Cathedral Mountain Trail at Gloss Mountain SP

In central western Oklahoma, there is a fiery hued “mountain” range that is unique for its shiny, mirror like exterior due to its high selenite content layered upon each other during the prehistoric times. This colorful myriad of mesas and buttes towering almost 1,600 feet above sea level is called the Gloss Mountains. The Gloss Mountains are also known as the Glass Mountains, and all of the mesas and buttes make up Gloss Mountain State Park.

The only hiking trail at Gloss Mountain State Park is the Cathedral Mountain trail. It is an out-and-back, 1.2 mile round trip trail. The trail head is located at the parking lot of Gloss Mountain State Park and begins with an uphill climb on white rocks and metal makeshift stairs. There are a couple benches and a picnic table along the way up. Once you reach the top past, climbing once again over white rocks, you will be at the southern rim of Cathedral Mountain. From there, there are many access paths to see the view from the rims of the mountain, and a trail that heads north ending with a view of the tallest butte in Gloss Mountain State Park, Lone Peak, as well as the Cimarron River. You will be able to have fantastic panoramic views of the Gloss Mountains from any rim of Cathedral Mountain. Please exercise caution when nearing the rims and stay close to the Cathedral Mountain trail.

The best time to hike the Cathedral Mountain trail is during sunrise or sunset (for photography) as well as during the off season, such as winter, since there is no shade.

Gloss Mountain State Park is located about half an hour west from Enid, and near the town of Fairview on US-412. You will see the entrance to the park via the signage and with a pullout area in front. Continue down the road to the parking lot where it dead ends and you will see the Cathedral Mountain trail head to your left. There are public restrooms and picnic areas. No camping sites are provided as the main attraction for Gloss Mountain State Park is the Cathedral Mountain trail. The area is only open to the public from sunrise to sunset.