Best Places In Southwest Oklahoma To Work Off The Extra Calories

You've stuffed your face, downed the sugar, and now you're wondering how in the world you're going to make up for it.

First of all - don't worry about "making up" for anything! Instead, look for a different way to "treat yourself" after you did on Christmas. These are some incredible spots to check out and exercise without even realizing you're doing it.

Be aware: lots of people will likely have the same idea. So arrive early, plan accordingly, and take lots of pictures of the experience.

Jed Johnson Tower Trail to Central Peak

This near two-mile hike is an out and bike style venture that takes you past the Jed Johnson Tower and up to Central Peak. Those who've previously taken this trail say that the views of Lake Jed Johnson and granite plutons are incredible.

@campingandtrekking Jed Johnson Tower Oklahoma! #oklahoma #hiking #trekking #adventure ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version - Andy Morris

Although the trail past the tower is not well marked and can be difficult to look for, inexperienced visitors can simply hike to the Tower. However, if you're more adventurous, you can explore past the tower and back and simply follow the instructions on AllTrials.

Crab Eyes 

While this hike is a little longer and a bit more intense than the Jed Johnson trail, the views make the experience worth attempting. Bear in mind that hikers will have to jump boulders and cross creeks, although they may be dried out this time of year.

@travelingwithmimi We hiked the rigorous but beautiful Crab Eyes Trail it is probably a 10 on the challenging side (at least for me ) but as you guys can see the kids did just fine on it that incline was no joke!! #hikingadventures #trails #oklahomacheck #oklahomatrails #wildliferefuge #wichitamountains #naturevibes #roadtrip #familytime #familyadventures ♬ Intro - Mad Dog

This is more of a hike for those who want to see sights not many others do and don't mind a challenge.

Little Baldy Trail 

This is one of my favorite hikes because it's incredibly easy, quick, and perfect for nearly every skill level. The trail is less than a mile long, but still offers beautiful views of nearby Osage Lake and the hills surrounding the area.

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I've also had the most luck finding wildlife each time I visit this spot. There's no gaurantee that bison and cattle will be nearby, but I wouldn't be surprised if you run into a few while walking.

Medicine Park Black, White, and Orange Loop 

For those who crave the distance without the challenge of climbing mountains or jumping boulders, this trio trail could be exactly what you need for a post-Christmas walk.

@visitmedicinepark When we say the gateway to the Wichitas… this is the amazing views just hanging out in our backyard. Adventure and come rest and recover in Medicine Park, Oklahoma. #visitmedicinepark #medicinepark #oklahoma #adventure #explore #mountains #travel #beauty #nature ♬ Ordinary - Alex Warren

It's described as fairly easy and can be used to hike, mountain bike, and even run. Explore a little while on the trail and you can easily turn this one into a four-mile hike.

Kite Trail 

My friends and I have had many experiences on this trail, and it is such a fun time for our dogs. It's definitely one of the spots that makes you stop and think "this is still Oklahoma?"

@danicarsonmusic There is so much to appreciate during the Spring. The green, the rain, the BEAUTY of Oklahoma really comes out. And yes, I said SPRING - Summer ain’t for another few weeks, no matter what schools say ‍♀️ #spring #oklahoma #travel #stops #beauty #nature #hiking #wichita #wichitamountainwildliferefuge #wichitamountains #kitetrail #explore #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - DaniCarson

It's an easy two and a half miles, and can take you less than hour to complete without any detours. Hikers will need to hike there to the end at Lost Lake, then finish the hike by coming back the same way they came.