The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has lifted safety measures that restricted hiking hours, and all standard laws and regulations are now in effect. We are happy to report that there were no Search and Rescue operations while heat-related hiking restrictions were in place, due to the outstanding cooperation of our visitors!
Although the extreme heat has diminished, temperatures remain high enough to pose safety risks to visitors. Please exercise caution when visiting the Refuge during the warmer months. Remember to bring and drink plenty of water, monitor weather forecasts, wear loose, light-colored clothing, and include a cap or hat. It鈥檚 advisable to limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Hiking restrictions will continue to be lifted as long as Search and Rescue operations do not overwhelm local resources. We encourage everyone to prioritize safety while enjoying the great outdoors!
Visit Us
An enchanting landscape awaits you in southwestern Oklahoma at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie 鈥攁 lasting refuge for wildlife. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation.
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Location and Contact Information
About Us
Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma鈥攁 lasting refuge for wildlife. Situated just outside the Lawton/Ft. Sill area, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people. Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn, and Rocky Mountain elk, Wichita Mountains also offers quality opportunities for wildlife dependent recreation including fishing, bird watching, wildlife photography, hiking, camping, and kayaking.
What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. The wildlife and habitats of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge are managed using prescribed fire, grazing management, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species control, reservoir management, fish stocking, public use management, Wilderness management, and controlled hunts to manage wildlife populations.
Our Species
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to a whole host of animals鈥攆rom large animals like the American bison to tiny prairie dogs and colorful 鈥淢ountain Boomer鈥� lizards. The Refuge is also a great place for over 275 species birds to nest, feed, or rest during migration.