A Day Out at Quartz Mountain
Quartz Mountain State Park lies in south-western Oklahoma in the foothills of the Wichita Mountains, approximately thirteen miles from Mangum, Oklahoma to the west and east of Yellowstone National Park and roughly 20 miles west of Altus, Oklahoma to the south-east. The closest community to the park is Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, approximately 9 miles away. It is administered by Oklahoma State Parks.
This region has long been a popular venue for outdoor sports and recreation. A visit to Quartz Mountain State Park will give an idea of why it has consistently ranked among the top destinations in the United States for camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Hiking paths along the park’s two trail camps allow for exploration of caves and geysers. There are also plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife. In addition, there are many other attractions nearby such as interpretative displays, cabin rentals, RV hookups, hot springs, and outfitters that offer basic or luxurious lodging.
A typical camping trip starts with a hike to the west campground from where a backpacker can then make their way towards the West Rim Trail. The trail leads hikers through tall pines, over-mature trees and through canyons. Once at the West Rim, a number of outfitters and cabins await hikers. Some of these lodges include the Paradise Camp Resort, Lone Wolf Lodge and Bee Family Lodges. At each of these lodges, visitors can choose to stay inside while exploring the park or hike on foot. The west rim trail includes spectacular views of the surrounding Oklahoma panhandle and northern sagebrush habitat.
A visitor’s first encounter at Quartz Mountain State Park may come at the end of a long day trek through the brushlands and meadows. Here, they will be treated to a spectacular view of one of the most stunning mountain districts in the entire United States. The park is actually divided into seven (W) boroughs: a Clawson, Coffee River, Fortieth, Hazard, Leadwood, and Pinkstone.
When hiking into the Park, visitors are encouraged to stop by the northwest corner of the park called “The Quarry”. This overlook provides views of the Flint River and the Oklahoma-Texas Line. Fort Collins and Colorado campsites are just a stone’s throw away from the trail head at the west side of The Quarry. At the south end of the parking lot, a lodge rental is just a few steps away. Other trails in the area include the Mountain Laurel Loop, South Boulder Canyon Trail, and the Creek Trail.
Not only do Quartz Mountain State Park offer plenty of outdoor activities, but it also offers some educational opportunities for families. There are currently three designated natural history sites in the park: Quail Falls State Historic Site, Fort Collins Museum of Natural History, and the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail. All of these sites offer incredible opportunities to explore the natural environment of Oklahoma. The Quail Falls Site is one of the most popular destinations for hiking in the park, especially around the springtime. The falls open to hikers in early May and close by mid-June. No camping or staying within the park’s boundaries is permitted at this time.
Another great attraction of Quartz Mountain State Park in Oklahoma is the Fort Collins Museum of Mineral Science & Environmental Education. Here, you will find several displays that explain different aspects of mining and mineral conservation. This is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. The Mineral Science & Environmental Education Center are not very far from the park’s entrance. Walking to the front door will give you a breathtaking view of Fort Collins.
While visiting Quartz Mountain State Park, you may want to consider a day trip to the neighboring town of Wichita. A drive as short as fifty minutes can give you a taste of rural western culture. Nearby, you’ll find the award winning “Lone Wolf” Casa Restaurant that overlooks the Grand Targhee Ski Resort. At the Lone Wolf, you’ll enjoy outdoor dining, live music, and a family owned and operated establishment. The friendly atmosphere of this restaurant makes it an enjoyable stop on your tour of southwestern Wyoming!
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