This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Oklahoma Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

If you have ever wondered, "Are there natural wonders in Oklahoma," you’ll be happy to know the answer is YES! As a state with four distinct seasons, the Sooner State’s landscape looks very different as the year progresses, which means the natural wonders in Oklahoma are sure to impress throughout the year. Every season displays beautiful landscapes. (We are partial to fall, but that’s just us.) Nature lovers will enjoy this natural wonders road trip in Oklahoma that will lead you to some of the state’s most magical places. We’ve already featured the eastern portion of the state in this fall foliage road trip in Oklahoma, so now it is time to see the beauty that awaits in western and central Oklahoma. It is best to plan a few days for this Oklahoma road trip, so you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Oklahoma at each stop. There’s even a little hidden resort along the way, where you can stay the night, or choose from one of Oklahoma’s charming bed and breakfasts.

You can begin your journey at any destination on the Oklahoma road trip map below…just find the closest starting point to you. So, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on one of the best Oklahoma road trips? Well, then let the fun begin.

The road trip is 509 miles long and approximately 10 hours without stops. Check out the map, along with directions, before you head out.

1. Great Salt Plains State Park, Jet

The Great Salt Plains State Park is comprised of a huge expanse of salt plains that are remnants of an ancient ocean that once covered this part of Oklahoma. One of the most unique places in Oklahoma, the refuge is the only spot in the world where crystal enthusiasts can dig for hourglass selenite crystals, a rare and fragile form of selenite, which is a form of gypsum.

2. Little Sahara State Park, Waynoka

Now head out to explore one of the best hidden gems in Oklahoma, Little Sahara is named for its resemblance to the Sahara Desert. The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits. The park offers over 1,600 acres of rideable sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 feet to 75 feet. Amenities include showers, picnic areas, RV hookups with electric/water and tent sites. Seasonal concessions provide refreshment, and fuel and grocery are located nearby. You can rent ATVs and dune buggies or view the vast beauty from the viewing platform.

3. Gloss Mountain State Park, Fairview

Offering some of the most beautiful views in Oklahoma, the name of Gloss Mountain State Park is derived from the selenite crystals that sparkle on the slopes and tops of the mesas. Gloss Mountain is a group of mesas and buttes that extend from the Permian red buds in Major County. The mountains extend about 150-200 feet above the surface of the plains, with the highest elevation reaching 1,600 feet.

4. Roman Nose State Park, Watonga

Also among the best hidden gems in Oklahoma, Roman Nose State Park is one of the original seven state parks in Oklahoma and is tucked away in Watonga. The park offers captivating canyon views, hidden waterfalls, hiking trails, a beautiful lodge and many outdoor activities.

5. Red Rock Canyon State Park, Hinton

The stunning backdrop of the red canyon walls makes Red Rock Canyon State Park a prime camping spot in west-central Oklahoma. The park has lots of hiking trails and is best-known for rappelling. Visitors can also cast a line in the fishing pond or pitch a tent for an overnight camping trip.

6. Quartz Mountain, Lone Wolf

Quartz Mountain is also called Baldy Point and is located in southwest Oklahoma. The mountain overlooks the beautiful Lake Altus-Lugert and is one of the most western peaks in the Wichita Mountains. It is made up of mostly pink-red Lugert granite and Reformatory granite.

7. >>>>OVERNIGHT STOP

If you choose to spend the night at Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Wolf, the mileage of the first day trip will be 254 miles if you began your journey at Great Salt Plains State Park. Offering one of the best getaways in Oklahoma, the resort is a premiere, yet secluded, lodge-style destination hotel that is surrounded by stunning mountains and rugged beauty. Guests of the resort can enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities including biking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and golfing.

8. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lawton

Located in the southwestern portion of Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are rock promontories and rounded hills made of igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and large boulders. Haley Peak is the highest point in the mountains at 2,481 feet. Fort Sill occupies a large portion of the southeastern end of the mountains.

9. Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore

Easily the best state park in Oklahoma, Lake Murray State Park, which is located in Ardmore, is full of outdoor activities to keep the whole family busy from sunup to sundown. It is the largest state park in Oklahoma, boasting over 12,000 acres of exceptional beauty. It's also home to the iconic Tucker Tower - a geological museum and nature center open to the public.

10. Arbuckle Mountains, Davis

The Arbuckle mountain range is located in south-central Oklahoma and, as the oldest known formations in the U.S. between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, is among the oldest mountains in America. The range reaches 1,412 feet above sea level. The Arbuckles contain the popular Turner Falls Park and Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

11. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur

This recreation area is one of the best places to take in natural springs in Oklahoma. Situated in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of natural and mineral springs that attract visitors from all over the country. As you can see, the fall foliage is stunning during the fall season. Be sure to get out and explore the area.

So, what do you think? Does this route lead to the best natural wonders in Oklahoma? Did we miss your favorite Oklahoma natural wonder? Know of any other beautiful places in Oklahoma? Does this look like one of the best Oklahoma road trips? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so share your thoughts with us.