Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway The Wichita Mountain Byway is identified as beginning at Apache and extending west on S.H. 19 to the S.H. 58/S.H. 19 junction; the Byway then proceeds north and south on S.H.58 to Carnegie in the north and Medicine Park in the south; from Carnegie, the Byway proceeds west on S.H. 9 to Mountain View and south on S.H. 115 to the junction of S.H. 49 and S.H. 115; from Medicine Park in the south the project extends east on S.H. 49 to Interstate 44 and west on S.H. 49 through the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge to the western boundary of the Refuge.

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Medicine Park Medicine Park Chamber of Commerce PO Box 117 Medicine Park, OK 73557 Ph (580) 529-2974	Meers http://www.meersstore.com	Apache Apache Chamber of Commerce PO Box 461 Apache, OK 73006 Ph (580) 588-3361
Mountain View Mountain View Chamber of Commerce PO Box 615 Mountain View, OK 73062 Ph (580) 347-2711	Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 32 Refuge Headquarters Indiahoma, OK 73552 Ph (580) 429-3222	Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center For Visitor Information: (580) 429-3222 For Tour Reservations: (580) 429-2151

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma's Gem

The Wichita Mountains area typifies the vision of the Wild West. It has a dramatic history of Native American tribes, herds of roaming wildlife, military explorers, miners in search of riches and great cattle drives. Hollywood couldn’t have created a finer screenplay, and early movie stars and politicians even chose this area as their playground. The 1800s saw military expeditions to the area who described the mountains as “an artist’s dream with its rich coverage of grasses and picturesque stands of trees.” The Kiowa Comanche Apache Indian Reservation was established and the tribes leased the area to ranchers for cattle grazing and encouraged many cattle drives from Texas to the railheads in Kansas. Bison and elk, numbering in the millions, roamed freely over the plains until they were decimated by hunters in the late 1800s. The riches of the Wichita Mountains created a gold rush in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, with thousands of prospectors swarming the area in search of mineral wealth. The sought-after gold and gemstones never materialized and the only thing that remains of the era is abandoned mine shafts. Attractions to the area include the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the historic cobblestone village of Medicine Park, the mining town of Meers, and Fort Sill Military Reservation.

 

Preserving America's Natural History

President William McKinley set the heart of the Wichita Mountains aside as a Forest Preserve in 1901, protecting the land from settlement. In 1905, President Roosevelt designated the area a Forest and Game Preserve and initiated the return of the bison to the area, the first reintroduction of bison to their native plains in North America, thereby saving the species from extinction. Elk were also reintroduced to the area, which provided the state of Oklahoma with its current elk herds. The area now known as the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (http://wichitamountains.fws.gov) is charged with protecting and maintaining herds of native wildlife and their habitats for generations of citizens to enjoy. Today the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is one of the nation’s most popular national wildlife refuges, one of a system of more than 500 refuges nation-wide.

 

 

Medicine Park

Medicine Park is situated at the main entrance to the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.  The community has a vibrant history from its origins as Oklahoma’s first planned tourism resort.  The community is also known for its unique cobblestone buildings built from the abundant stone located in the area.   Visitors can enjoy the towns many businesses including: a tavern, winery, restaurants, a bed and breakfast and cabins.   

 

Meers

The historic town of Meers was created during the “gold rush” in 1901 and has a fascinating history as a mining camp and seismographic center.  Though the town has dwindled in population its story and spirit still thrive in this tucked away community. 

 

Apache

Located at the foot of the Wichita Mountains is the town of Apache.  The town like many surrounding communities was created in 1901 when Indian Territory was opened up for settlement.  Visitors are welcomed by the town’s inviting historic downtown and small town hospitality. 

 

Mountain View

Created in mid 1899, the town of Mountain View was most likely a venture by officials of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad to provide revenue for their line, which had just been built through the Indian Reservation from Chickasha.  The town became a hideout for outlaws and criminals due to its proximity to Indian land and under the jurisdiction of the Federal Marshal who was usually more than a day away.  The north side of town was under the jurisdiction of Washita County authorities, but people could evade the law just by crossing the street.  The town endured a few disasters and a move to a new location. 

