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Bison Trail

Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. OK
  3. …Central Oklahoma
  4. …Cache
  5. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
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“This is Oklahoma?? ”

D Dan
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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

Point to Point

1,688' 514 m

High

1,492' 455 m

Low

257' 78 m

Up

252' 77 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

An amazing 5.25 mile loop that presents several different terrains with some technical ascents and descents. Mile 0-1 is a mostly flat dirt trail. Miles 1-4 include some great vistas but also presents some challenges so remain focused! There are lots of small rocks to navigate in this section. The trail can become a little difficult to locate around mile 3 next to the first dam. Just head towards the small lake, and you'll reconnect if you strayed.

As you make the curve at mile 3 through some trees and brush, you are likely to encounter herds of bison and longhorn cattle. Make sure to stick to the trail, and you'll be fine. The final mile is a mostly covered section that runs along French Lake. You'll be able to pick up the pace a bit as the trail is pretty flat and rock free.

Please note - there is very little shade along this trail. Please plan accordingly (water, sunscreen, etc).

Contacts

Land Manager: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Shared By:

D Dan
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 17 votes

#3

in Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

#631

Overall
  4.4 from 17 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
6%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Wichita Mountains Wild…

#4

in Oklahoma

#631

Overall
49 Views Last Month
7,172 Since Mar 18, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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69%
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Photos

The Bison Trail offers some incredible wildflower meadows in the spring.
May 29, 2017 near Cache, OK
A dam/water crossing from the Kite Trail to the Bison Trail Loop.
May 29, 2017 near Cache, OK
The Bison Trail is quite beautiful in the spring wildflower bloom.
May 29, 2017 near Cache, OK
View of the dam
Apr 27, 2019 near Cache, OK
Nearing Lost Lake on the Kite Trail alt.
Oct 22, 2017 near Cache, OK
The Bison Trail offers beautiful places to look out over West Cache Creek.
May 29, 2017 near Cache, OK

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 64 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jan 28, 2023
Peder Bisbjerg
Fun loop, I saw both Texas longhorn and bison. There are several spots where trail finding skills are necessary. 6mi — 2h 30m
Oct 14, 2021
Tyler Lyons
2h 00m
Feb 27, 2021
Stephen F
Jun 5, 2020
Rachel Romanczukiewicz
4.7mi — 2h 25m
May 31, 2020
Frank Meyer
5.3mi — 5h 00m
Apr 28, 2020
Isa Paez
Aug 3, 2019
M Richardson
Good hike but no signs/maps/symbols to direct you to where the trail starts or along the trail. Limited shade and no water on the trail 6.1mi — 6h 30m
Feb 24, 2019
Brie Farmer
5.3mi

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