The Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway Is Oklahoma’s Must-Drive Road

It'd be nearly impossible to find a single resident of Southwest Oklahoma that didn't know about the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, but I bet it'd be even harder to find more that a handful of people that know about the Wichita Mountain Scenic Byway.

It's probably the best-kept secret in Southwest Oklahoma.

I know gas prices are still really high and nobody really wants to go exploring beyond their strictly necessary commutes right now, but if you were looking for something new to do, right now is the best time to take this drive. Everything looks so fresh and clean with all the new growth happening.

Get our free mobile app

If you didn't know, scenic byways exist everywhere in the United States. Oklahoma has eight of them. The most famous of course is Route 66 which sweeps through the plains. Other famous routes include the Talimena Scenic Byway which people flock to in the fall to see some of the most photogenic and natural seasonal colors in the state down that way.

Did you know there's a designated route to drive to see all the wonder and beauty the mountains offer? I mean, yeah, it'll take you through the refuge roads you're used to, but it will also take you on a route you've likely never driven to see things you've never seen.

While it's fine to be in the refuge, like most mountains, the real beauty is best seen from afar.

Don't twist my words, the mountains are beautiful regardless of where you're seeing them from, but the scenic byway route provides a view you haven't seen yet. To really see the full glory, you have to see things from a distance. It's that "Can't see the forest for the trees" thing.

The Federal Highway Administration's official route can be a little confusing, especially if you're reading the directions, but the map they provide isn't the easiest to read. By their standard, it's a jumbled mess of u-turns and backtracking.

Alternatively, the map provided by Google Maps is pretty straightforward. You can either start at the top of the map and work your way back to the refuge or enter the refuge from Cache and head towards Gotebo.

Turkey Pass is on the map as a start/finish point, but I don't think I've ever seen that road open to the public before. Being located behind the fence, I'm sure you need a special use pass to get out there. Instead, drive out to Highway 54, head north, and hop on Highway 49 from there... Then you just follow the map back towards Highway 54 near Gotebo, savvy?

I know the pain at the pump is brutal right now, but if you have nothing else to do, this is a great way to spend a few hours, especially while the mountains are flush in green.