Oklahoma Hiking and Backpacking Trips

Tulsa: Robber's Cave State Park

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
This 10-mile loop explores Jesse James’s old hideout then links gurgling streams and quiet ponds in the rugged folds of the San Bois Mountains.

Oklahoma City, OK: McGee Creek

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Dip into the 8,900-acre McGee Creek Natural Scenic Area for an easy out-and-back that peeks into Bugaboo Canyon and some of Oklahoma’s least-traveled territory.

Fort Smith, AR: Kiamichi River via Ouachita Trail

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Explore an ancient eastern mountain range on this section of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

Tulsa, OK: Winding Stair Mountain Loop

BACKPACKER Review
One of Oklahoma's best weekend trips, this 21.7-mile loop circles Winding Stair Mountain for an up-close view of the Ouachita National Forest's most scenic stretch.

Tulsa: Ridge Trail Loop

BACKPACKER Review
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area features a best-in-class overlook of the bustling city and the Arkansas River.

Oklahoma City, OK: McGee Creek

BACKPACKER Review
Dip into the 8,900-acre McGee Creek Natural Scenic Area for an easy out-and-back that peeks into Bugaboo Canyon and some of Oklahoma’s least-traveled territory.

One mile loop trail with some steep, rocky sections. Characterized by rock outcroppings, overhanging bluffs/shelter caves, rocky ravines, thick woods and hilltop glades that are more common in SE Kansas and the Missouri Ozarks. Located just outside of Tulsa and close to I-44.

Family Hiking in the Sulphur National Recreation Area

Explore and hike in the Sulphur National Recreation Area in southern Oklahoma and experience mineral springs, clear flowing creeks, swimming holes, shady trails, grass prairies, and many trails to create your own length trip.

Tulsa: Robber's Cave State Park

McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreaton Area

The McGee Creek Natural Scenic Area is an 8900 acre recreation area. The last few trips we've been on were on the more difficult side. This time I wanted to go on a decidedly easier trip so as not to burn out my son with back to back, to back hard trips.

Family Hiking in the Sulphur National Recreation Area

Redbud Valley Natural Area

Local Hikes: Midwest

BACKPACKER Review
Hike these long trails in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and head south to Texas to see Horned Lizards.

Local Hikes: Midwest

BACKPACKER Review
Discover east Texas's longleaf pine forest; see the Boundary Waters on foot.

Readers' Choice: Southeast

BACKPACKER Review
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the southeast.

Trip Finder: Great Plains

BACKPACKER Review
Your favorite Great Plains hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.

Readers' Choice: Great Plains

BACKPACKER Review
Your favorite parks, weekend getaways, peak ascents, campsites, and more in the Great Plains states.

Local Hikes: New Hikes Near You

BACKPACKER Review
Our army of reader-reader scouts mapped 59 local hikes from South Carolina to Northern California. See their favorites, then learn how to download tracklogs and waypoints.

Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.

Photos + Videos

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.	Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.

Life's Short, Hike More!

What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.