Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains
From Oklahoma City to a refuge where bison roam among granite peaks, then west to the red hills of Quartz Mountain.
- Distance
- approx. 241 km (150 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 41 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- States
- OK
- Best time to go
- April–May and October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ $3
- Updated
- May 21, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 241 km (150 mi) with 6 stops, from Oklahoma City to Quartz Mountain Nature Park. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $3 (OK).
More road trips in Oklahoma · More road trips from Oklahoma City
Photos along the route
Route description
Leave Oklahoma City south-west through Chickasha and farm country to Anadarko, home to several tribal nations and to the American Indian Exposition held each August. From there it is under an hour to Medicine Park, a century-old resort town built of round red cobblestones along a creek.
OK-49 enters the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge just west of town. Take the short, steep road to the summit of Mount Scott for the widest view, then drive slowly through the refuge, watching for bison, longhorn cattle and prairie dog towns; trails lead to lakes and boulder-filled canyons.
Deeper inside the refuge is the Holy City of the Wichitas, a group of stone buildings put up for an Easter passion play. Camping in the refuge is at Doris Campground, where sites go quickly on spring and fall weekends.
Continue west on OK-49 and back roads to Quartz Mountain Nature Park on Lake Altus-Lugert, where red granite hills rise from the water. From here it is about three hours back to Oklahoma City via US-183 and I-40; spring and fall are far more comfortable than the summer heat.
Which stops are on Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Oklahoma City
OK - 295 km
Anadarko
OK - 353 km
Medicine Park
OK - 44 km
Mount Scott
ViewsMedicine Park, OKA paved three-mile road climbs to the top of this granite peak in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The view takes in lakes, boulder fields and the open plains; long trailers are not allowed on the summit road.
- 511 km
Holy City of the Wichitas
HistoryLawton, OKA set of stone buildings built for an Easter passion play first staged here in 1926. It sits inside the wildlife refuge, so watch for bison on the drive in.
- 678 km
Quartz Mountain Nature Park
NatureLone Wolf, OKRed granite hills rising from the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert in the far southwest of the state. Good for a scramble, a swim and a quiet campsite away from the refuge crowds.
How do you drive Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Oklahoma City → Anadarko · 59 mi · 1 h 03 minOvernight nearby, for example: Sycamore Cove Campgrounds (13 mi); Sunset Cove Campgrounds/ Ft Cobb SP (13 mi).
- Day 2: Anadarko → Holy City of the Wichitas · 43 mi · 0 h 46 minOn the way: Medicine Park, Mount Scott.Overnight nearby, for example: Lake Lawtonka - Robinson Landing Campground (7 mi); Lake Lawtonka - East Campground (8 mi).
- Day 3: Holy City of the Wichitas → Quartz Mountain Nature Park · 48 mi · 0 h 52 minOvernight nearby, for example: Live Oak Campground (< 1 km); River Run Campground North (< 1 km).
When is the best time for Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
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FAQs
How long is Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains?
3-day road trip of about 241 km (150 mi) with 6 stops, from Oklahoma City to Quartz Mountain Nature Park. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 41 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains start and end?
It starts in Oklahoma City and ends in Quartz Mountain Nature Park.
Which states does Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains pass through?
Oklahoma.
Where can you camp along Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains?
OpenStreetMap lists 47 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Crosstimbers Campground, Scissortail Campground and Love's RV Hookup.
How much are the tolls on Bison and granite in the Wichita Mountains?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $3 (OK). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
More like this
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Photo by Braden Jarvis on UnsplashGranite domes, bison and travertine springs – by camper through the Wichita and Arbuckle Mountains of southern Oklahoma
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