This Mountainous Oklahoma State Park Offers Rock Climbing, Scenic Hiking, And Lakeside Views

The state of Oklahoma can really surprise visitors with its varied landscapes. Besides its cowboy culture sites, you have Little Sahara State Park in Waynoka, with giant sand dunes that you'd think you're in Africa. Myriad Botanical Gardens, on the other hand, will transport you to Palmenhaus in Vienna, Austria. At the end of the day, we're always drawn to the striking mountains, and there's one specific state park where they surround you from every angle — towering ahead of you, mirrored in the glimmering lake, and even carried in the crisp air. Quartz Mountain State Park is an outdoor lover's dream come true, where the Wichita Range stands tall and Lake Altus-Lugert glitters with sunlight. Whether you wish to conquer mountains or test the lake's waters, Quartz Mountain is Southwest Oklahoma's secret recreational area.

Initially covering 158 acres of waterfront nature, Quartz Mountain State Park expanded to 4,540 acres over the years. Before becoming a designated open space, this was where 39 Indigenous tribes, such as the Osage, Wichita, and Kickapoo nations, lived and prospered. In fact, certain records indicate that about 20,000 years ago, the woolly mammoth roamed these grounds, and Paleo-Indian people pursued them. While the colossal animals no longer exist, the state park continues to provide a home for rattlesnakes, bobcats, Eastern bullfrogs, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, and more.

The town of Lone Wolf serves as your gateway to Quartz Mountain State Park. If you're flying to the park, choose airlines that either land in Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport (an hour and a half away) or Will Rogers International Airport, a little over two hours away. The drive from Edmond, an up-and-coming destination with a walkable downtown, takes 2.5 hours.

While open year-round, plan your trip to Quartz Mountain anywhere between October and April to avoid the high temperatures. There are hundreds of campsites — from premium to primitive — across five campgrounds, where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. The campgrounds offer showers, hot water, toilets, and fire rings. You can also spend the night in a cabin, which accommodates up to 10 guests. Another option with a roof over your head is the Quartz Mountain State Park Lodge. Guests staying at the cabins or lodge can take advantage of the indoor pool and wake up to gorgeous lake views. Prior to embarking on adventures, make sure to have a physical map with you since cell reception can be spotty in the mountains.

If summertime is the only time you can make it, beat the heat with seasonal ATV riding within the state park. The Eagles Roost ATV Area, open from April to October, spans 400 acres with two miles of trails. You can ride over the dunes on your off-road motorcycle, UTV, and RUV vehicles. Binoculars are a must-bring to Quartz Mountain State Park, no matter when you're visiting. Spring and fall are the peak seasons for observing white pelicans and Canadian geese. During the summer months, the skies are full of soaring bluebirds, flickers, woodpeckers, wrens, and Eastern black-chinned hummingbirds. Meanwhile, wintertime is when the bald eagle rests here. Whenever you're strolling by the lake's shores, you'll find ducks and cranes by the water. Look up, and you'll witness red-tailed hawks overhead. Keep an eye out for great horned owls, prairie falcons, and golden eagles, too.

The Baldy Point Climbing Area within the state park is where you'll achieve your bouldering feats. This area rises 300 feet tall and challenges you to a test of endurance. Early morning climbing is when you'll have the most shade on your ascent. From sport to trad routes, you're bound to find a climb that satisfies your adrenaline-rush-seeking spirit. A safer way to get active is by practicing your swing at the 18-hole golf course. You get to choose between an amateur and pro tee, depending on your skills.

This is only the beginning of the activities available at Quartz Mountain. Bikers will be happy to know that they can ride along the Heart Healthy Trail, a 3.4-mile out-and-back path with a gentle incline. Otherwise, you'll be relying on your feet to explore the state park. The Sunrise Trail is a short loop that exposes you to some of the boulders in Quartz Mountain. For spectacular lakeside vistas, follow the 0.9-mile Twin Peaks Trail. If these are too easy for you, perhaps you'll enjoy the Baldy Point Summit Trail. Despite being only 2.1 miles long, this hike is not for the faint of heart. The journey is quite steep, the ground features loose gravel, and you'll come across poisonous plants and cacti.

Brought your rod with you? Make your way to any of the fishing docks by the lake to catch walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Launch your boat near the Live Oak Campground North to glide across the lake — you can also kayak and canoe. If these are the kinds of activities you like, you'll absolutely love the Gathering Place in Tulsa, one of America's best waterfront playgrounds.