Black Kettle National Grassland Antelope Hills Circuit
Where Chief Black Kettle made his last stand
The Antelope Hills rise like islands from the shortgrass prairie along the Canadian River, marking the spot where Chief Black Kettle’s peaceful Cheyenne band met their fate in Custer’s dawn attack on November 27, 1868. This grassland circuit follows the old military supply road that connected Fort Supply to Camp Supply, winding through breaks and draws where massive buffalo herds once moved north from Texas. The route passes the actual battlefield site near the Washita River confluence, then climbs through cedar breaks to overlooks where you can see into three states on clear days.
Easy to moderate driving on established forest roads with a few technical spots in the creek bottoms after heavy rain. Any high-clearance vehicle can handle this route, though 4WD helps in wet conditions around the river crossings. Spring and fall offer the best weather and wildflowers, but winter provides the starkest views of this haunting landscape. No permits required, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the grassland. Fuel and supplies available in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, 15 miles north.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2180 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Cheyenne, Oklahoma |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
Yes, but high clearance is recommended — a stock mid-size truck or SUV will be fine. Low-slung cars and sedans will struggle on the rutted gravel sections and any wet spots near water crossings.
When does the trail close, and is it passable in winter?
There's no formal winter closure, but the gravel turns to greasy Oklahoma mud after rain or snow and can get impassable fast. Stick to the April–November window and always check conditions before you go — nobody's coming to pull you out here.
Do you need a permit or pay a fee to drive this circuit?
No permit and no fee required — it's US Forest Service land in the National Grasslands system, open to the public. Follow Leave No Trace and standard dispersed camping rules.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
It's rated easy, and that holds up — the hardest moments are the water crossings after wet weather, which can catch you off guard on an otherwise mellow gravel loop. Nothing technical, but don't let the 'easy' tag make you sloppy if it's been raining.
Is there any cell service out here, and how close is the nearest gas station?
Zero cell service on the loop — plan like you're off the grid completely. Cheyenne, Oklahoma is the nearest town and has a gas station; top off before you leave because 35 miles of remote grassland with no signal is not where you want to run dry.
Trail track
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