Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Tulsa
Tulsa's largest urban wilderness, offering over 40 miles of diverse hiking and biking trails with scenic river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Tulsa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tulsa's largest urban wilderness, offering over 40 miles of diverse hiking and biking trails with scenic river views.
"Absolutely gorgeous place to hike or picnic or do your homeschool studies...or ask of the above!"
🗺️ Trail Variety
Choose from paved, gravel, beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails for hiking & biking. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes or during warmer months. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sanctuary Trails
Northern section of Turkey Mountain
Explore newly opened trails offering fresh perspectives and expanded green space within the urban wilderness.
Monarchs on the Mountain
Various locations
Witness the beauty of monarch butterflies during migration season; educational events often take place here.
River Views
UHF and Hochee Trails
Enjoy scenic overlooks of the Arkansas River, offering a tranquil escape within the city.
Mini-Bridges
Various trails
Discover charming, often hidden, mini-bridges scattered throughout the trail system.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Discover 'The Sanctuary'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Trail Variety
Choose from paved, gravel, beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails for hiking & biking. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes or during warmer months. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Kid-Friendly Options
The blue trail is recommended for kids; some paved paths are stroller-friendly. :child:
📸 Photo Ops
Capture scenic views and unique features like animal statues and mini-bridges. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Trail Variety
Choose from paved, gravel, beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails for hiking & biking. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes or during warmer months. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Kid-Friendly Options
The blue trail is recommended for kids; some paved paths are stroller-friendly. :child:
📸 Photo Ops
Capture scenic views and unique features like animal statues and mini-bridges. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Availability
Ample parking is usually available, especially at the main lower paved lot. :car:
📱 Nature Identification
Use apps like Seek or Merlin to identify local flora and fauna. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Turkey Mountain's extensive network of beautiful and diverse hiking trails, offering options for all fitness levels and a peaceful escape within the city. Many appreciate the free admission and ample parking, making it an accessible natural gem. While some find the intersecting trails can be confusing, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its value as an urban oasis.
"Beautiful hiking trails. So many trails, it has taken me months to check out all of them. Lots of varying degrees of difficulty, but plenty of easier ones that still have amazing views."
Marie Shelton
"Went for some trail running on a Sunday afternoon in May. Easy to find the trailhead and there's lots of parking spots. Also have a restroom and some nice animal statues for photo ops. There's a lot of trails in the area, all intersecting each other multiple times, so I didn't follow the route I'd set on my watch. Just went around, and once I was getting tired, started moving in the direction of the parking lot. You get views of the river from the UHF and Hochee trails."
Vipul Singh
"Absolutely gorgeous place to hike or picnic or do your homeschool studies...or ask of the above! It's clean, safe, family friendly, but also plenty of secluded and off the main track areas for solo time or romantic moments. Plenty of indigenous growth to identify with your Seek app or birds to observe with binoculars or your Merlin app. It's one of our favorite local places that just always feels like magic!"
Betty Price
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turkey Mountain is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is easily accessible. The main lower paved parking lot is a common starting point for many trails. It's situated near the Arkansas River, offering a natural escape close to the city center.
Information on direct public transportation routes to Turkey Mountain is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the park.
The main lower paved parking lot is a popular and convenient spot, often mentioned by visitors. There are also other parking areas available, especially near the entrances to 'The Sanctuary'.
Yes, restroom facilities are available at Turkey Mountain, often noted near the parking areas, making it convenient for longer visits.
Turkey Mountain has multiple access points and trailheads, including those for 'The Sanctuary' expansion, offering flexibility in how you begin your exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is free, making it an accessible natural escape for everyone.
No, there are no tickets required for entry. You can freely explore the extensive trail system without any admission cost.
Turkey Mountain hosts various events, including trail work days, conservation talks (like 'Monarchs on the Mountain'), and sometimes guided hikes. Keep an eye on their official channels for announcements. 
Turkey Mountain is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific trail opening times, especially for new sections like 'The Sanctuary', may vary.
Parking at Turkey Mountain is typically free. However, on special occasions like 'First Day Hikes', parking fees might be waived at participating parks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
For beginners, the blue trail is often recommended, especially for families with children. There are also paved and gravel paths that offer a less strenuous experience.
Yes, Turkey Mountain features dedicated mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, making it a popular spot for cyclists.
You can expect beautiful natural scenery, including wooded areas, and from certain trails like UHF and Hochee, you can get views of the Arkansas River.
Absolutely! Turkey Mountain is family-friendly, with easier trails like the blue trail and even stroller-friendly options. It's a great place for outdoor education and exploration.
Visitors often highlight the 'mini-bridges' scattered throughout the trails and the animal statues near the parking areas, which are great for photos.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks, especially those offering river views, and the charming mini-bridges. The natural foliage, particularly in fall, provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, Turkey Mountain is considered a safe place for nature photography. Unlike some other urban parks, visitors report feeling more at ease photographing the environment without concerns about other park-goers.
You might spot various birds and insects, including monarch butterflies during their migration season. The park's natural setting supports diverse local wildlife.
The UHF and Hochee trails offer views of the Arkansas River, which can be picturesque. The newly opened Sanctuary trails also provide fresh scenery for photographers. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful golden hour effects on the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the trails, the park features animal statues near parking areas that kids love to discover and photograph. It's a great place for outdoor education, allowing children to connect with nature, identify plants, and observe wildlife. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks for a comfortable family outing.
👟 Trail Runners & Hikers
Many runners appreciate the intersecting trails that allow for customizable routes and the opportunity to explore different parts of the park on each visit. The river views from trails like UHF and Hochee add a scenic element to your run. Be prepared with hydration and consider a navigation app to make the most of the extensive trail system.
🚴 Mountain Bikers
Trail maintenance is an ongoing effort by local volunteers, ensuring the biking trails remain in good condition. Cyclists can enjoy the natural landscape while navigating berms, jumps, and varied terrain. Remember to always wear a helmet and be aware of other trail users.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring 'The Sanctuary'
The Sanctuary was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signaling its readiness for public exploration. It aims to provide even more diverse hiking and biking experiences within the urban wilderness. Visitors can expect a continuation of the natural beauty and varied terrain that Turkey Mountain is known for, with fresh paths to discover.
This expansion underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing this vital natural resource for the Tulsa community and its visitors. It's a testament to the collaborative efforts in maintaining and growing the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area.
Trail Etiquette and Safety
Safety is paramount, especially given the intersecting trails. It's advisable to carry a map or use a navigation app, as it's easy to get turned around. Bringing plenty of water is crucial, as is wearing appropriate footwear for the varied terrain, which can include smooth paths, steep inclines, and rocky sections.
For those venturing out, especially on longer hikes, consider bringing a walking stick for added stability. While the park is generally safe, being aware of your surroundings and letting someone know your hiking plans can enhance your experience. The park's natural setting offers a peaceful escape, and respecting its environment ensures it remains a beautiful place for all.
Conservation and Community Efforts
Volunteers regularly participate in trail work days, focusing on projects like erosion control, berm maintenance, and drainage improvements. These efforts are crucial for preserving the integrity of the trails and the surrounding ecosystem. Events like 'Monarchs on the Mountain' highlight the park's role in supporting local wildlife and promoting environmental education.
The success of Turkey Mountain is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to protect and enhance its natural resources. The ongoing work ensures that this urban wilderness remains a vibrant and accessible space for recreation and nature appreciation for years to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit