Little Baldy is a small, but mighty peak nestled in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, not far from Lawton, Oklahoma. The easy hike to the open rock summit of Little Baldy hikers and visitors panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see – and offers a great introduction to the scenery of the Wichita Mountains.

The Wichita Mountains rise above the surrounding prairie in southwestern Oklahoma, near Lawton. The ancient granite mountains and surrounding protected areas are home to bison, longhorn, elk, and many other animal and plant species. Much of the Refuge is open for recreation, including trails and routes like the climb up Elk Mountain and this hike up Little Baldy.

The Little Baldy hike takes you to the summit of Little Baldy Mountain from the trailhead that begins at the Quanah Parker Lake Dam. The hike is approximately 1.8 miles round trip (in and out) and for the most part is an easy walk, though there is some moderate challenges as you ascend the peak itself, due to its steep inclines and open rocky terrain.

At the top of Little Baldy, you’ll have a great view of Quanah Parker Lake, the surrounding peaks of the Wichitas, the Refuge, and the surrounding plains. The summit of Little Baldy Mountain is a rocky outcrop that offers a perfect spot to take a break and soak in the scenery.

While the Little Baldy hike is relatively short, it provides a rewarding outdoor experience with beautiful views and a sense of adventure. On the way back down, you might just catch sight of some fossilized Sasquatch butt!

As we mention in the video, if you’re just passing through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and don’t have a ton of time for a longer hike, the Little Baldy hike is the one you should pick. It gives you a great taste of the mountains terrain (well worn and eroded granite), along with enjoyment of climbing an open rock peak that gives you 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The hike up Little Baldy is well worth your time.

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For More Information

Additional information about the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge:

• Hiker Trash Husbands Guide to the Wichita Mountains
• USFW Page for Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
• USFS Page for Trails in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
• Hiking the Wichitas Guidebook
• Hiking Oklahoma: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures Guidebook

Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:

• Goodr Sunglasses
• Osprey Talon 22 Pack
• Osprey Kestrel 38 Pack
• Altra Lone Peak Shoe
• Deliberate Life Designs Hiking Sandals
• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks
• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
• EMS Men’s Essential Peak Tank
• Energizer LED Headlamp
• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
• CNOC Vecto Water Container
• Garmin Instinct Watches
• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

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