Gloss Mountain Oklahoma State Park Review

Gloss Mountain State Park is a unique property in Oklahoma and worth a stop! The state park is located in western Oklahoma where the terrain starts to become more “western”. You should stop here if you’re ever in the area and it’s an easy stop that can be enjoyed in just an hour or two.

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Pros

  • Unique geography and hiking
  • Wide-open spaces
  • Perfect day trip

Cons

  • No camping
  • Remote
  • Small state park

All About the Park

The park is located through the “gunsight pass” which is where wagon travelers would traverse the Gloss Mountains as they headed west. Today it is now a hiking-only park that is centered around the main butte in the range.

a pink stone monument with words written on it about name history
The Gloss Mountain name history stone monument.

There is one main hiking trail in the park that goes to the top of the butte. It’s about 2 miles one way but there’s plenty to enjoy along the walk. Great views and interesting terrain dominate this hike which includes a steep hike in the first quarter to get to the top.

brown metal stairs up the side of the butte with a brown and black dog walking
The stairs along the trail in Gloss Mountain State Park.

There is also a picnic area and other small monuments commemorating different historical events or information about the area. There is no camping in this state park. It’s well worth the stop to see the top and then enjoy a small break. The unique crystal and rock landscape offer some awesome views.

Things to Do Around Gloss Mountain

The state park is the main attraction in the area. There’s one main hiking trail that goes to the top of the largest butte – cathedral mountain. There are some other scrambling and walking areas but all of those are located near the parking lot. You should try to get to this park around sunrise or sunset to enjoy the glitter of the crystals in the rocks.

a view from gloss mountains looking over red dirt and some green grass in oklahoma with a black and brown dog on edge of cliff
A view to the northwest from Cathedral Mountain in Gloss Mountain State Park.

Around the Area

The towns around the park offer a lot of small town activities such as antiques. There’s also lots of RV spots located around the area for those needing a place to park and sleep. There are also several other state parks around this area within an hour drive like Salt Plains State Park.

a wide view of red dirt and green grass and blue sky from a cliff edge
A view to the southeast from the hiking trail in Gloss Mountain State Park and the Sphinx rock formation.

Area Hospital

The nearest 24/7 hospital is located here in Fairview. You can see their website about their services here. As always, plan for what you need for emergency services when you’re out there.

Area Veterinarian

Haworth Veterinary Clinic seems to be one option in the area and is located here. It doesn’t have 24/7 service and the nearest pet hospital is located in Enid. Please plan ahead for your pet’s needs.

Gloss Mountain Oklahoma State Park Ratings

a view from the top of a butte with stairs and dirt trail among red dirt and grass
The steepest portion of the hiking trail up the side of the butte.

Bathrooms

There are vault toilets at the parking area and 2 picnic tables. Everything seemed maintained and an average experience.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Camp Sites

There is no camping allowed at this state park.

Rating: 0 out of 5.

Activities

Hiking and picnics are the only things available at the park.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Location

There is really cool terrain and lots of unique things around the area.

a west view from cathedral mountain in gloss mountain with green grass and red dirt from a cliff edge
The view to the west from cathedral mountain.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Visible Cell Service

There was no cell service for me. Plan accordingly

Rating: 0 out of 5.

Conclusion

Gloss Mountain Oklahoma State Park has a lot to offer even though it’s a small hiking park. There is some awesome stuff to see and do at the park. The area is a bit remote so always plan accordingly and there is some robust terrain to manage. I highly recommend this stop if you’re in the area and you can stay at other state parks to enjoy western Oklahoma for a few days!

Where are the Gloss Mountains?

The park is located about an hour west of Enid Oklahoma and about 10 miles northwest of Fairview Oklahoma.

Is it the Gloss Mountains or the Glass Mountains?

The crystals in the rocks are known to glitter during sunrise and sunset giving it a glass or glaws. The area has been called both gloss and glass on maps throughout time and many attribute it to surveying errors or miscommunications.

Learn more about other western Oklahoma state parks.

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