Wichita Mountains National Scenic Byway – North Loop

Oklahoma Highway 115/49 Junction to Oklahoma Highway 58/49 Junction via Carnegie

This portion of the Wichita Mountains Byway includes the famous restaurant at Meers, OK, views of Saddle Mountain, and some excellent driving all around.

Wichita Mountains National Scenic Byway – Highway 49

Oklahoma Highway 54/Oklahoma Highway 49 Junction to US 62 Junction

This is perhaps the best stretch of the Wichita Mountains Byway, covering the width of the Wildlife Refuge from west to east, and including the road up Mt. Scott to the observation area and passing by Medicine Park, OK.

Meers Porter Hill Drive

Meers, OK to Elgin, OK via Porter Hill Road

“Drive west towards Meers, Oklahoma on NW Meers-Porter Hill Rd. for breathtaking scenery.” —OnlyIn YourState.com

Quartz Mountain State Park

This route winds from Lone Wolf, OK south to Altus.

“The focal point of this route is the 2,040-foot high Quartz Mountain, which was once 20,000 feet tall before erosion took its toll and is situated on the western end of the Wichita Mountain Range. With a wealth of quartz deposits, the mountain shimmers when the sun hits it just right. It overlooks Lake Altus in the small town of Lugert, where visitors flock to swim, fish, and enjoy boat rides.” —YourMechanic.com

Lost Lake

Elgin, OK to Lost Lake, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

“This route begins in the small town of Elgin, known for the Fort Sill National Cemetery, and passes through a diverse array of terrain before its termination at Lost Lake in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Photo opportunities abound of grassy prairies, rocky outcroppings, cross timbers, and aquatic areas. While there is no shortage of places to stop and enjoy the views or hit a trail, travelers should stop at Turkey Creek Prairie Dog Town to watch the black-tailed prairie dogs scamper as if nobody were watching.” —YourMechanic.com

Route 66 – Western Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, OK to Clinton OK

This route covers the original Route 66 (as much as it still exists) west of Oklahoma City. There are a number of fun roadside stops, including the Route 66 Mural in El Reno, a museum to the End Line of the 1889 Land Run in El Reno, and the original Lucille’s Roadhouse in Hydro, and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton. Caution: portions of the road are in rough shape, so make sure to drive carefully. West of Clinton, OK, Route 66 joins up with I-40.

“The charm, the history, and the atmosphere that make up ‘The Mother Road’ bring travelers from all over the world to experience America the way it should be experienced – down a stretch of highway where ‘anything goes’ is literal.” — US Dept. of Transportation  – America’s Byways

“Although Route 66 is not intact the way it once was, the portion that once lay in Oklahoma lies chiefly on Highway 44 and is still full of iconic charm and roadside attractions…Along this stretch across the state, there are tons of tiny cafes with down-home cooking, and learn more about the history of this drive at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton.” —YourMechanic.com

“Just west of Oklahoma City, Route 66 shifts from the urban bustle of the state capitol to a quieter, more contemplative pace. Stretch your legs at a Route 66 themed park, uncover unique aspects of American history and wax nostalgic at a 50s themed diner.” —TravelOK.com

Oklahoma Highway 7

Duncan, OK to Sulphur, OK

“Wind your way through the park’s curvy roads along flowing creeks and rippling waterfalls. With heavy tree overhang and plenty of twists and turns, it makes for a motorcyclist’s paradise. Stop on the side of the road and take in the cold, fresh-water streams at favorite swimming holes like the Little Niagara area on Travertine Creek.

Last on the Arbuckle Mountains area tour, take a ride through Turner Falls Park to see Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall. The Arbuckle Mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop for your motorcycle adventure as you wind through the park’s many one-lane paved roads. Take a break and check out the rock castle, wade in the spring-fed creeks or hike up to one of the many caves.” — TravelOK.com

Joins up with the Southeast Oklahoma Highway 7 route from Davis to Broken Bow.

Red Rock Loop

Anadarko, OK to Anadarko, OK

“Large hills, beautiful red-walled canyons, Ft. Cobb State Park, straightaways and curves await you on this ride. Approximately 100 miles.” —GreatPlainsCountry.com

Quartz Mountain Loop

Mangum, OK to Mangum, OK

“Scenic views of the Quartz Mountains and Lake Altus. While en route, take a detour full of curves and breathtaking views to the Quartz Mountain Resort and Conference Center. Approximately 25 miles.” —GreatPlainsCountry.com. Note: Route as featured appears to use roads that don’t exist. This is my interpretation.

Chisholm Trail Loop

Duncan OK to Duncan, OK

“Travel along tile historic Chisholm Trail on US HWY 81 around many of the area lakes and through several rural southwest Oklahoma communities on this ride. Be sure to pay a visit to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan on your way! Approximately 110 miles.” —GreatPlainsCountry.com

Route 66 to Wichitas Bridge Route

Clinton, OK to Cache, OK

This is an excellent route designed to get from the end of Route 66 in Clinton to the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. Solid driving, and a few oddities, like the Howdy Tire Man in Roosevelt, Oklahoma. We drove most of this route on the 2016 Spring Tour.

Oklahoma City to Meers

This was a fun drive, though when we drove it on the 2016 Spring Tour, it was more than a little foggy. Good hills and curves. Includes the Meers Porter Hill Road route.

Chisholm Trail – US Highway 81

Terral, OK to Renfrow, OK

US Highway 81 covers almost the same path as the old Chisholm Trail, and runs the length of the state through Duncan, Chickasha, Yukon, Okarche, Enid, and Medford. There is a great deal to see and do along this stretch, not least of which is stopping for chicken and  beer at Eischen’s in Okarche.

“Located along what is now U.S. 81, the Chisholm Trail is packed with beautiful landscapes and a wildly exciting history. This iconic cattle trail, carved into the red Oklahoma dirt, once provided a pass for south Texas ranchers to distribute beef to northern states. Today, the route winds through charming small towns boasting big landmarks and historical centers. 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the famed route, and Oklahoma has tons of special events in store. Read on for must-see events and attractions along the way.” —TravelOK.com.