6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Oklahoma for a Spring Hike

Spring is here, and there's no better way to experience the season than on a hike. If you're looking for the best spring hikes in Oklahoma, we found six fantastic trails to enjoy across the state this season. Whether you're near Norman, Tulsa, Broken Bow, or the Wichita Mountains, these hiking adventures will delight your senses and get you excited for summertime. Try one or try them all. There's something for everyone among them. What are you waiting for? The great outdoors awaits!

What Makes These Trails Perfect for Spring

We carefully curated this list of spring hikes to inspire you to hit the trails. Each one is rated easy or moderate, and all of them will give you deep exposure to some of Oklahoma's most beautiful places. Whether you're looking for fresh air, wildflowers, wildlife, or spectacular views, you'll find all of those things out on these beautiful and memorable trails.

6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Oklahoma for a Spring Hike

1. Elk Mountain Trail (Moderate) - Charon's Garden Wilderness

If you're looking for panoramic vistas, then you'll love this 2.4-mile trail in the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma. The Elk Mountain Trail is a moderate-rated, out-and-back trek with 570 feet of elevation gain along the way.

Hikers will love the views along this trail and the opportunity to watch the mountains and prairie come back to life from above during spring. This trail is not well-marked, however, so be sure to download a trail map before you set out on this adventure.

2. Kite Trail (Easy) - Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge

Another fantastic springtime trail in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is the Kite Trail. If you like canyons, rocks, and waterways, this trail will be perfect for you. It's a 2.4-mile-long, out-and-back trail, so you'll have to go back the way you came in order to return to your car. The turnaround point is at Lost Lake, which is a lovely place for a spring picnic. You can expect to see lots of early wildflowers along its shores.

3. Turkey Mountain via Yellow Loop (Moderate) - Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness

Anyone living in or visiting Tulsa will enjoy a quick visit to Turkey Mountain. The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness is just 10 minutes from downtown Tulsa, but you'll feel like you've disappeared deep into nature when you explore it.

The Turkey Mountain via Yellow Loop Trail is a 3.7-mile loop trail that takes most hikers about two hours to complete. Along the way, you'll pass through wooded, forested areas and varied terrain, and you'll be able to enjoy views of the Arkansas River and of the city beyond it. A vast number of trails branch off from this one, so be careful to stay on the right one, or take some extra time to explore the others.

4. Sutton Wilderness Trail (Easy) - Sutton Urban Wilderness Park

Sutton Urban Wilderness Park is just north of Norman, so it's the perfect park to visit for a break from studying for finals this spring if you're a student at the University of Oklahoma. The park is small but mighty, and home to birds, white-tailed deer, foxes, Texas horned lizards, butterflies, and other fascinating creatures.

The easy Sutton Wilderness Trail is a loop trail that goes around the Oknoname Reservoir in the park. It's just 1.4 miles in length, and should take less than an hour to complete the hike. On your route, you'll likely see a number of different animals and some spring wildflowers, too. This hike is kid and dog-friendly, but dogs must stay on their leashes at all times.

5. California Road Nature Trail (Moderate) - Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park

If you love history, then you'll love the California Road Nature Trail in Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, west of Oklahoma City near Hinton. Parts of this 3.5-mile trail follow the historic California Trail that settlers followed to California in the 1800s. You can even view old wagon ruts on the west side of the canyon during your hike.

This trail is a loop, but it can sometimes become overgrown and confusing to follow; it's wise to download a trail map before embarking on your journey. The trail itself is rated moderate due to some inclines and challenging sections, but most hikers complete it in under two hours. You'll love watching nature come back to life for the springtime along this trail.

6. Mountain Fork River Trail (Moderate) - Beavers Bend State Park

Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow in southeastern Oklahoma is one of the state's most popular state parks, and it's easy to see why. This area is incredibly beautiful, and there's plenty to do.

There are numerous excellent hiking trails in this park worth trying in the spring or at any time of the year, but one of the best short trails is the Mountain Fork River Trail. This trail is just one mile long, out-and-back, and takes under an hour to complete. It's flat and easy, offering exceptional views of the river. The trail is rated moderate because it can be muddy, and the river can run high in the spring, so be careful. If you're lucky, you may encounter some armadillos on your adventure, along with other more common woodland creatures.

Tips for Planning a Spring Hike in Oklahoma

Anytime you go hiking anywhere, be sure to let someone know where you'll be and when you plan to return. This is a good idea even for short hikes like these. Further, keep in mind that the weather can change at any time, so bring layers in order to stay prepared for anything. It's always wise to carry water, and, for these trails, you'll also want to bring a camera to capture the beauty all around you.

Hiking in Oklahoma at any time of the year is a true joy, but it's especially lovely to explore the Sooner State in the springtime. There are so many beautiful things to see, and so many wonderful places to explore in this great state, and these six trails will certainly get you started and leave you hungry for more. Happy trails to you!