Hiking Oklahoma: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures (State Hiking Guides Series)

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From the Publisher

Oklahoma tends to astonish both locals and visitors with its natural beauty.

Often mistaken as being completely flat due to its inclusion in the Great American Desert region in the 1800s, its topography is quite comprehensive—mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, forests, and prairies for most of the state; deserts in the west. The diversity of flora and fauna is a marvel. Unless you are on a backcountry trail, it is likely you will not be alone. Day-hiking trails are some of the friendliest spots to meet people and learn new things. Respect others and nature

Origin of the Gloss Mountains Name

The Gloss Mountains were originally named the Glass Mountains by the US General Land Office in 1873. However, due to a map-drafting error in 1875, the area was titled the Gloss Mountains. Although a corrected map was issued, Oklahomans still call the area the Gloss Mountains.

Cathedral Mountain Trail

Reminiscent of desert landscapes of the Southwest, the red-hued mesas of Gloss Mountain State Park enrapture visitors with their shimmering selenite layers. The Cathedral Mountain Trail offers stunning panoramic views of Gloss Mountain State Park’s finest—Lone Peak, The Sphinx, and Lookout Mountain.

Start: Cathedral Mountain Trailhead, north of Gloss Mountain State Park parking lot
Elevation gain: 1,394 to 1,553 feet
Distance: 1.55-mile lollipop
Difficulty: Moderate due to steep stairs and narrow paths along the cliffsides
Hiking time: 1.5-2 hours
Seasons/schedule: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
Fees and permits: None (subject to change)
Trail surface: Dirt and rocky path

Bison of the Tallgrass Preserve

In 1993, 300 bison were reestablished into the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Today the herd has grown to more than 2,000, freely ranging across 38 square miles. Bison, no longer an endangered species due to safeguarded lands, are critical to sustaining the tallgrass landscape.

Study Trail (Combined with Prairie Earth Trail)

The protected American bison at the 40,000-acre Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are the main stars. However, the peaceful, conserved scenery of the preserve is just as enrapturing. On both the Prairie Earth Trail and the Study Trail, experience rolling hills with grass billowing in the wind, wide-open views that emulate a painting, and the undisturbed wildlife that finds shelter in this beautiful area.

Start: Study Trailhead, east of the parking lot and informational signage
Elevation gain: 963 to 1,102 feet
Distance: 2.81 miles for two loops
Difficulty: Easy
Hiking time: 1-1.5 hours
Seasons/schedule: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset; best during spring to see the bison calves
Fees and permits: None
Trail surface: Combination of dirt and rocky path and mowed grass

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Falcon Guides (September 1, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1493056581
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1493056583
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.08 x 0.6 x 9.09 inches