Gloss Mountain State Park Oklahoma
A geological wonder with shimmering gypsum formations, offering stunning panoramic views and a unique hiking experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mesas shimmer beautifully
Gloss Mountain State Park Oklahoma
Best Time
Mesas shimmer beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A geological wonder with shimmering gypsum formations, offering stunning panoramic views and a unique hiking experience.
"Absolutely breathtaking and the view from the top is fantastic!"
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
The hike involves stairs and inclines; sturdy shoes are a must!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial during warmer months to stay hydrated on the climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Shimmering Mesas
Throughout the park
Selenite gypsum formations sparkle like glass, creating a unique, otherworldly landscape.
Summit Views
Top of Cathedral Mountain
Climb the stairs to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Oklahoma landscape.
Wildlife Spotting
Trails and surrounding areas
Keep an eye out for lizards, buzzards, and other native flora and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Climb
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
The hike involves stairs and inclines; sturdy shoes are a must!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial during warmer months to stay hydrated on the climb.
✨ Witness the Sparkle
The selenite gypsum makes the mountains shimmer, especially in the sun.
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
For spotting distant wildlife and enjoying the expansive views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Footwear
The hike involves stairs and inclines; sturdy shoes are a must!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial during warmer months to stay hydrated on the climb.
✨ Witness the Sparkle
The selenite gypsum makes the mountains shimmer, especially in the sun.
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
For spotting distant wildlife and enjoying the expansive views.
🐍 Watch Your Step
Be aware of potential wildlife like snakes and lizards on the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Gloss Mountain State Park's breathtaking beauty and unique shimmering gypsum formations, calling it an underrated gem. The hike to the summit offers fantastic views, though it's noted as a strenuous climb with stairs. While some find the wildlife less abundant than hoped, the geological features and expansive scenery are consistently praised.
"Everyone needs to see this in person at least once! Gloss mountain is absolutely breathtaking and the view from the top of the mountain is fantastic. The hike to the top is somewhat strenuous. It’s all steps and stairs attached to the mountain so just be prepared for the hike and wear proper footwear. There’s lots of wildlife and native plants to see and you can spend the whole day just exploring the mountain."
Olivia Siple
"I love coming to this part of Oklahoma! The is so beautiful and dynamic. When the sun shines on these hills, they sparkle and shine in a multicolored hue! I love climbing to the top, walking on the mesa, and enjoying the gorgeous views. When you come here, be sure to plan visits to the Great Salt Plains, Little Sahara, Alabaster Caverns, Boiling Springs and more! All of that is within 50 miles of each other. The scenery in this area changes drastically over the course of a few miles. It's worth a day trip it a whole week."
Jesse Matlock
"If you have knee issues or a hard time walking and inclining, you WILL have difficulty doing this. I thought there would be more hiking. It was still enjoyable to do something different, though. Make sure to take your water.
This hike makes you think you're kind of in the dessert.
They also have restrooms on site and a WORKING vending machine."
Ainsleigh Sills
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gloss Mountain State Park is located near Fairview, Oklahoma, off Highway 412. It's about a 2-hour drive from Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Yes, it's a roadside stop conveniently located right off Highway 412, making it an easy addition to a road trip.
Most visitors arrive by car, as it's a popular stop on road trips through western Oklahoma. 
Yes, the area is rich with natural attractions like the Great Salt Plains, Little Sahara, and Alabaster Caverns, all within 50 miles.
Yes, it's part of the Blaine Escarpment, known for its unique Permian-aged sedimentary rock formations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of admission fees for Gloss Mountain State Park, suggesting it's generally free to enter. +1
While specific hours aren't always listed, visitors often aim for sunset for the best views. Always check local advisories for any access restrictions.
Yes, it's a popular spot for elopements and engagement photos due to its unique scenery. You may need to contact the park ranger's office for permits.
Yes, restrooms are available on-site, and some visitors have noted working vending machines.
The hike to the top involves stairs and inclines and is not wheelchair accessible.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The main hike involves climbing stairs attached to the mountain, leading to the mesa top. It's described as an intensive walk rather than a strenuous hike, but can be challenging for those with knee issues. +2
Visitors have spotted lizards, buzzards, and other small wildlife. Be cautious of snakes.
Its selenite gypsum formations give the mountains a shimmering, glass-like appearance, especially when the sun hits them.
Yes, you can climb to the top of the mesa and explore the plateau, enjoying panoramic views. +1
Essential items include water, sturdy hiking shoes, and potentially binoculars for wildlife viewing. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The shimmering gypsum formations, panoramic summit views, and unique desert-like landscape offer stunning photographic opportunities. Sunset is particularly magical.
Yes, it's noted as a Bortle Class 2 Dark Sky location, making it excellent for stargazing and long-exposure night sky photography.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscape makes it a popular and unique backdrop for engagement shoots and elopements.
Late afternoon and sunset provide the best light for capturing the shimmering effect of the gypsum.
Focus on the selenite gypsum deposits, mica, and the overall mesa and butte formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and supervise children closely, especially near the edges of the mesa and on the stairs. The park's unique geology also provides a great educational opportunity to discuss rock formations and natural landscapes. 📸 Photographers and Elopers
+2 Photographers should consider the golden hours for the best light. For elopements, it's advisable to contact the park ranger's office in advance to inquire about any necessary permits. 🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Unique Trails
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Gloss Mountain
+2Visitors can observe various geological elements, including deposits of mica and gypsum, as well as the characteristic red dirt of Oklahoma. The park offers a glimpse into the region's geological history, showcasing the forces that shaped this unique landscape over millions of years. It's a fascinating destination for anyone interested in geology or simply appreciating the diverse natural beauty of Oklahoma.
Hiking and Exploring the Mesas
Explorers can wander across the plateau at the summit, enjoying the expansive vistas. The terrain can feel desert-like, and visitors are advised to watch their step for wildlife such as lizards and snakes. The park is also a great spot for photography, with the shimmering gypsum and dramatic landscapes offering numerous picturesque moments. While the hike is relatively short, it's recommended to allocate ample time to fully appreciate the scenery and the unique geological features.
Stargazing and Dark Skies
Amateur astronomers and casual observers alike can marvel at the clarity and brilliance of the stars, planets, and galaxies visible from this remote area. The vast, open skies above the unique geological formations create a truly magical setting for nighttime exploration. It's a perfect opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the wonders of the cosmos.
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