See the Salt Plains Loop on UTube.

For a map overview of the trail click here.

Oklahoma celebrated the grand opening of its new road-based, wildlife-viewing trail with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Jet on April 29 in conjunction with the Crystal and Birding Festival.

The honor of opening the Great Plains Trail went to Kenny Knowles, chairman of the Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance (OWPHA).

"People don't realize all the treasures we have in western Oklahoma,” Knowles said, “The trail is a gateway to exploring them."

The trail consists of 13 highway-based, driving loops that span the entire western portion of the state. Each loop guides travelers through areas with the best opportunities to view wildlife and includes designated stopping points on both public and private areas.

To explore the driving loops, peruse the links at the left. To get the trail’s scenic drive map, visit any Oklahoma Tourist Information Center or www.travelok.com You can also obtain a map by calling 1-800-652-6552.

Knowles proudly cut the ribbon at the trail’s grand opening celebration April 29.

The trail’s partners gathered at the opening. They are the OWPHA, Okla. Department of Wildlife Conservation, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Okla. Economic Development Authority, High Plains RC&D, Great Plains RC&D, and the Okla. Tourism and Recreation Department.

From prairie chickens to "horny" toads, scissortail flycatchers to elk, the private lands of Western Oklahoma are home to a diversity of unique and interesting wildlife species.  The Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma was developed to take advantage of Oklahoma’s small-town hospitality and showcase the many wildlife species that can be seen.

The Great Plains Trail covers 1,777 miles and includes 33 counties.

The Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma is the result of hard work and dedication of volunteers and partners of the Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance (OWPHA).

We will do our best to keep the Web site updated but we can not anticipate problems due to weather. If you have any questions about hours of operation or facilities please contact the area you are interested in visiting. Contact information is listed on the Web site and on the map.

Check current weather conditions at the Oklahoma Mesonet Web site

For more information, please visit the Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance website at: http://www.owpha.org/