Hike the Wichita Mountains' Bison Trail

The Wichita Mountains rise rather dramatically from the flat plains of Southwest Oklahoma that surround them. In 1901, the roughly 59,000 acres of land were established as a wildlife refuge to preserve endangered species and to reintroduce animals that had once been eliminated from the area. Today, this is a wonderful spot to observe wildlife, hike, and camp.

Bison Trail is the longest in the refuge, and it offers spectacular views of lakes and the surrounding area. Shortly after you begin the hike, you will come to a fork – you choose either direction, since it is one large loop. The hike will take roughly three hours, which leaves you plenty of time to set up camp at Doris Campground.

Doris Campground is the perfect set up, whether you're looking for single-units with or without electricity, or a semi-primitive area to pitch your tent. The campground is situated near Quanah Parker Lake and is also an awesome spot to watch the sunset. Don't forget to grab some firewood for after sunset, and a cooler to ice down your beverages. This a great spot for weekend getaways!

Getting there: In order to reach the Bison Trailhead, turn off of Highway 49 onto NW Indiahoma Rd. You will begin to see signs for the parking lot that leads to the trail.