Mountains, in Oklahoma...

Who knew Oklahoma had mountains?

I did not, and to be completely honest I'm not sure I would call the Gloss Mountains real "mountains" they aren't exactly rocky, or full of trees. They are massive piles or formations of gypsum and red dirt. Beautiful in their own right, but not exactly the snow capped wonderment of the western United States.

Nonetheless they did provide a nice little pit stop on Monday trip through the Sooner state.

 I am not at all a fan of snakes, let alone ones that can kill you without anti-venom. So, when we pulled up to the park entrance and the "Rattler Rules" were posted next to a sign that said "watch your step" I was on high alert.

I only proceeded into the park entrance because it was only 50 degrees and thankfully the evil creatures are cold blooded and hopefully buried somewhere hibernating, or whatever the hell they do when it's too cold. You would not find me traipsing around this park any other time of the year, or at any temperature above 60 degrees.

The red dirt in Oklahoma is actually pretty cool. It's a unique part of Oklahoma. The Gloss Mountain State Park is about an hour west of Enid, Oklahoma. We were traveling to Fairview - the heart of the area, and it made for a perfect pit stop to grab a few pictures of the wasteland that is northwest Oklahoma.

In the spring this area is very green and is vastly different from the baron countryside this time of year.



The views in the area are quite impressive and there are several walking trails. There is also a trail up to the top of the mountain, but I refrained because without snow on the ground I could not be certain vicious, evil creatures wouldn't be hanging out.

The sign along the trail reads, "memories are worth making. Rocks are not for taking." The area is full of gypsum rock which litter the trails and appear like snow.

I don't think they would miss a morsel, but we followed the rules and didn't take the rock - we made the memory instead.

The park itself may not be one of the Seven Wonders, but still a unique little stop along the way. We did pick up a map with all the cool areas of Oklahoma with unique landscaping and environmental culture. I never knew there were so many different areas to check out.

This just goes to show that you never know where you'll find a little diamond in the rough - or a neat little place off the beaten path.

There is nothing like getting a little Oklahoma red dirt on your boots. The only thing missing was a cold beer, and some Stoney LaRue on the radio.