Bison Trail (Dog Run Hollow) Hiking Guide
The Bison Trail is the long prairie loop of the Dog Run Hollow trail system in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It follows French Lake and Cache Creek and crosses open mixed-grass prairie where bison and longhorn graze. It is the refuge's longest designated trail and the one with the least climbing.
Length and Terrain
The refuge describes the Bison Trail as a 6-mile route. Hiking Project maps it at 5.3 miles with about 257 feet of climbing and grades that stay under 6 percent. Its contributor breaks the loop down this way: a mostly flat dirt first mile, then three miles with good views and lots of small loose rocks, a spot near the first dam around mile 3 where the trail is easy to lose, and a final, mostly shaded mile along French Lake.
Shorter Loops
Two connectors make shorter loops from the French Lake parking area. The Elk Trail, 0.7 miles by the refuge's count, joins the Bison Trail for an easy lakeshore circuit. The Longhorn Trail, 1.5 miles, cuts across the prairie for a mid-length option. The refuge groups all three as the Dog Run Hollow system, and walking the whole thing is its suggestion for a longer day.
Sharing the Prairie with Bison
Hiking Project's contributor reports running into bison and longhorn herds around the curve near mile 3. The Fish and Wildlife Service says both roam free and visitors should not approach them. Keep dogs on the required leash of less than 10 feet and close to you. Groups in the Dog Run Hollow, Lost Lake and Boulder area are limited to 30 people.
Heat, Shade and Water
The refuge warns that this trail has very little shade and that hikers should bring plenty of water, especially in warm months. There is no potable water anywhere on the refuge. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees, and in past heat waves the refuge has stopped all hiking at 10 a.m. Spring brings the wildflower meadows Hiking Project's photos show, and cool, clear winter days are pleasant too.
Access and Closures
Entry is free. Start at the French Lake parking area or the Dog Run Hollow trailhead; both close at sunset. During December's controlled elk hunts the refuge has closed French Lake and the Dog Run Hollow trails on some hunt days, though the closed area shifts from one hunt to the next. Check the refuge website or call 580-429-3222 before a winter visit.
Hiking tips for Bison Trail (Dog Run Hollow)
- Carry more water than seems necessary; shade is scarce.
- Use the Elk or Longhorn Trail to shorten the loop.
- Watch for the faint stretch near the first dam around mile 3.
- Keep well back from bison and longhorn on the open prairie.
- Save the shaded French Lake stretch for the end of a warm day.
Nearby trails to explore
- Kite Trail to Forty Foot Hole (Wichita Mountains)
- Little Baldy Trail (Wichita Mountains)
- Jed Johnson Tower Trail (Wichita Mountains)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Bison Trail keeps an easy pace for a mixed group, with wildlife the whole way round. Post a Dog Run Hollow hike on TrailMates, settle the carpool and start time in the event's group chat, and meet at French Lake. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.