Just about two hours by car from Oklahoma City lies one of the state’s most breathtaking scenic spots—Mount Scott. Located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, this underrated destination offers sweeping views of Oklahoma’s unique landscape and is perfect for a nature-filled day trip.
🗺 Route Overview
Places visited on this trip:
- Mount Scott
- Holy City of the Wichitas
- Quanah Parker Dam
- Elk Mountain Trail
We also stopped by a few spontaneous spots we found along the way. One of the joys of a road trip!
⛰ Mount Scott: A 360-Degree View Worth the Drive
Mount Scott is located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma. Since Oklahoma doesn’t have many high-elevation spots, the view from this moderately elevated mountain feels extra special.
Although Mount Scott’s elevation is only about 751 meters (around 2,464 feet), the surrounding landscape is so flat that the summit offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic view. It was absolutely breathtaking—we were in awe of the vastness and beauty.
On clear days, you can enjoy views that stretch all the way to the horizon, making this a must-visit spot to experience the expansive natural beauty of Oklahoma.
👉 Learn more about Mount Scott on TravelOK.com
Mount Scott is appealing for both outdoor adventurers and those who simply want to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace. There’s a paved road that takes you all the way to the summit, so it’s accessible even for families with young children.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking to the top on foot. The peaceful walk through nature is an incredibly refreshing experience that allows you to reconnect with the outdoors.
🚙 Scenic Driving and Serendipitous Encounters
There’s plenty more to see around Mount Scott.
For example, Holy City of the Wichitas features stone buildings and statues that depict Christian history, giving the area a unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
At Quanah Parker Dam, we saw people enjoying a relaxing afternoon of fishing.
One of the most exciting moments of the drive was spotting a herd of bison and Texas Longhorns grazing near the road! We were lucky enough to stop the car and observe them up close—one of the special perks of a self-guided road trip.
We also attempted a short hike at Elk Mountain Trail, which features a slightly rocky terrain and leads to a mesa-top with incredible views. Though we didn’t make it all the way due to a lack of preparation, the trail was still memorable. We spotted colorful lizards and tiny cacti—it felt like a mini treasure hunt in nature.
🌵 A Fulfilling Day in the Great Outdoors
Throughout the day, we made short stops, took relaxing walks, and enjoyed observing wildlife and plants. This area isn’t overly commercialized or touristy, which makes the connection with nature feel all the more authentic.
✍️ Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to experience natural beauty and wide-open views in Oklahoma, the area around Mount Scott is highly recommended. On a clear day, just hop in the car and take a short drive—you’ll be rewarded with a sense of scale and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.
