Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway

OK-19 & OK-58 to OK-19 & OK-58

Southwestern Oklahoma · Oklahoma · United States

Key measurements

Distance

78.2 miles

Elevation gain

2,251 ft

Elevation loss

2,262 ft

High point

1,738 ft

Low point

1,244 ft

Net change

-1 ft (1,705 ft to 1,704 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

loop

Route Overview

This 78-mile continuous loop follows the core roads of the broader 93-mile Wichita Mountains Scenic Byway network. This loop navigates the transition between the flat red-bed agricultural plains of Caddo and Comanche counties and the ancient, granite-strewn topography of the Wichita Mountains region. Starting west of Boone, the route travels north across open farmland on OK-58 before making a brief westward jog along OK-9. It then hooks south onto OK-115, descending into the rocky uplands where elevation tops out near 1,738 feet. After tracing Cache-Meers Road and OK-49 along the southern foothills, the loop rejoins OK-58 to head back north to the starting point.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Northbound Plains Run — Miles 0.0–17.0

Leaving west of Boone on OK-58, the route heads due north through broad cotton and wheat acreage. The landscape is characterized by open horizons, red clay soils, and gentle prairie swells. Long straightaways dominate this opening leg, exposed to the open sky and sweeping winds.

Westbound Prairie Connector — Miles 17.2–24.4

Turning west onto OK-9, the highway runs along a rural east-west grid line. This short segment bridges the eastern agricultural plains to the western mountain approach roads, maintaining steady speed and clear visibility across undulating pastureland.

Descent Through the Wichita Range — Miles 24.5–55.5

The route turns south onto OK-115, marking the primary shift in terrain. The road climbs into the granite hills and oak scrub of the Wichita range, reaching the high point of the ride at mile 43.6. Here, straight prairie roads give way to winding pavement, rolling elevation changes, and exposed rock outcrops flanking the right-of-way.

Meers Corridor Transition — Miles 55.5–57.3

Diverting onto Cache-Meers Road, this brief connector cuts through the historical Meers valley floor. Rocks and low trees draw closer to the shoulders as the route threads between low ridges and creek beds.

Southern Foothills Traverse — Miles 61.9–64.7

OK-49 traces the southern edge of the rocky uplands, descending toward the route's low point of 1,244 feet near mile 62.8. The terrain opens slightly into a mosaic of mixed-grass prairie and boulder-studded hills.

Return Leg North to OK-19 & OK-58 Junction — Miles 64.8–78.2

Rejoining OK-58 northbound, the loop climbs back out of the southern basin. The granite hills recede in the mirrors as the route re-enters the farm country, following rolling terrain north to close the circuit near Boone.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Southwestern Oklahoma experiences high thermal contrast across the year. Summer temperatures frequently top 100°F, creating intense heat radiate off the asphalt and exposed rock face. Spring brings severe convective weather risk, including sudden afternoon thunderhead development and strong straight-line winds. Late spring and autumn provide the most favorable conditions, with moderate temperatures and dry road surfaces.

Logistics & Services

Gas stations and convenience stores are virtually non-existent along the rural stretches of OK-115 and Cache-Meers Road. Fuel up before starting the loop in larger surrounding towns or along major corridors. Cellular coverage is generally consistent across the open northern sections but can drop in low-lying granite cuts along OK-115 and Cache-Meers Road.

Important Considerations

Crosswinds are a persistent factor on the exposed northern legs along OK-58 and OK-9. In the hilly southern segments, watch for loose granite gravel washed onto the road surface in low spots after heavy rain, as well as wildlife—including deer and wandering livestock—crossing near brushy draws and open pasture boundaries.