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Bison Trail

Indiahoma, Oklahoma

4.7/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

6.19 miles

Elevation Gain

433 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Korey Taylor

The Bison Trail explores the unique, rugged landscape of the Wichita Mountains. You'll likely catch a glimpse of a few as this is home to a herd of nearly 650 buffalo.

The Wichita Mountains rise rather dramatically from the flat plains of Southwest Oklahoma that surround them. In 1901, the roughly 59,000 acres of land were established as a wildlife refuge to preserve endangered species and to reintroduce animals that had once been eliminated from the area. Today, this is a wonderful spot to observe wildlife, hike, and camp.

Bison Trail is the longest in the refuge, and it offers spectacular views of lakes and the surrounding area. Shortly after you begin the hike, you will come to a fork – you choose either direction, since it is one large loop. The hike will take roughly three hours, which leaves you plenty of time to set up camp at Doris Campground.

Doris Campground is the perfect set up, whether you're looking for single-units with or without electricity, or a semi-primitive area to pitch your tent. The campground is situated near Quanah Parker Lake and is also an awesome spot to watch the sunset. Don't forget to grab some firewood for after sunset, and a cooler to ice down your beverages. This a great spot for weekend getaways!

Getting there: In order to reach the Bison Trailhead, turn off of Highway 49 onto NW Indiahoma Rd. You will begin to see signs for the parking lot that leads to the trail.

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Features

Camping
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Scenic
Wildlife

Bison Trail Reviews

Explorer

12/10/15

The Wichita Mountains is quite a gem in Oklahoma, and it's got fantastic hiking trails from the novice to the expert hiker. The Bison Trail is family friendly and on it there are definitely lots of wildlife to see with great views of the mountains! Doris Campground is a well kept campground and it situated on Quanah Parker Lake, which is convenient for fishing and kayaking.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Climb at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Hike to Crab Eyes

Hike to the Lower Rock Rooms via Charon's Garden Trail

Elk Mountain

Post Oak Falls

Camp at Doris Campground in the Wichita Mountains