A recreationaleducational park that is accessible for hiking and picnicking from sunrise to sunset. With an abundance of transparent selenite crystals lying on the surface, explorer thomas james called these formations the glass mountain. It follows us highway 259 for 23 miles between page, oklahoma and octavia, oklahoma. The mesa trail runs from the parking lot to the top of cathedral mountain, giving visitors spectacular views of the area and lone peak mountain. Glass front porch glass mountains state park, oklahoma by cristina travel oklahoma oklahoma usa enid oklahoma oklahoma tourism the places youll go places to see mountain states photos voyages le far west. The gloss mountains consist of buttes which rise from 50 to 175 feet above the valley floor. Cathedral mountain is a hikeable mesa in the glassgloss mountains in northwestern oklahoma. Two years later the same office issued another map calling them the gloss mountains. The glass mountains also known as gloss mountains or gloss hills are not actually mountains, but a series of mesas and buttes that are part of the blaine escarpment that extends from the permian red beds of northwestern oklahoma in major county. The glass mountains stretch west along us highway 412 from orienta south of the cimarron river. The glass mountains are not actually mountains, but a series of mesas and buttes. Aug 14, 2017 the glass mountains rise 150 feet 46 m to 200 feet 61 m above the surface of the plains, and the highest elevation in the formation is about 1,600 feet 490 m above sea level. According to wikipedia, the glass mountains also known as gloss mountains or gloss hills are.
Oklahoma operates gloss mountain state park which preserves 640 acres of the site. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. The glass mountains rise 150 feet 46 m to 200 feet 61 m. Oklahoma has divided its diverse landscape into six regions or countries each with a distinct flavor, image and unique cities and towns that make great destination sites. Brochures are available along cathedral mountain trail as well as in the kiosk at the front park gate and near the restroom facility. Located in the oklahoma panhandle area near fairview oklahoma, gloss mountain state park is one of oklahoma s newest state parks. Glass mountains sometimes called gloss mountains are located 6 miles west of orienta which is on highway us 412. Points of interest are noted on a map in the gloss mountain state park brochure. Usgs photo by george irving adams, 1900 glass mountains seen from the top of a mesa at glass mountains state park 2007 the glass mountains also known as gloss mountains or gloss hills are not actually mountains, but a series of mesas and buttes that are part of the blaine escarpment that extends from the permian red beds. The glass mountains or gloss mountains are a series of mesas and buttes that extend from the permian red beds of the blaine escarpment of northwestern oklahoma in major county. Points of interest include land geography, geological formations, selenite gypsum, scenery and wildlife.
Gloss mountain state park is 5 miles w of orienta on hwy 412. The massive leaves are particularly wide and fiercelyspined, so give it plenty of room, and keep it away from. Highway 385 runs through the eastern portion of the range. Trapped in a thick mud gumbo, gypsum crystals were formed in the compacted layers of rock and were eventually buried beneath more sediment.
In close proximity to the lodge, the remains of an early1900s barn is the perfect place for campfire activities and adds to the overall experience of cedar haven lodge. Subsequent maps included the mountains with a typo, or a misinterpretation of someones bostonian accent. Lots of quail inhabit grassy valleys between the flattopped mountains, but it is remote and rugged country, unknown to many oklahomans despite an interesting past. Several scenic turnouts are located along the route providing. The glass mountains rise 150 feet 46 m to 200 feet 61 m above the surface of the plains, and the highest elevation in the formation is about 1,600 feet 490 m above sea level. The gloss glass mountains of oklahoma the great plains trail. Wichita mountains national wildlife refuge located in southwest oklahama, not far from lawton, the wichita mountains wildlife refuge has acted as a. A short video of our trip to the glass mountain state park. An hour west of enid in the rural town of fairview rests a true oklahoma treasure. These 10 epic mountains in oklahoma will drop your jaw 1. Gloss mountain state park state park, mountain facebook. Gypsum is another mineral prevalent in the mountains here and causes the white rings that are seen on the sides. Secret of the glass mountains just another university of.
Geological survey publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the u. Its a not chosen size geocache, with difficulty of 1, terrain of 1. James, thomas the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and. Gloss mountain state park fairview 2020 all you need to know. Picture to the right courtesy of oklahoma department of tourism picture by david fitzgerald oklahomas own professional photographer. Peckerwood knob cabin rentals secluded oklahoma mountain. A recreationaleducational park that is accessible 365 days a year for hiking and picnicking, from sunrise to sunset. The surrounding areas of kansas and central oklahoma are mostly made up of hilly grasslands, so the appearance of these brilliant red hills and cliffs really takes you by surprise. I think you have to have interests in the geological. Well, the middle of the country part holds true, but the flat part is a myth.
