Category Archives: Hiking

Hiking

New Trail at Keystone Ancient Forest ~Sand Springs, OK

01/03/2018 Danielle Huddleston Leave a comment

We went to Keystone Ancient Forest to try out their new trail called “The Less Travelled Trail.”

You take the main trails to get to it.

It says 4.1 miles one way on the map but looks like a loop.

It just finishes in a different spot.

We did not go very far on it though so I can’t confirm that.

It was a nice trail though and we liked it okay.

My boys liked rocky hard trails.

The harder the better.

Little bit prefers flat easy trails.

She kept saying no more “mountains” when we hiked at Palo Duro in November.

As you can see, we turned around at the half mile marker.

There were just enough loose rocks and gravel that it was bothering my back (I hurt it a little while ago) so we turned around before I got hurt.

We took the fire road back when we got to the main trail and it ended up being a pretty short hike back to the parking lot from there.

So if you are just wanting to check out the new trail that might be the shortest route to get there for you.

I am so thankful for this beautiful place that they are developing near us though!

They are doing a great job with the trails!

I am looking forward to trying this one again, maybe starting at a different spot.

Wilson Trail is still my favorite one so far because of the big rocks and pretty views but I have only seen a portion of the new so who knows!

Have you checked out Keystone Ancient Forest?

They are only open on curtain Saturdays but they let you know which ones on their facebook page.

Check them out!

Here is a video of our hike here and one at Keystone State Park.

If you hang out to the end of the video you can see what it is like to be in a vehicle with 5 kids…

Camping, Hiking, Parks

Roman Nose State Park ~Watonga, OK

11/28/2017 Danielle Huddleston Leave a comment

The Palo Duro State Park was a hard act to follow.

I knew any place we stayed after it would probably not seem as great.

At first, I was not sure about Roman Nose State Park but it grew on me.

Around the lake is a little bit dirty with trash and the sites are pretty close together but thankfully it was not very busy and we had plenty of space.

Such a pretty sunset.

The next day we hiked to Inspiration Point from the visitor center and it ended up being a very pretty hike.

I like any hike with bridges and boardwalks.

You do have to watch out for cactus right next to the trail.

The ground had a blue tint in spots.

Beautiful view at the top.

You can actually rent a teepee to sleep in!

They are available to rent in the summer.

I would not be able to do it because the bottom has gaps and I would worry about snakes all night but I am sure the boys would think it was awesome!

The nice park ranger told us about the springs and I was so glad he did!

It ended up being the highlight of the park for us.

This pool was magic!

And freezing.

My kids are crazy…

The playground is located near the spring.

I don’t know about your kids but mine have a lot of energy to get out before they get anywhere near the camper!

Small spaces and energetic children should not mix.

I pretty much kicked them outside all day.

I use these mugs a lot to boil water in the camper.

They don’t take up much room and boil quickly.

We got them for backpacking but they have worked great for the camper.

This ended up being a great stop on our way home!

If only all my kids did not step in dog poop just as we were leaving…

We also got a flat tire when we pulled in.

That is how our trips have gone so far, always something.

Do you have crazy things happen on all your camping trips?

Hiking, Parks

Gloss Mountain State Park ~Fairview, OK

10/02/2017 Danielle Huddleston Leave a comment

We went to Gloss Mountain State Park 3 times while camping nearby.

I went to the top with three of the kids Saturday afternoon.

She likes to stop in the shade.

Every hike, she is stopped somewhere in the shade.

These views always make the hike up worth it.

I could not resist going back that same evening.

I missed most of the sunset but it was still magical up there.

It was close to bedtime so I just took the two oldest up.

My younger boy asked that we walk to the end this time(there is a trail on top).

We did not make it to the very end of the trail since we were loosing light fast.

I always think of a Louis Lamour book called “The Haunted Mesa” when I am on top of Gloss Mountain.

As the light faded that book seemed to come to life.

It is not set in this location but reminds me of it.

So yes, I shared with my boys that I felt like I was going to be transported to another world.

My younger boy analizes everything and let me know that there are other worlds in a way.

Heaven.

I miss talks and moments like this, we don’t have them as often anymore.

My favorite hike was the next morning.

We all went up before heading home.

This place is always amazing.

Oklahoma skies showing off.

Trying to get everyone in.

Finally went to the end!

Also, don’t fall off…

Keep in mind that you are hiking on top of a mesa so drop offs everywhere.

It makes for a beautiful hike though.

Heading back down! You can actually see our camper in the parking lot below!

Minutes after driving down the road our awning ripped off our rv.

What would an rv trip be without a little added challenge?

If you bend an awning in half it will fit into your rv!

Good information to know.

You are welcome.

Here is a short video of our weekend.