 

Mountain View is now a shadow of its former shelf.  Ranching and farming is still productive and the major industry of the town.  But thanks to advances in agriculture technology larger operations have meant less small operations, thus, contributed to the population decline.

 

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1901, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is one of more than 546 refuges throughout the United States managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The 59,020 acre refuge hosts a rare piece of the past, a remnant mixed grass prairie, an island where the natural grasslands escaped destruction because the rocks underfoot defeated the plow.

 

The refuge provides habitat for large native grazing animals such as American bison, Rocky Mountain elk and white-tailed deer. Texas longhorn cattle also share the refuge rangelands as a cultural and historical legacy species. More than 50 mammals, 240 birds, 64 reptiles and amphibians, 36 fishes, and 806 plant s thrive on this important refuge.

 

Cache

This small Oklahoma town was founded in 1901 after the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribal land was opened up for settlement.

 

Ft. Sill

Fort Sill Military Reservation was staked out in 1869 as a U.S. Army cavalry outpost known originally as “Camp Wichita.” Its cast of characters includes such names as Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, the Apache Chief Geronimo, the Buffalo Soldiers and thousands of others over the last century and a half. It remains the only active U.S. Army installation of all the forts on the South Plains built during the Indian wars. Today it is the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and operates as the world renowned U.S. Army Field Artillery School.

 

Activities

Camping

Camp Doris

(fee area) has 90 campsites (23 with electrical hookups) and 3 group sites (2 with shelters). Drinking water, showers, flush toilets and a dump station are also available to guests.

Fawn Creek Youth Camping Area

(by reservation for youth and scout groups) has 4 sites with 16 tables, 8 fire grates, and 8 fire rings. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/wichitamountains/fawncreek.html

 

Backcountry camping

is available in the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area. http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/wichitamountains/backcountry.html

 

Fishing

This popular activity can be enjoyed in over 13 lakes and small ponds scattered throughout the refuge.  Whether you’re fishing from the bank or from a boat there are multiple angling opportunities.  Game species of interest include:  largemouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish and crappie.   

 

Picnicking

Enjoy a great picnic outside in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the byway.  Several picnic areas are available to guests and include: Boulder/Lost Lake Picnic Area with 76 picnic sites with tables, fire grates and fire rings; Sunset Picnic Area with 19 picnic sites with tables, fire grates, and fire rings; Mt. Scott Picnic Area with 30 picnic sites with tables and fire rings. 

 

Roadside Geology

The Wichita Mountains rank among the oldest ranges on earth. Formation of these mountains began around 500 million years ago when stratified layers of eroded silt were deposited. Through the ages climatic forces have chiseled and sculptured the mountains until all that remain of once lofty escarpments are weather-reduced knobs and domes.

 

The mountains of the Wichita region were formed around 300 million years ago (Pennsylvanian period). They were created by a tremendous uplift accompanied by large folds and faults. Some of the faults were miles in length and produced large blocks. Some of these settled with respect to others, and the large flat areas bordering the scenic highway in the central part of the refuge probably originated by faulting.

 

The mountains originally were considerably higher than the present ones as erosion has stripped off the upper parts and deposited this material in the intervening flats reducing the relief. Most of this erosion took place in Permian time (around 250 million years ago) and produced extensive gravel deposits. Remnants of these gravels may be seen north of Crater Lake, north of Lake Elmer Thomas, east and south of Lost Lake and in several other parts of the refuge. Granite is the dominant rock of the refuge, and the gravels formed by erosion are mainly composed of granite fragments. There are unconsolidated well-rounded boulders 6 to 18 inches in diameter, known as cobblestones, surrounded by yellow-to-brown clay. Below the weathered surface they are well cemented.

 

The main geologic event that has taken place since is the erosion of most of the Permian gravels that once covered this area. In recent times, some newer gravels have been deposited along the small streams and in the flats. These can be seen around Lake Lawtonka, along Sandy Creek, Wolf Creek, and in other areas of the refuge. Boulder slides in the drainage depressions are common on many of the steep slopes. One of the best examples of boulder accumulation is the "River of Boulders" on the south side of Mt. Scott.