The state of oklahoma operates the 640 acres 260 ha glass gloss mountain state park, 6 miles 9. Hike the cathedral mountain trail at gloss mountain sp. James, thomas the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and culture. The lodge and ranch combination is available as a wedding venue, for a romantic weekend getaway, family vacations, receptions, retreats and more.
Jan 14, 2016 the mountain pass scenic drive is located in southeast oklahoma. Nearby lava flows are rich in obsidian, a dense and typically black volcanic glass used by many native cultures to make arrowheads and blades, and pumice, a light, porous volcanic rock that consists of a network of gas bubbles frozen amidst fragile volcanic glass and minerals. Though there are no lodging or campsites located in gloss mountains state park, guests can enjoy the cathedral mountain hike from sunrise to sunset. The lodge is located in the gloss mountains and is surrounded by a tree and mesalined valley. The secret of the glass mountains i really enjoyed it. Mar 08, 2015 the gloss or glass mountains got their name from the concentrations of the mineral selenite that sparkle on the tops of the mesas. The gloss glass mountains of oklahoma the great plains. The gloss mountains, sometimes called the glass mountains, have a high selenite content that mimics a shiny glass exterior. The newton ranch at gloss mountain outfitters features beautiful scenery, peaceful ambiance, privacy and is home to cedar haven lodge. Glass mountain, capped with massive gypsum, major county, oklahoma. Sep 12, 2015 these 10 epic mountains in oklahoma will drop your jaw. Facilities include a restroom, pavilions, picnic areas, grills, public water supply, handicap trail to historical marker, and a hiking trail from base parking lot to the top of cathedral.
Horse sense thats all it takes to hunt quail in glass. Gc3rprr glass mountains oklahoma earthcache in oklahoma. Glass mountains is in the ranges category for major county in the state of oklahoma. Geology of the glass mountains of western oklahoma. Glass mountains the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and. Hiking the cathedral mountain trail at gloss mountain state park will provide you panoramic views of this unique and beautiful area of prehistoric mesas and buttes. Not really mountains, these features are mesas and buttes, part of the blaine escarpment that traverses northwestern oklahoma.
Nice message for such a divisive time, and set in so many places. The glass also known as gloss mountains rise 150 to 200 feet above the flat surface of major county in northwestern oklahoma, six miles west of orienta on u. Located in rural oklahoma an hour west of enid, gloss mountain state park is known for its interesting mountain features and hiking opportunities. Facilities include a restroom, pavilions, picnic areas, grills, public water supply, handicap trail to historical marker, and a hiking trail from base parking lot to the top of cathedral mountain and across the mesa to view the valley floor and lone peak mountain. Glass mountains state park also called gloss mountain state park is an oklahoma state park located in major county, oklahoma, near the city of fairview, oklahoma. The glass mountains rise 150 feet 46 m to 200 feet 61 m above the surface of the plains. Located in the oklahoma panhandle area near fairview oklahoma, gloss mountain state park is one of oklahomas newest state parks. The east side of the living room is all glass, two stories up, and gives a great view of the sun rising over the mountains. These 10 epic mountains in oklahoma will drop your jaw. Gloss mountain state park fairview 2020 all you need. Just browse through these awesome pictures and be amazed by its beauty. I crossed into oklahoma from kansas on highway 34, and i wasnt quite in the glass mountains yet, but even at that point you can start to see pops of orange peeking out of the hills.
Apr 24, 20 i crossed into oklahoma from kansas on highway 34, and i wasnt quite in the glass mountains yet, but even at that point you can start to see pops of orange peeking out of the hills. Chet, bethany, oklahoma congratulations on a fine novel. He leases 9,000 roadless acres on two ranches in the glass mountains, a range of gypsum hills popping up from the plains near the community of loyal in northwestern oklahoma. Oklahoma, also know as sooner state, land of the red man and native america, offers some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and places to visit. The mountains have a high selenite content, making them appear as if they were covered with pieces. The glass also known as gloss mountains rise 150 to 200 feet above the flat surface of major county in northwestern oklahoma, six miles west of orienta on. Anyone who is interested in visiting glass mountains can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Climb the parks socalled glass mountains for stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and hike the many trails through the park to view local flora and fauna.
