What’s there to do in Oklahoma?

 

Go hiking and geocaching at Gloss Mountain State Park in Fairview, Oklahoma!

Many people say there is nothing to do in Oklahoma, but I’m here to tell you those people are mistaken. That’s why we started our “Whats there to do in Oklahoma” series. Oklahoma actually has many great outdoor adventure, that you may have never heard about. Gloss Mountain is one of those places.

Gloss Mountain State Park is quite a place. It is unlike anything else in Oklahoma. It’s free to enter and a great place to hike. It is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.

What is Gloss Mountain?

Gloss Mountains is also known as Glass Mountains. They are called this because they are high in Selenite that resembles shiny glass. They are not actual mountains but they are a series of unique hills.

 

Our Experience

We visited the Gloss Mountain State Park and took a hike across the Gloss Mountains. On our visit we noticed next to one of the trail signs there was a bowl with some of the Selenite glass. They were small clear crystal rocks that were found there. They were much more clear than the crystals we dug up at the Great Salt Plains State Park.

We found many geocaches along our hike and we had amazing views from the tops of the mesas. It was however hot, so be sure to bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing when you visit.

 

The Hike

The hiking trail at Gloss Mountains is know as the Cathedral Mountain Mesa Trail. It is a 1.5 mile loop. It starts off in the parking lot where you climb some steps before walking across the Mesa. You get to see a view of the valley and Lone Peak Mountain. The trail is not too difficult and we were able to walk it fairly easily.

 

Geocaching 

We were surprised to find a few well maintained geocaches and decent sized ones as well. If you enjoy Geocaching make sure to check them out while here. You can find out more from our Geocaching Article. (It’s an old one but its informative)

 

 

Gloss Mountain Outfitters

You cannot camp at Gloss Mountain State Park so it is nice that you can nearby at Gloss Mountain Outfitters. It is located 30 minutes away and they have tent and RV sites available. You can find out more at their official site here.

 

 

 

 

 

The History

In 1821 American explorers first refereed to Gloss Mountains as Shining Mountains. Explorer Thomas James refereed to it as Glass Mountains when travelling along the Cimarron River in 1821. A mapmpaker made a transcription error and named it Gloss Mountains.

 

 

The Location

 

Where exactly is Gloss Mountain State Park and how do I get there?

It is in Fairview, Oklahoma. Check out the map below to see exactly where it is and how to get there.

 

 

 

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Want to know more great things to do in Oklahoma?

Check out our What’s there to do in Oklahoma section of our site!

 

 

Check out our post about Crystal Digging and more at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Alfalfa, Oklahoma . It is near the Gloss Mountain State Park and can easily be added as a stop on your next road trip!

Does this sound like something you and your family would enjoy? Please share with your friends and plan a trip! Let us know what you think in the comment section below!