This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Oklahoma Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
By Ashley|Updated on February 03, 2023(Originally published January 31, 2023)
×
Ashley
Author
Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
If you have ever wondered, “Are there natural wonders in Oklahoma,” you’ll be happy to know the answer is YES! As a state with four distinct seasons, the Sooner State’s landscape looks very different as the year progresses, which means the natural wonders in Oklahoma are sure to impress throughout the year. Every season displays beautiful landscapes. (We are partial to fall, but that’s just us.) Nature lovers will enjoy this natural wonders road trip in Oklahoma that will lead you to some of the state’s most magical places. We’ve already featured the eastern portion of the state in this fall foliage road trip in Oklahoma, so now it is time to see the beauty that awaits in western and central Oklahoma. It is best to plan a few days for this Oklahoma road trip, so you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Oklahoma at each stop. There’s even a little hidden resort along the way, where you can stay the night, or choose from one of Oklahoma’s charming bed and breakfasts.
You can begin your journey at any destination on the Oklahoma road trip map below…just find the closest starting point to you. So, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on one of the best Oklahoma road trips? Well, then let the fun begin.
The Great Salt Plains State Park is comprised of a huge expanse of salt plains that are remnants of an ancient ocean that once covered this part of Oklahoma. One of the most unique places in Oklahoma, the refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum.
Advertisement
2. Little Sahara State Park, Waynoka
Little Sahara State Park, 101 Main St, Waynoka, OK 73860, USA
Now head out to explore one of the best hidden gems in Oklahoma, Little Sahara is named for its resemblance to the Sahara Desert. The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits. The park offers over 1,600 acres of rideable sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 feet to 75 feet. Amenities include showers, picnic areas, RV hookups with electric/water and tent sites. Seasonal concessions provide refreshment, and fuel and grocery are located nearby. You can rent ATVs and dune buggies or view the vast beauty from the viewing platform.
Advertisement
3. Gloss Mountain State Park, Fairview
Gloss Mountain State Park, US-412, Fairview, OK 73737, USA
Offering some of the most beautiful views in Oklahoma, the name of Gloss Mountain State Park is derived from the selenite crystals that sparkle on the slopes and tops of the mesas. Gloss Mountain is a group of mesas and buttes that extend from the Permian red buds in Major County. The mountains extend about 150-200 feet above the surface of the plains, with the highest elevation reaching 1,600 feet.
4. Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
Roman Nose State Park, Lodge, 3236 OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772, USA
Also among the best hidden gems in Oklahoma, Roman Nose State Park is one of the original seven state parks in Oklahoma and is tucked away in Watonga. The park offers captivating canyon views, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, a beautiful lodge and many outdoor activities.
The stunning backdrop of the red canyon walls makes Red Rock Canyon State Park a prime camping spot in west-central Oklahoma. The park has lots of hiking trails and is best-known for rappelling. Visitors can also cast a line in the fishing pond or pitch a tent for an overnight camping trip.
Quartz Mountain is also called Baldy Point and is located in southwest Oklahoma. The mountain overlooks the beautiful Lake Altus-Lugert and is one of the most western peaks in the Wichita Mountains. It is made up of mostly pink-red Lugert granite and Reformatory granite.
If you choose to spend the night at Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Wolf, the mileage of the first day trip will be 254 miles if you began your journey at Great Salt Plains State Park. Offering one of the best getaways in Oklahoma, the resort is a premiere, yet secluded, lodge-style destination hotel that is surrounded by stunning mountains and rugged beauty. Guests of the resort can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities including biking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing.
Advertisement
8. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lawton
Refuge Headquarters, 32 Refuge Headquarters, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
Located in the southwestern portion of Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are rock promontories and rounded hills made of igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and large boulders. Haley Peak is the highest point in the mountains at 2,481 feet. Fort Sill occupies a large portion of the southeastern end of the mountains.
Easily the best state park in Oklahoma, Lake Murray State Park, which is located in Ardmore, is full of outdoor activities to keep the whole family busy from sunup to sundown. It is the largest state park in Oklahoma, boasting over 12,000 acres of exceptional beauty. It's also home to the iconic Tucker Tower - a geological museum and nature center open to the public.
The Arbuckle mountain range is located in south-central Oklahoma and, as the oldest known formations in the U.S. between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, is among the oldest mountains in America. The range reaches 1,412 feet above sea level. The Arbuckles contain the popular Turner Falls Park and Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
11. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
This recreation area is one of the best places to take in natural springs in Oklahoma. Situated in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of natural and mineral springs that attract visitors from all over the country. As you can see, the fall foliage is stunning during the fall season. Be sure to get out and explore the area.
So, what do you think? Does this route lead to the best natural wonders in Oklahoma? Did we miss your favorite Oklahoma natural wonder? Know of any other beautiful places in Oklahoma? Does this look like one of the best Oklahoma road trips? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Natural Wonders In Oklahoma
Daniella DiRienzo|February 03, 2023
What are some natural wonders in Oklahoma?
There are quite a few natural wonders in Oklahoma, including:
Turner Falls - Turner Falls is nestled in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and is considered Oklahoma's tallest waterfall at 77 feet.
Talimena Scenic Drive - Talimena Scenic Drive is a 54-mile route that winds through the Talimena State Park, Ouachita National Forest, and the Cedar Lake Recreation Area.
What Oklahoma road trips belong on my bucket list?
Here are some of the best road trips in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Waterfall Road Trip - Not only are you going to meander through the hills and parks of Oklahoma to see not one, not two, not three, but FIVE waterfalls - you’re also going to encounter some of the most spectacular scenery within the state.
Haunted Oklahoma Road Trip - The Sooner State is full of haunted places that would terrify even the bravest of thrill seekers, and this route leads straight to some of the spookiest.
Oklahoma’s Most Picturesque Small Towns Road Trip – Extending from one side of the state to the other, this route leads to charming small towns filled with picturesque scenery and streets overflowing with character and history.
