Wichita Mountains Wildlife RefugeAbout Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in southwestern Oklahoma, United States, conserving rugged granite hills, shortgrass prairie and open water habitats. It was created in the early 20th century as part of federal conservation efforts and supports free-roaming herds of American bison and other large mammals.
The refuge offers a mix of recreational opportunities including driving loops, short hikes, wildlife viewing and fishing at small lakes. Key visitor experiences include observing the resident bison herd, viewing prairie dog towns and walking trails that traverse granite outcrops and basins.
The refuge was established by the U.S. government to preserve native wildlife and habitats, and it has been managed for both conservation and public access since its founding. Infrastructure includes paved and unpaved roads, trailheads and interpretive signs that explain the area’s natural and cultural values.
Geographically the refuge sits in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma near the city of Lawton and is accessed from regional highways leading into the refuge.
- Conservation history: The refuge was established for wildlife conservation in the early 20th century and now protects native prairie, granite hills and a range of native and introduced large mammals.
- Wildlife viewing tips: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the free-roaming bison and elk along the refuge roads and grasslands.
What to See#
- Mount Scott: A prominent granite summit rising within the refuge that offers panoramic views of the surrounding plains and rocky hills; a graded road and trails lead toward the summit area.
- Bison and grassland viewing areas: Open grassland and granite outcrops where a free-roaming herd of American bison, elk and longhorn cattle are commonly seen from roadside pullouts and short walks.
Best Time to Visit Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for hiking and wildlife observation; winter can be cold and summer hot.
Weather & Climate near Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (792 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 9° | -1° | 30 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -1° - 13° | 2° | 37 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 3° - 18° | 10° | 60 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 8° - 23° | 15° | 67 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 126 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 18° - 31° | 25° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 34° | 27° | 58 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 20° - 34° | 27° | 62 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 16° - 29° | 23° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 10° - 24° | 17° | 76 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 16° | 7° | 47 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 11° | 1° | 33 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The refuge is about 20-30 miles northwest of Lawton, Oklahoma, and roughly 90 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Access is by car via US-62 and state roads; the refuge has several entrance points and a visitor center near the Mt. Scott area.
Tips for Visiting Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
- Drive the Refuge's Wildlife Drive early morning or late afternoon to see bison, elk, and prairie dogs.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching - the refuge hosts prairie songbirds and raptors.
- Respect wildlife: view bison and other large animals from a safe distance and do not feed animals.