Tulsa: Ridge Trail Loop
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area features a best-in-class overlook of the bustling city and the Arkansas River.
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Mapped by Charlie Williams
Trail Facts
- Distance: 6.5
Waypoints
TRL001
Location: 36.0611610412598, -95.9926376342774
Walk E on 71st St. bike path. In 250 ft., take hard L (W) onto two-lane blacktop path; climb small hill. Ahead, path swings N, following tree-lined corridor aside Elwood Ave.
TRL002
Location: 36.064624786377, -95.9932861328125
Spur leads to paved parking area; walk NE across lot between wide rows of shiny cars
TRL003
Location: 36.0652046203613, -95.9926834106445
Wood sign made by local Eagle Scout shows three route options: Ridge Trail, Lower Trail, and Pond Trail. Take Ridge Trail to NE. Note: Many unmarked paths cut across trail; stay with yellow blazes
TRL004
Location: 36.068431854248, -95.9927139282226
Turn R @ T
TRL005
Location: 36.068473815918, -95.9923248291016
Turn L @ Y to begin clockwise loop; rocky hill ahead
TRL006
Location: 36.0696449279785, -95.9923858642578
Turn R @ T for SE traverse along wooded ridgeline
TRL007
Location: 36.0672302246094, -95.9891586303711
Woods open up as trail hooks to the L, heading N
TRL008
Location: 36.0814971923828, -95.9921646118164
Pass sandstone boulders resting on polished, black shale; continue NW through hardwoods
TRL009
Location: 36.0844955444336, -95.9936065673828
Enter clearing with power lines, then go R back into woods. Head S along E flank of Turkey Mtn., passing boulders
TRL010
Location: 36.0744705200195, -95.9903869628906
Picturesque path hugs vertical sandstone bluff; continue S
TRL011
Location: 36.0691032409668, -95.9886016845703
Snap photos: Tulsa skyline rises behind calm flow of the Arkansas River. To close loop, follow yellow blazes to WPT 5; retrace steps to bus stop on S side of 71st
