OKlahoma
Visiting Oklahoma can be a unique and enriching experience. The state is rich in history and culture, with a variety of museums, art galleries, and historical sites to explore. The city of Tulsa, in particular, is known for its art deco architecture, and visitors can take walking tours to appreciate the city’s unique buildings. Oklahoma is also home to several Native American tribes, and visitors can learn about their culture and history at museums and cultural centers throughout the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the state’s natural beauty at parks like the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Additionally, Oklahoma’s cuisine is a blend of traditional southern and Native American influences, and visitors can enjoy local specialties like chicken-fried steak, barbecue, and fry bread.
Oklahoma is home to two national forests, the Ouachita National Forest and the Cibola National Forest. The Ouachita National Forest covers over 1.8 million acres in southeastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, and offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can explore the forest’s many trails, including portions of the 192-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail. The Cibola National Forest covers over 1.6 million acres in New Mexico and Oklahoma, with a small portion of the forest located in the western part of the state. The forest is home to several hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which passes through the western portion of the forest. Both forests offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Oklahoma and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
The Cibola National Forest is a diverse and expansive natural wonder located in New Mexico and Oklahoma. The forest covers over 1.6 million acres of land, and its rugged terrain includes mountains, canyons, and mesas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing in the forest. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, passes through the forest, offering hikers a chance to experience some of the most stunning vistas and unique geological formations in the region. The forest is also home to several recreational areas, including the Sandia Peak Tramway, which offers a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley, as well as several developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/cibola
Mt. Taylor Ranger District
1800 Lobo Canyon Rd. Grants, NM 87020
(505) 287-8833
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mt. Taylor, Front), (Mt. Taylor, Back)
Magdalena Ranger District
203 First St. Magdalena, NM 87825
(575) 854-2281
Vehicle Use Maps: (Magdalena, Front), (Magdalena, Back)
Mountainair Ranger District
40 Ranger Station Rd. Mountainair, NM 87036
(505) 847-2990
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mountainair, Front), (Mountainair, Back)
Sandia Ranger District
11776 Hwy. 337 Tijeras, NM 87059
(505) 281-3304
Vehicle Use Maps: (Sandia, Front), (Sandia, Back)
The Ouachita National Forest is a sprawling 1.8 million-acre forest located in western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. The forest is known for its diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush valleys, and clear streams that flow through narrow canyons. The forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, and coyotes. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The Ouachita National Forest also boasts a number of scenic drives and overlooks, including the Talimena National Scenic Byway, which provides stunning views of the forest and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the Ouachita National Forest has something for everyone. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/ouachita
Caddo-Womble Ranger District
1523 Hwy 270 East, Mount Ida, AR 71957
(870) 867-2101
Jessieville-Winona-Fourche Ranger District
8607 N Hwy 7, PO Box 189, Jessieville AR 71949
(907) 826-3271
Mena-Oden Ranger District
1603 Hwy 71 N, Mena AR 71953
(479) 394-2382
Cold Spring/Poteau Ranger District
2190 E Main St Booneville AR 72927
(479)675-3256
Oklahoma has several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties, which offer a unique and diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. These lands cover over 250,000 acres, and include areas such as the Black Kettle
National Grassland and the Alabaster Caverns State Park. Visitors to these areas can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The Black Kettle National Grassland, located in western
Oklahoma, offers visitors a chance to explore vast prairies and enjoy scenic vistas, while the Alabaster Caverns State Park, located in the northwestern part of the state, features a network of caves filled with alabaster
formations. Additionally, some BLM lands in Oklahoma offer opportunities for off-highway vehicle use, such as the Little Sahara Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy sand dunes and trails suitable for ATVs and dune buggies
The Oklahoma district in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land is a vast and diverse region that spans across Oklahoma and includes a variety of landscapes such as grasslands, forests, mountains, and deserts. This area is managed by the BLM, a federal agency responsible for the stewardship of public lands in the United States. The Oklahoma district in BLM land offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Additionally, this region is home to several important cultural and historical sites, such as Native American ruins and historic mining towns. Check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/oklahoma-field-office
Oklahoma Field Office
201 Stephenson Parkway Norman, OK 73072
(405)579-7100
Oklahoma is home to two national grasslands, the Black Kettle National Grassland and the McClellan Creek National Grassland. The Black Kettle National Grassland covers over 31,000 acres in western Oklahoma, and offers visitors a chance to explore rolling hills, mixed grass prairies, and rocky outcroppings. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the grassland, as well as bird watching, stargazing, and scenic drives. The McClellan Creek National Grassland, located in the Texas Panhandle and covering over 31,000 acres, features rolling hills, mesas, and canyons, as well as a diverse range of wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and coyotes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the grassland, as well as hunting in designated areas. Both national grasslands offer visitors a unique and beautiful opportunity to explore Oklahoma’s natural landscapes and experience the state’s diverse and vibrant wildlife.
The Black Kettle National Grassland is a vast expanse of grassland covering over 31,000 acres in western Oklahoma. Visitors can explore the grassland’s diverse landscapes, which include rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and mixed grass prairies. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including prairie dogs, bison, and pronghorn antelope. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the grassland, as well as bird watching, stargazing, and scenic drives. The grassland also features several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails, including the 5-mile Black Kettle National Recreation Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cibola/home/?cid=stelprdb5397425
Black Kettle and McClellan Creek National Grasslands District
18555 Hwy 47A Suite B Cheyenne, OK 73628
(580) 497-2143
The Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands are located in the southern Great Plains region of the United States and are managed by the same district, the Kiowa National Grassland Ranger District. Both grasslands consist primarily of shortgrass prairie and provide important habitats for a variety of wildlife species. The management of both grasslands focuses on preserving and restoring the health of the prairie ecosystem, while also balancing the needs of various uses such as grazing and recreation. Grazing is an important use of the grasslands, and they provide opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. The management by the same district allows for coordinated efforts to protect and preserve these important landscapes. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cibola/home/?cid=fsbdev3_065702
Kiowa National Grasslands Ranger District
714 Main St. Clayton, NM 88415
(575) 374-9652
tips and tricks
If you plan on visiting Oklahoma in the summer, be prepared for hot temperatures and high humidity. It’s important to stay hydrated and wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
Oklahoma has several historic sites and museums, such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Plan ahead to visit these attractions and learn about the state’s history and culture.
Oklahoma is located in “tornado alley,” so it’s important to stay aware of the weather forecast and know what to do in the event of severe weather.
do’s and dont’s
Explore the state’s diverse geography, including the Ozark Mountains and the Great Plains!
Don’t litter or leave behind trash when camping or hiking. Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of Oklahoma’s landscapes.
Don’t park overnight in prohibited areas or in areas that are not designated for overnight parking. This can result in fines or even being towed.
