Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Spend some time in the great outdoors and enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and rock climbing.

This refuge is home to many bison, elk, and deer. Longhorn cattle share these grazing lands alongside them. Buffalo were reintroduced to the area in 1907 to protect them from extinction. Other animals such as wild turkeys, raccoons, opossums are commonly found here as well. Controlled hunting and fishing is allowed here if guests follow the refuge regulations and rules. Over 350 different mammal and amphibian creatures that visitors can observe in their natural habitat when they come to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Legend has it that the area’s hills contain Spanish gold from the traders who were in contact with the local tribes. The Native American Comanche and Apache tribes inhabited much of this land up until the early 1800s. There is a reservation nearby the refuge today. Today’s Camp Doris site was a place where early miners, cattlemen, and ranchers would attend social gatherings in the 1900s. 

Picnic areas are found throughout the area for guests to enjoy a meal together. Explore the nature trails or take a guided hiking or bus tour to see the refuge. The trails are free to explore daily from sunrise to sunset. Rock climbing is also a popular thing to do here. The Wichita Mountains can be quite a challenge, but there are easier rock climbing opportunities for those with little experience. Learn more about the Wichita Mountain region's history and enjoy your time reconnecting with nature at this beautiful wildlife refuge.