Gloss mountain outfitters rr 2, box 1530 waynoka, ok 73860 phone. The glass mountains also known as gloss mountains or gloss hills are not actually mountains, but a series of mesas and buttes that are part. Did you know that mile for mile, oklahoma offers the nations most diverse terrain. Unlike anywhere in oklahoma, the gloss mountains are a oneofakind natural wonder due to their shiny, fiery hued appearance. The glass mountains rise 150 feet 46 m to 200 feet 61 m above the surface of the plains, and. There are no campsites or other overnight accommodations in the park.
Our only downside was the last section up the bluff. Peckerwook knob cabin rentals secluded cabins atop the kiamichi mountains of oklahoma. In 1902 he had charge of the field parties of the oklahoma geological survey, which studied the gypsum deposits in the western part of the terri. The sunrise cabin is a beautiful two story aframe that sits on the summit of peckerwood knob. The glass mountains got its name from the selenite in the mountains that reflects light as if theyre little broken glass or mirrors. The byway goes through the ouachita mountains and also cuts through the 26,445acre winding stair mountain national recreation area. Glass mountains is displayed on the glass mountains usgs quad topo map. Cathedral mountain mesa trail runs from the parking lot to the top of cathedral mountain and across the mesa, offering a spectacular view of the valley floor and lone peak mountain. Havards century plant is the big boy of the coldhardy agave, growing to an imposing size at maturity. Oklahoma has many mountains and hills across the state that range from rugged rock to lush green trees. Glass front porch glass mountains state park, oklahoma by cristina. Thus precipitating a conflict that continues to this day.
The sand creek heritage center and museum educates visitors about the history of the area with its preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. If youre from oklahoma, these mountains will make your jaw. Interesting we had visited this park some years ago. The spectacular scenery makes this a truly unique oklahoma state park.
Glass front porch glass mountains state park, oklahoma. I have made the coodnants at the parking lot to keep this earth cache wheelchair assailable. My destination was gloss mountain state park, which is located about halfway between woodward and enid on highway 412. Coerced by the comanche into giving gifts, james found his trade less than profitable. My destination was gloss mountain state park, which is located about. W in west texas extend from cathedral mountain in northern brewster county to monument draw in southern pecos county. Glass mountains or gloss mountains in february 1973 the name glass mountains appeared on a map issued by the federal general land office. Glass mountains the encyclopedia of oklahoma history and culture. Best trails in gloss mountain state park oklahoma alltrails. They glitter with the brightest hues of red, blue, white, shades of green and golden yellow. Glass front porch gloss mountain state park, oklahoma. Gloss mountain state park fairview 2020 all you need to. With the aid of spanish forces his expedition reached santa fe on december 1, 1821. Again proceeding westward along the cimarron, james and his men reached the glass mountains in present major county, oklahoma.
The mountain pass scenic drive is located in southeast oklahoma. There are no overnight facilities at the park, but there are numerous hiking trails that can get you into the backcountry. Feb 15, 2016 glass front porch glass mountains state park, oklahoma. Cedar haven lodge is a beautiful and natural custom log home. A native species endemic to the glass mountains of west texas, this succulent has proven itself to be a very coldhardy garden resident. Lets debunk the myth that oklahoma is just flat prairie land in the middle of the country.
View more articles from transactions of the annual meetings of the kansas academy of science. May 14, 2007 a short video of our trip to the glass mountain state park. Glass mountains oklahoma gc3rprr was created by novalady on 812012. Havards century plant agave havardiana glass mountains. Glass mountains state park is an oklahoma state park located in major county, oklahoma, near the city of fairview, oklahoma. Travel oklahoma oklahoma usa enid oklahoma oklahoma tourism the places youll go places to see mountain states photos voyages le far west. Peckerwood knob cabin rentals secluded oklahoma mountain cabins. Great plains trail of oklahoma oklahoma department of. The gloss or glass mountains got their name from the concentrations of the mineral selenite that sparkle on the tops of the mesas. The regions high selenite content provides visitors with the illusion of a shiny, glassy appearance. Glass mountains wikimili, the best wikipedia reader. Glass mountains state park is an oklahoma state park located in major county, oklahoma, near the city of fairview. Glass mountains topo map, major county ok glass mountains. Geology of the glass mountains of western oklahoma is an article from transactions of the annual meetings of the kansas academy of science, volume 17.
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