Have you ever wondered if there are mountains in Oklahoma?
It might seem like an unusual question, given that Oklahoma is known for its flat plains and tornadoes, but you might be surprised to learn that there are actually mountain ranges in the state!
In this article, we’ll talk a bit about Oklahoma and its landscape and answer the question of whether or not there are any mountains in this American state.
So, whether you’re an avid hiker or just curious about the geography of Oklahoma, keep reading to find out more!
Oklahoma: A Quick Overview
Let’s start with the basics.
Oklahoma is located right in the heart of the United States, sandwiched between Texas to the south, Kansas to the north, Missouri to the northeast, and Colorado and New Mexico to the west.
The state covers an area of about 69,899 square miles, making it the 20th largest state in the US.
Now, you might be thinking, “But wait a minute, isn’t Oklahoma just one big flat plain?”
While it is true that much of the state is indeed flat, there is actually quite a bit of variation in the landscape.
One thing to remember is that Oklahoma is actually home to the Ozark Plateau in the northeast corner of the state, which features rolling hills and forests.
There are also the Wichita Mountains in the southwest, which are home to some of the state’s highest peaks.
These two things alone are enough to make one understand what the answer to our main question is!
Oklahoma Climate
As for the climate, Oklahoma is known for its hot summers and cool winters, with temperatures ranging from the high 80F in July to the low 40F in January.
The state also experiences severe weather such as tornadoes and thunderstorms, so it’s important to be prepared if you’re planning a visit, especially in areas – could it be mountains? – of greater heights.
But enough with the waiting; let’s go straight to our main question and give you the answer to it!
Are There Mountains In Oklahoma?
The answer is yes!
While the state is known for its flat plains, it actually has several mountain ranges. In fact, the mountains in Oklahoma are some of the oldest in the country, dating back over 1.3 billion years.
There are three major mountain ranges in Oklahoma:
- the Ouachita Mountains
- the Arbuckle Mountains
- and the Wichita Mountains
The Ouachita Mountains are located in southeastern Oklahoma and extend into Arkansas. They are primarily composed of sedimentary rock, and their highest peak is Mount Magazine, which reaches a height of 2,753 feet.
The Arbuckle Mountains are located in south-central Oklahoma and are composed of ancient granite rock.
They are home to several popular attractions, including Turner Falls and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Finally, the Wichita Mountains are located in southwestern Oklahoma and are home to some of the state’s highest peaks, including Mount Scott, which reaches a height of 2,464 feet.
How Did These Mountain Ranges Form?
The Ouachita Mountains were formed during a collision between North America and South America over 300 million years ago, which caused a mountain-building event known as the Ouachita orogeny.
The Arbuckle Mountains were formed as a result of volcanic activity and uplift around 1.3 billion years ago, while the Wichita Mountains were formed as a result of tectonic activity and erosion over millions of years.
Each of these mountain ranges has its own unique characteristics.
For example, the Ouachita Mountains are known for their rugged beauty and diverse wildlife, while the Arbuckle Mountains are home to stunning waterfalls and rock formations.
The Wichita Mountains, on the other hand, are known for their impressive granite peaks and herds of bison and elk.
What Are The Highest Peaks In Oklahoma?
Now that we’ve established that there are indeed mountains in Oklahoma, let’s see what the highest peaks in the state are.
The two highest peaks in Oklahoma are located in the Wichita Mountains: Mount Scott, which reaches a height of 2,464 feet, and Mount Pinchot, which stands at 2,451 feet.
While these peaks may not be as towering as some of the mountains in other parts of the country, they are still significant and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
To give you a better idea of the difference in altitudes, the highest peak in the contiguous United States is Mount Whitney in California, which stands at a whopping 14,505 feet.
So, while Oklahoma’s highest peaks may not be as tall as some of the more famous mountains in the country, they are still an impressive feat of nature.
They are also great because they offer some of the best hiking and outdoor activities in the state, like climbing to the summit of Mount Scott, a popular activity for visitors and locals alike.
Moreover, the views from the top are simply breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction.
Even if you want to enjoy the natural diversity of Oklahoma’s landscape, these peaks provide a home for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
The Bottom Line
Even though Oklahoma might not be the first U.S. state you will think of when you think about taking a trip to the mountains, this article has made it clear that there are indeed several mountain ranges to explore there and which are more than worth your time.
From the stunning beauty of the Ouachita Mountains to the rugged peaks of the Wichita Mountains, there’s plenty to discover in this diverse and fascinating state called Oklahoma.
So, if you are planning on visiting Oklahoma sometime soon, make sure to spend a day or two exploring its mountain ranges; you won’t regret it!
