Exploring the scenic Narrows in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma
Conquer The Narrows: Rugged Hiking Adventure in Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains
Looking for an adrenaline-filled trek? Hike The Narrows in the Wichita Mountains—navigate rocky canyons, scramble over boulders, and explore hidden swimming holes on this wild Oklahoma trail.
The Narrows are a granite gorge carved into the side of Eagle Mountain in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, Oklahoma. The Wichitas are ancient granite mountains that rise above the plains of Oklahoma offering some really unique and wild destinations to explore.
A hike through the Narrows immerses you in a captivating natural wonderland, where rugged cliffs and rock formations tower above, creating a dramatic backdrop for this roughly 2.5 mile, moderate in and out hike.
The trail to the Narrows begins at the Boulder Cabin Parking Area and Trailhead. From there, the trail travels across country until it reaches West Cache Creek. It follows the creek for a short distance as it begins to enter its granite gorge, but then climbs up and over a ridge before returning to the gorge floor to avoid a large meander in the river.
Once on the floor of the gorge again, the trail becomes more nondescript and a series our routes open up through the channel of the river, which gets narrower as you approach the Narrows. at its narrowest point, almost vertical granite walls rise on either side and a large pool of water fills the bottom.
We continued past the Narrows and where West Cache Creek and Panther Creek intersect. It made for a perfect lunch spot with views of the Narrows, the more open channels of Panther Creek above us, and the larger West Cache Creek below us, along with all of the surrounding mountains and terrain.
After lunch we turned around and headed back the way we came, passing through the Narrows and then up the canyon until we got back to the Boulder Cabin Parking Area and Trailhead.
The total hike was just under 2.5 miles and there was less than 300 feet in elevation along the way.
Our good friend Paul, the Oklahomo Hiker helped us explore the Wichitas. Be sure to check out his videos on YouTube for even more Oklahoma hiking adventures!
About the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma is a hidden gem offering stunning granite peaks, scenic prairie views, and abundant wildlife like bison and elk. With a variety of hiking trails for all levels, it’s a great destination for day hikes, nature walks, and backcountry adventures. Visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas, unique rock formations, and quiet wilderness just a few hours from major cities. Whether you're interested in photography, wildlife watching, or simply spending time outdoors, the refuge is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Oklahoma.
Read our Guide to the Visiting the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
More Hikes in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
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