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Oklahoma Trails

Tulsa: Horse Thief Springs Loop

Cut through the towering pines of Holson Valley to the rocky shelf of Winding Stair Mountain on this 12.8-mile dayhike or overnight in the Ouachitas. Primitive camping allowed.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 17.2

Waypoints

HSL001

Location: 34.7788543701172, -94.6924362182617

Cedar Lake trailhead; trail (marked with white blazes) runs S

HSL002

Location: 34.7662124633789, -94.7066040039062

Cross Holson Valley Rd. into mostly pine forest

HSL003

Location: 34.7626991271973, -94.7101974487305

Turn L@T, heading downhill on rock-strewn loop

HSL004

Location: 34.7610816955566, -94.7046585083008

Cross the braided beds of Cedar Creek; often dry from July to October

HSL005

Location: 34.749698638916, -94.7139511108398

Excellent protected campsite under towering pines.
Local wisdom: Nearby forest road is washed out ahead; no motorized traffic

HSL006

Location: 34.7470245361328, -94.7145080566406

Cross Cedar Creek again; begin ascent Winding Stair Mtn.

HSL007

Location: 34.7382621765137, -94.7245483398438

Turn R onto Ouachita Trail (blue blazes); pines thin into hardwood forest

HSL008

Location: 34.7379722595215, -94.727165222168

Horse Thief Springs (fairly reliable); navigate rock garden next 1.2 miles

HSL009

Location: 34.7433700561523, -94.7455825805664

Turn R, bearing N down a steady hillside

HSL010

Location: 34.7536277770996, -94.7445755004883

Turn R and follow forest road for .25 mile; trail enters woods again on R

HSL011

Location: 34.7598075866699, -94.7285385131836

Trek a long, pine-covered ridge under Snake Mountain

HSL012

Location: 34.7626419067383, -94.7103729248047

Turn L and go last 2.1 miles to Cedar Lake trailhead

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

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