TRAIL RULES
*All collection of plant or geologic material is strictly prohibited.
*Sandals are not recommended.
*Carry plenty of water. The granite gets warm and holds the heat.
*Walk quietly and you will be able to observe more of the animals that live here.
*Rattlesnakes may be present. Cool weather may find them sunning in the open.
Heat causes them to retreat to the shade under rocks. Please do not
harm them, as they are important members of the animal community.
*Granite mountains attract lightning. Do not stand at summit as storms approach. Hike down at safe & prudent speed.
Park Trails
WITCHITA INTERPRETIVE TRAIL
The Wichita Interpretive Trail runs from the Visitor Center
to the Live Oak Campground within a wooded ravine (approx.
4 blocks). A trail brochure discussing the plant & animal
life can be picked up from the brochure box at either trailhead.
The trail has several series of steps and is not stroller friendly.
Lots of animal tracks are seen as the trail crosses an intermittent stream.
Main Park Trails
BICYCLE TRAIL
The paved bicycle trail starts near the park entrance on SH 44A
and meanders through a mesquite grove and wildflower meadow,
crosses the North Fork of the Red River below the dam and currently
stops near the paddleboats & miniature golf. The bicycle trail is
NOT limited to bicycles. Pedestrians and other non-motorized
transportation methods are welcome. Skateboard and Roller-blade
use is restricted to the paved bicycle trail.Main Park Trails
NEW HORIZON HIKING TRAIL
The New Horizon Trail climbs the granite face of Quartz Mtn,
a moderate hike, approximately 1/2 mile long. A picnic area
and small parking lot are available at the trailhead. The
nearest rest rooms can be found across the parking lot from
the Quartz Mountain Grocery Store. Fantastic views can be
enjoyed from the top or along the climb.
Main Park Trails
Baldy Point Trails
SUMMIT TRAIL (moderate)
Length: 1000 feet
The Summit Trail begins at the Baldy Point Trailhead and leads to the peak’s scenic north side.
The trail provides access to the normal ascent and descent route to and from the summit of Baldy Point.
The trail starts out relatively flat, but increases in grade as it continues north.
Along the way, the trail passes through small oaks, beneath steep granite walls, and by large boulders
and unusual rock formations. During the fall and spring, large areas of wildflowers can be seen
along the trail.
BALDY POINT TRAIL(easy)
Length: 3200 feet The Baldy Point Trail starts at the Baldy Point Trailhead and leads east and
then north. The trail begins as an interpretive trail, first passing by a maze of enormous boulders,
and then winding its way through a forest of tall oaks, cedars, and redbuds as it passes directly
beneath the towering 300-foot south face of Baldy Point. Several seasonal creeks and natural rock
caves are passed along the way. Unusual rock formations are abundant. The trail is relatively flat
for most of its first 1000 feet, offering an easy hike for park visitors. After that, it becomes
a more rugged, backcountry trail. As the trail turns north, it joins with the Cedar Creek Trail
and begins a gradual climb up the west side of Cedar Valley. Along the way, the trail passes through
dense groves of cedar, oak and mesquite, and then climbs past rock slabs and large boulders to a
point overlooking the beautiful forested valley.
Trail signage has a "Geology of Quartz Mountain" theme.
MESQUITE FOREST TRAIL(easy)
Length: 1100 feet
The Mesquite Forest Trail begins at the Baldy Point Trailhead and leads east until it intersects the
Baldy Point Trail, which provides for a loop return to the trailhead. This interpretive trail is
relatively flat over its entire length, offering an easy hike for park visitors. The trail winds
through a forest of mesquite trees, frequently offering breathtaking views of Baldy Point. Near
its eastern end, the trail passes around what is likely one of the oldest Live Oaks in the area.
A secondary trail spur a short distance east of the trailhead also connects to the Baldy Point
Trail, providing a shorter loop alternative.
Trail signage has a "Trees of Baldy Point" theme.
CEDAR CREEK TRAIL(moderate)
Length: 2300 feet
The Cedar Creek Trail starts at the Cedar Valley Trailhead and leads north and east around the
perimeter of the valley, eventually connecting to the Blackjack Pass Trail and the Cedar Valley Trail.
This moderate backcountry trail begins by heading west towards Baldy Point until it crosses Cedar
Creek. There, it joins the Baldy Point trail and gradually climbs north through cedars,
oaks and mesquites until splitting off and continuing north. At that point, the trail drops back
down to the valley floor and circles eastward through a dense forest of cedar and oak.
Several seasonal creeks are crossed along the way, including Cedar Creek, before the trail
begins to climb up the east side of the valley. Here, the trail meets the start of the Blackjack
Pass Trail, and then turns south for a short distance, where it connects to the Cedar Valley Trail.
