When people think of epic outdoor destinations, Oklahoma doesn’t always top the list but it should. I’ll admit, when I first moved here, my expectations were low. I didn’t imagine I’d find the kind of beauty that would make me pull over just to stare. But that’s the thing about the outdoors, they constantly surprise you when you’re paying attention. With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a road trip or even just a weekend escape. You don’t have to hop on a plane or head to a national park out West to experience awe, connection, and adventure. Oklahoma is full of hidden gems, state parks and wild places that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a few days, these spots offer the perfect reminder that outdoor adventure can be found right in your own backyard.
Salt Plains State Park: Cherokee, OK
This place is pure magic. Formed from prehistoric ocean deposits, the Salt Plains feel like another planet. From April to October, you can dig for hourglass-shaped selenite crystals, something you can’t do anywhere else in the world. Bring plenty of water, your grubbiest clothes, and a sense of wonder.
Beyond digging, the area is home to over 315 species of birds, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and the hauntingly beautiful Great Salt Plains Lake, half as salty as the ocean. Arrive early for sunrise or linger until sunset for a view you won’t forget.
Gloss Mountain State Park: Fairview, OK
Rising out of the prairie like red rock sentinels, the mesas at Gloss Mountain are breathtaking. The short but steep climb to the top of Cathedral Mountain rewards you with panoramic views of the valleys and mesas around you. It’s a great park for a sunrise hike, solo journaling session, or sunset picnic with friends. Free to enter, this park is a favorite for quick but powerful reconnection with nature.
Roman Nose State Park: Watonga, OK
Named after a Cheyenne chief, Roman Nose is rich in both beauty and history. Set in a canyon, it offers springs, gypsum cliffs, and trails through shaded forests. You can hike, mountain bike, fish, golf, paddle, or even go horseback riding here. But one of the most peaceful experiences is hiking the west-side trail along a bubbling natural spring, perfect for a moment of mindfulness and reflection.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Sulphur, OK
Water lovers, this one's for you. Chickasaw is full of creeks, springs, lakes, and waterfalls. Whether you're wading through Little Niagara or hiking past Bison herds, there’s something healing in every corner. With over 20 miles of trails and crystal-clear swimming spots, this is the place to spend a full day (or several!) recharging and cooling off in nature’s playground.
Beavers Bend State Park: Broken Bow, OK
If you’ve ever joined our Her Wilderness Fly Fishing Weekend, you already know how special this park is. Located in southeastern Oklahoma, Beavers Bend feels more like the Ozarks than the plains. With winding rivers, towering pine trees, and year-round trout fishing, it’s a dream for those who crave both movement and stillness. Whether you're hiking, paddling, or stitching by the campfire, this park welcomes every kind of adventurer.
Why This Matters: Outdoor Adventure Isn’t Always Far Away
You don’t need a plane ticket, perfect gear, or a week off work to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you can drive to in a few hours or even minutes. These Oklahoma gems remind us that nature is never far, and that healing, connection, and empowerment can happen in our own backyards. For women especially, claiming time outside, whether alone or in sisterhood is an act of self-trust and self-care. So whether you're crystal digging in Cherokee or journaling on a mesa in Fairview, know that your presence in these wild spaces matters. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep exploring. And let’s keep reminding each other that adventure doesn’t have to be grand… it just has to be yours.
Ready for your next adventure?
Check out our upcoming trips, weekend escapes, and women's outdoor experiences atwww.herwilderness.co