobart courthouse-square stroll
  • 60-100 ft red-sandstone canyon walls
  • Old California Road wagon-rut pullouts
  • Victorian storefronts and courthouse dome
  • Marina and golf course at Fort Cobb

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Caddo CountyKiowa County

Cities:

HintonFort CobbHobart

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Canyon Walls → Lake Beaches
85 miles
8-10 hours

Start with dramatic canyon exploration at Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, walking the shaded canyon floor beneath towering red-sandstone walls, then cool off with swimming and paddling at Fort Cobb Lake beaches.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park (arrive & stage)
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Arrive at the park and check in at the office. The entry road descends sharply into the canyon - take it slow.

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
116 Red Rock Canyon Rd, Hinton, OK 73047
GPS: 35.45644, -98.35805
Duration: 15 minutes
Next: 0 minutes (0 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Steep, winding entry road - take it slow
  • Check in at park office
  • Day-use hours sunrise to sunset
🥾
Canyon floor walk + photo stops
9:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Easy walking along the shaded canyon bottom with 60–100 ft red-sandstone walls. Look for old California Road wagon-rut pullouts.

Red Rock Canyon Floor
Canyon bottom trails, Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
GPS: 35.45644, -98.35805
Duration: 2 hours
Next: 0 minutes (0 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Shaded canyon bottom walking
  • 60-100 ft red-sandstone walls
  • Old California Road wagon-rut pullouts
  • Stick to signed paths only
🏛️
Optional: Self-guided rappelling
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Optional rappelling on designated walls. Stop at office first to sign liability waiver and review rules. Gear/guide not provided by park.

Red Rock Canyon Rappel Walls
Designated rappelling areas, Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
GPS: 35.45644, -98.35805
Duration: 45 minutes
Next: 5 minutes (1 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Sign liability waiver at office first
  • Review rules and safety requirements
  • Gear/guide not provided by park
  • Designated walls only
🍽️
Lunch in Hinton
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Grab a bite in the small town of Hinton before heading south to the lake.

Hinton Restaurants
Various locations in Hinton
GPS: 35.45, -98.36
Duration: 45 minutes
Next: 45-55 minutes (45 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Small-town dining
  • Grab a bite before lake activities
  • Local atmosphere
🏛️
Fort Cobb Lake (swim, paddle, shore walk)
1:15 PM - 4:30 PM

Beaches, marina, boat ramps, and picnic areas. Ask rangers which cove is most sheltered if it's windy.

Fort Cobb State Park
27022 Copperhead Rd, Fort Cobb, OK 73038
GPS: 35.2, -98.4
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Next: 0 minutes (0 mi)
Special Notes:
  • Ask rangers for calmest cove if windy
  • Golf course nearby
  • Multiple beach and picnic areas
  • Marina and boat ramps available
📸
Golden hour at Sunset Cove
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Linger on lakeside points for golden hour color over the water. Sunset Cove area appears on official lake maps.

Sunset Cove Area
Fort Cobb Lake, Fort Cobb State Park
GPS: 35.2, -98.4
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Special Notes:
  • Golden hour photography
  • Color over the water
  • Lakeside points for viewing
  • Check official lake maps for exact location

Overnight: Fort Cobb area or Hobart

Plan to stay in Fort Cobb area or Hobart area for easy access to next day's activities.

What to Bring

Essential Items:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
  • Rappelling gear (if bringing own)
  • Swimwear and towels
  • Camera for canyon and courthouse photos
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat

Additional Recommendations:

  • Water bottles for canyon hiking
  • Cash for park fees and small-town dining
  • Quick-dry clothing
  • Waterproof phone case

Important Notes

  • Red Rock Canyon has steep, winding entry road - take it slow
  • Day-use hours are sunrise to sunset
  • Rappelling requires liability waiver at park office
  • Gear/guide not provided - bring your own or hire guide
  • Plains lakes can whitecap - pick sheltered coves
  • Respect any taped-off cliff or erosion areas
  • Summer canyon pool has limited seasonal hours
  • Check wind advisories for lake activities

Quick Facts

Duration

2 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Season

Spring through Fall (March-October) for best canyon and lake conditions

Total Distance

120 miles

Estimated Cost

$100-200 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
35.45644, -98.35805
Red Rock Canyon Floor
35.45644, -98.35805
Red Rock Canyon Rappel Walls
35.45644, -98.35805
Hinton Restaurants
35.45, -98.36
Fort Cobb State Park
35.2, -98.4
Sunset Cove Area
35.2, -98.4

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