Visitors looking for a challenge can hike to the top of Blackjack Pass by way of the Blackjack Pass
Trail. Those who prefer an easier route can return to the trailhead by way of the Cedar Valley Trail.
Trail signage has a "Common Animals Of Baldy Point" theme.
BLACK JACK PASS TRAIL(strenuous)
Length: 3700 feet
The Blackjack Pass Trail begins in the northeast corner of Cedar Valley, where it splits from the
Cedar Creek Trail. This strenuous backcountry trail gains nearly 300 feet of vertical elevation
as it climbs up and over Blackjack Pass to the upper portion of Rock Creek Canyon. The trail starts
by climbing southeast across moderate, open slopes before ascending steeply to the east. As the
trail climbs higher, park visitors are provided with incredible views of Cedar Valley and Baldy Point.
As the trail nears the top of the pass, it crosses through dense oaks lining Blackjack Creek and
emerges into a small meadow of large boulders directly beneath a stunning granite wall. From here,
the trail leads north again for 200 feet to the top of Blackjack Pass, where visitors are met with
awe-inspiring views west toward Baldy Point and east down Rock Creek Canyon toward Lake Altus.
From the top of the pass, visitors can climb off-trail to the top of Quartz Mountain or continue
eastward on the trail, dropping down through the oak-covered upper portion of Rock Creek.
Trhist trail has been left in a pristine aesethic state and there is no trail interpretive signage.
CEDAR VALLEY TRAIL(easy)
Length: 3000 feet
The Cedar Valley Trail begins at the Cedar Valley Trailhead and leads north into the heart of the
valley. This flat, easy trail circles the valley to the east of Cedar Creek, eventually returning
to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail passes through large open areas lined by forests of
cedar, mesquite and oak. Spectacular views of Baldy Point and Quartz Mountain are offered at
numerous points. Flora and fauna viewing opportunities are abundant.
Trail signage has a "Traditonl Plant Use" theme.
Lodge Trails
SUNRISE TRAIL
½ mile long, (travel time 1 hour one way or 2 hour round trip).
Moderate to difficult challenge level. This trail starts
across the road from the Twin Peaks Performance Hall
driveway and climbs Quartz Mtn. behind the Lodge.
Lodge Trails
SUNSET LOOP
¼ mile long, (travel time 1 hour round trip). Moderate
to difficult challenge level. This trail starts by the
Great Plains Amphitheater and climbs Quartz Mountain.
It does share part of the Sunrise Trail.
Lodge Trails
CAVE TRAIL
200 yards long, (travel time 10 minutes one way or
25 minutes round trip). Easy to moderate challenge level.
This trail starts near the shore behind the Great Plains
Amphitheater, enters the woods and quickly climbs to a
small cave. Please respect any wildlife that may
inhabit the cave. You are a visitor to their home.
Lodge Trails
TWIN PEAKS TRAIL
¼ mile long (travel time 20 minutes one way or 45 minutes
round trip). Easy to moderate challenge level. Take the
bridge across to the Twin Peaks Performance Hall, take an
immediate left. In the future this former roadbed will
be developed into a paved handicap-accessible trail.
Lodge Trails
EAGLE TRAIL
¼ mile long, (travel time ½ 1 hour round trip).
Moderate to difficult challenge level. This trail starts
about 100 feet into the Twin Peaks Path.
Lodge Trails
MOUNTAIN PASS TRAIL
¼ mile long, (travel time 45 minutes one way or 2 hour
round trip). Moderate to difficult challenge level.
This trail starts behind the Twin Peaks Performance Hall.
It leads to a cove area on the east of Twin Peaks to the beach.
Lodge Trails
Features/Facilities: 6,260 Lake Acres • 4,284 Park Acres •
Resort Lodge (118 guest rooms and suites) • 8 Two-bedroom Cabins (with kitchenettes) •
Mountainview Bunkhouse (64-person dormitory) • Performing Arts Complex •
5 Performing Arts Pavilions • Outdoor Amphitheatre (capacity of 200) •
5 Camping Areas, • 20 Full Hookups • 100 Electric/Water Hookups (5 handicap accessible) •
99 Primitive Sites • Restrooms / Showers (2 handicap accessible) • Sanitary Dump Stations •
Boat Ramps • Group Camp (capacity 125) • Nature Center • Naturalist • Hiking Trails •
Giftshop • North Shore ORV Area (Apr. 1- Sep. 30) • Sand Dunes • Swimming Beaches •
Miniature Golf • Water Skiing • Paddleboats • Grocery Store