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Temporary Hiking Restrictions Issued Due to Extreme Heat

To reduce potential safety hazards associated with heat related illnesses or injuries, the Refuge is implementing temporary hiking restrictions beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026, until further notice.

1. Hiking is permitted from sunrise until 10 a.m. ONLY.

2. All hikers on trails and the Mt. Scott Roadway must exit by 10 a.m.

3. After 10 a.m. daily, the Refuge will be closed to all hiking.

Refuge roads will remain open to motorized vehicles and bicycles. Doris Campground, fishing and picnicking will continue during normal operating hours, but backcountry camping will not be allowed. The Visitor Center (located near the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 115) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and can provide alternative suggestions to hiking or camping.

A few safety tips to remember - bring plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothing that is light in color, wear a cap or hat, and limit the amount of time you spend outdoors in extreme temperatures. Visitors who experience an emergency or need medical assistance should contact 911 and remain in place for emergency responder. For updates check back here, our Facebook, or contact the Visitor Center at 580-429-3222.

Worn by time and nature, the Wichita Mountains loom large above the prairie in southwest Oklahoma—a 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.
Refuge Plans for Prescribed Burns

As early as July 6th, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge begin conducting prescribed burns within the Refuge’s Special Use Area. These prescribed burn prescribed burn
A prescribed burn is the controlled use of fire to restore wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, or achieve other habitat management goals. We have been using prescribed burn techniques to improve species habitat since the 1930s.

Learn more about prescribed burn operations will take place over several weeks during appropriate weather conditions.

While no closures are anticipated, the public is reminded to follow all posted signs and area restrictions. Smoke may drift across public roads during the burn, and firefighters will be working along certain routes. For the protection of visitors and staff, traffic control measures such as one lane travel guided by a pilot car or short-term road closures may be implemented. 

All prescribed burns are conducted under a strict set of guidelines and clearly defined weather parameters to ensure operations remain safe and to minimize smoke impacts to nearby residents and visitors. If predicted or actual weather conditions fall outside these parameters, the burns will be postponed. Updates on road conditions or temporary closures will be available on the Refuge website at www.fws.gov/refuge/wichita_mountains, on Facebook, or by contacting the Refuge Visitor Center at 580-429-3222.

Kids listening to an outdoor talk
Group Field Trips
We are now taking reservations for self-guided or ranger-led group field trips.

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 —a 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.

A bison stands in a cell phone camera frame with the words Find Your Wild
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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—a 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—from large animals like the American bison to tiny prairie dogs and colorful “Mountain Boomer” lizards. The Refuge is also a great place for over 275 species birds to nest, feed, or rest during migration.