 

Rock Climbing and Rappelling

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge contains some of best rock climbing opportunities in the region.  The quality of the granite, multiple routes and the natural setting has helped the park become a well known rock climbing destination.  The refuge encourages all climbers to practice “minimal impact” to help protect the natural setting from degradation (soil erosion, plant damage, trash).

 

Bike Riding

Many cyclist and recreational bicyclist alike enjoy riding the roadways throughout the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.  However, some restrictions apply.

 

Hiking

There are many great trails waiting to be explored inside the refuge including:

Dog Run Hollow

A three-loop trail complex with trailheads at Dog Run Hollow, French Lake, Boulder Picnic Area and Lost Lake Picnic Area.  From the French Lake trailhead, hikers can choose the Elk Trail (1 mile), Longhorn Trail (2 miles), Buffalo Trail (5 miles).  The Kite Trail (1.5 miles) between Lost Lake Picnic Area and Boulder Picnic Area allows hikers to access the Buffalo Trail loop by a stream crossing.

Elk Mountain Trail

The four mile trail leading around the west end of Elk Mountain meanders from Sunset Picnic Area to Post Oak/Treasure Lake parking area.  A side trail from Sunset Picnic Area leads to the top of Elk Mountain.  Trailheads at Sunset Picnic Area and Post Oak Lake are marked by trail maps and informational signs.

Little Baldy Mountain Trail

A 1.5 mile trail along the western edge of Quanah Parker Lake with a side trail leading to the top of Little Baldy Mountain.  The trail may be taken from Quanah Parker Environmental Education Center or the Quanah Parker Dam.

Environmental Education Interpretive Trail

A .25 mile handicapped accessible trail with exposed gravel surface concrete sidewalks and interpretive signs.  Access is from the Quanah Parker Environmental Education Center parking lot.  Handicapped visitors may use this trail for fishing access at Quanah Parker Lake.  Handicapped parking is designated.

 

 

 

Habitats along the Byway

A traveler along the Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway will be met with an awe-inspiring mosaic of habitats.   Four major habitats are present along the byway, rock lands, aquatic, mixed-grass prairie and cross timbers.  The main habitat along the byway is a remnant mixed grass prairie saved from conversion to farmland by its rocky nature. 

 

Plant Communities along the Byway

Visitors any time of year will be amazed by the sheer beauty of the byway as the road winds through some low impact landscapes and historic communities.  Guests during the warmer months especially mid to late spring will be met with an explosion of color from countless wildflowers.   In the fall visitors are greeted with the changing colors of autumn from the trees to the various grasses.  The plant diversity of the region is a showcase from both the short-grass regions further west and tall-grass prairie species located to the east.  Other plant communities in the refuge are typical of other habitats are also present.  These include maples and live oaks.   All this seasonal variation and diversity almost guarantees each visit to the byway will be a unique experience.

  

To help maintain the high diversity of plant species located in the refuge the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service practice prescribed (controlled) burns.  These burns help ensure species such as the invasive eastern red-cedar are kept in check and a diverse succession of plant communities are maintained.

 

Animals of the Byway

The Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway offers many great wildlife viewing opportunities especially as the route passes through the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.  As the name implies this really is a refuge for creatures big and small from human development and habitat loss.  The refuge is host to over 50 species of mammals, 240 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and amphibians, 36 fish species, and 806 species of plants.  From iconic animals such as bison (buffalo) to endangered species like the black-capped vireo, every wildlife enthusiast will have something to see.

 

Mammals of Interest

Bison, Elk, Texas Longhorn Cattle, White-tailed Deer, Coyote,  Ringtail, Bobcat, Black-tailed Prairie Dog, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Gray Fox, Fox Squirrel, Badger

 

Birds of Interest

Black-capped Vireo, Bald Eagle, Painted Bunting, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Burrowing Owl, Great Horned Owl, Wood Ducks, Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle, Red-Tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Bird, Eastern Meadow Lark, Chuck-will’s-widow, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Turkey, Roadrunner

 

Reptiles and Amphibians of Interest

Collared Lizard, Western Diamond-Back Rattlesnake, Prairie Kingsnake, Texas Night Snake, Ornate Box Turtle, Texas Horned Lizard, Coachwhip, Checkered Garter Snake, Spotted Chorus Frog, Texas Toad