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3 DaysModerate

Falls, Canyons & Big Lakes

A scenic loop of waterfalls, red-rock canyons, granite peaks, and swim holes across SW Oklahoma.

3 Days
320 miles
4 Counties

Itinerary Overview

Experience the diverse landscapes of southwestern Oklahoma through this scenic adventure featuring hidden waterfalls, dramatic red-rock canyons, granite peaks, and refreshing swim holes. This loop takes you through the Wichita Mountains, Quartz Mountain, and Red Rock Canyon, offering hiking, swimming, and breathtaking photography opportunities.

Highlights

  • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Kite Trail → Forty-Foot Hole; Charon's Garden)
  • Mount Scott drive-up summit
  • Medicine Park's Bath Lake swim hole
  • Quartz Mountain (Baldy Point)
  • Tom Steed Lake beach (Great Plains SP)
  • Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park
  • Fort Cobb Lake beach

Counties & Cities

Counties:

Comanche CountyKiowa CountyGreer CountyCaddo County

Cities:

LawtonCacheMedicine ParkRooseveltMountain ParkLone WolfGraniteHintonFort Cobb

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Wichita Mountains & Medicine Park (waterfalls + swim)
65 miles
10-12 hours

Start early with waterfall hikes in the Wichita Mountains, explore hidden cascades and granite formations, then cool off with swimming at Medicine Park's Bath Lake.

Activities Schedule

🏛️
Wichita Mountains Visitor Center (maps & conditions)
6:45 AM - 7:15 AM

Pick up paper map and confirm any trail or road closures. Check current heat restrictions.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
32 Refuge HQ Circle, Indiahoma, OK
GPS: 34.710644, -98.623426
Duration: 30 minutes
Next: 15 minutes (8 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Check heat restrictions before hiking
  • • Pick up paper map
  • • Confirm trail closures
  • • 32 min NW of Lawton
(580) 429-3222Website
🥾
Forty-Foot Hole via Kite Trail (waterfalls)
7:15 AM - 9:30 AM

Hike the Kite Trail along West Cache Creek to the Forty-Foot Hole pour-over. Rocky footing with gorgeous canyon views and cascades.

Boulder Picnic Area (Kite Trail S Trailhead)
Boulder Picnic Area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.6996, -98.67781
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Next: 20 minutes (12 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Rocky footing required
  • • Gorgeous canyon views
  • • Hidden waterfall destination
  • • Start early before heat
🥾
Charon's Garden (granite slots & boulders)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Explore rugged boulders and granite slots in the Charon's Garden area. Access from Sunset Picnic Area north entrance.

Charon's Garden (Sunset Picnic Area access)
Sunset Picnic Area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.7354, -98.7522
Duration: 2 hours
Next: 15 minutes (10 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Rugged boulders and granite formations
  • • Start early before heat restrictions
  • • Unique geological features
📸
Mount Scott Scenic Drive (summit views)
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Three-mile paved climb to panoramic views over Lake Lawtonka and the granite peaks. 360-degree vistas.

Mount Scott Summit
Mount Scott Road, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
GPS: 34.7443, -98.53186
Duration: 45 minutes
Next: 20 minutes (15 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Panoramic views over Lake Lawtonka
  • • 360-degree granite peak vistas
  • • Popular photography spot
🏛️
Medicine Park & Bath Lake swim
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Explore the cobblestone town and enjoy swimming at Bath Lake with wristband access (seasonal Memorial Day-Labor Day, 10am-8pm).

Medicine Park & Bath Lake
127 E Lake Dr, Medicine Park, OK
GPS: 34.729236, -98.502558
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Next: 0 minutes (0 mi)
Special Notes:
  • • Wristband swim purchase on-site
  • • Bring cash for fees
  • • Seasonal hours - verify locally
  • • Cobblestone town exploration
🍽️
Medicine Creek walkway & dining
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Optional sunset stroll along Medicine Creek walkway and explore shops/dining along E Lake Dr.

Medicine Park Town Center
E Lake Dr, Medicine Park, OK
GPS: 34.729236, -98.502558
Duration: 2 hours
Special Notes:
  • • Sunset stroll opportunity
  • • Multiple dining options
  • • Historic cobblestone architecture

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
  • Swimwear and towels
  • Plenty of water for hiking
  • Camera for waterfalls and canyons
  • Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat

Additional Recommendations:

  • Quick-dry clothing
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Cash for park fees and small towns
  • Snacks for trail energy

Important Notes

  • Check heat restrictions - Refuge may limit hiking to sunrise-10am during extreme heat
  • Bath Lake wristband purchase on-site in season (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
  • Red Rock Canyon is a private park with day fees
  • Wildlife roams free - keep distance from bison and longhorn
  • Trails close at sunset - plan accordingly
  • Some swimming areas seasonal - verify hours locally

Quick Facts

Duration

3 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Season

Spring through Fall (March-October) - best for swimming

Total Distance

320 miles

Estimated Cost

$250-450 per person (excluding lodging)

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GPS Quick Reference

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
34.710644, -98.623426
Boulder Picnic Area (Kite Trail S Trailhead)
34.6996, -98.67781
Charon's Garden (Sunset Picnic Area access)
34.7354, -98.7522
Mount Scott Summit
34.7443, -98.53186
Medicine Park & Bath Lake
34.729236, -98.502558
Medicine Park Town Center
34.729236, -98.502558

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