Hiking Project Logo

Elk Mountain Trail

Intermediate
 4.7 (11)
  1. Areas
  2. OK
  3. …Central Oklahoma
  4. …Cache
  5. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Plan with onX Backcountry
Previous Next

“A very nice trail for all users. It's a short distance with a nice climb. ”

Dustin Brown
Your Rating:      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.2

Miles

1.9

KM

Point to Point

2,218' 676 m

High

1,644' 501 m

Low

580' 177 m

Up

21' 6 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildlife

Open Sunrise to Sunset.

Description

The trailhead is very well marked. There are two trails that split from the same trailhead. Stop by the headquarters to get an information book and see the museum. The trail is maintained but not frequently.

This is a fairly popular spot on the weekends and school vacation times so if you visit during one of those times, expect families and crowds. On the way up the trail, there are multiple game trails and side trails to explore, but don't get lost. There are great opportunities for some rock hopping and pictures. Once at the top, there are some great views available of the refuge.

Either follow the trail back or make your own trail back but if taking an alternate trail be sure to have a plan and research the terrain first. Enjoy your time at the summit and explore around before heading down. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has many other trails as well.

Flora & Fauna

Rattlesnakes are native to the area as well as other species of snakes.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Black Kettle & McClellan National Grasslands Ranger District

Shared By:

Dustin Brown
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 11 votes

#2

in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

#494

Overall
  4.7 from 11 votes
5 Star
82%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Wichita Mountains Wild…

#3

in Oklahoma

#494

Overall
29 Views Last Month
7,185 Since Mar 29, 2015
Intermediate
8%
0%
75%
0%
17%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

French Lake from Elk Mountain.
Apr 1, 2015 near Cache, OK
Amazing view of the refuge
Mar 29, 2015 near Cache, OK
Looking east-northeast out across the prairie and Wichita Montains from Elk Mountain Trail in mid February.
Feb 14, 2019 near Cache, OK
Elk Mountain ahead, as Elk Mountain Trail climbs towards it.
Feb 14, 2019 near Cache, OK
Mt. Scott in the distance, rises above nearby hills in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Seen looking east-northeast from high on Elk Mountain Trail.
Feb 14, 2019 near Cache, OK
Overlooking the prairie and Wichita Mountains to the northwest on Elk Mountain Trail in February.
Feb 14, 2019 near Cache, OK

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 13, 2021
Benjamin Partridge
2.5mi — 1h 52m
Dec 27, 2020
joe bloggs
Sep 13, 2020
Alec Martin
Mar 1, 2020
Clay McCarthy
Beautiful view at the peak — 11h 15m
Dec 7, 2019
Jen Renae
May 11, 2019
Nano Moss
May 4, 2019
Mike C
Apr 27, 2019
Nicki Rangel

Nearby Recommended Routes