Tulsa’s Best Kept Secret

Why Keystone Ancient Forest is Tulsa’s Best Kept Secret for Hikers

We’ve found our new favorite hiking spot, and it’s practically in our backyard. Today, we ventured out to Keystone Ancient Forest in Sand Springs, and let me tell you, this place is next level amazing. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a weekend outdoors, Keystone offers a little something for everyone.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hike in a forest that feels ancient (and by ancient, I mean trees that have been standing since before the Roman Empire), this is it. So grab your hiking boots—or heck, borrow one of their hiking sticks, that’s right…they loan out sticks for FREE! —and let me take you through why this hidden gem has completely won me over.

Keystone Ancient Forest: A Hiker’s Paradise Right in Tulsa’s Backyard

So here’s the thing: I’ve done my fair share of hiking, but few places compare to the experience I had at Keystone Ancient Forest. Located just a short drive from Tulsa, this forest isn’t just beautiful—it’s thoughtful. Every detail, from the ADA-accessible trails to the clearly marked paths, has been carefully designed to make sure everyone can enjoy what nature has to offer.

I mean, how often do you find a hiking spot with wheelchairs designed for trails, hiking sticks available to borrow, and even bug spray provided at the trailhead? And here’s the kicker: there are dog-friendly days, which—lucky us—just happened to be today! Our four-legged sweetie had the time of her life trotting alongside us on the trail. Not every place is this inclusive, and for that, Keystone gets major brownie points.

Friendly Staff and All the Comforts You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s talk about the volunteers. I wasn’t expecting to meet such friendly and knowledgeable people at a local trail, but the team at Keystone? They’re incredible. From offering tips on which trails to try based on your experience level to chatting about the local wildlife, or offering helpful suggestions for our family member with Dementia, they’re the type of people who genuinely love what they do. And it shows.

Now, let’s address a concern a discerning hiker such as myself is always looking at: the bathrooms. We’ve all been there—trekking through a beautiful forest only to come across a restroom situation that makes you want to turn back. Not here. The facilities at Keystone are new, clean, and dare I say, pleasant? I didn’t even think twice about using them, which is rare for a day in the wild. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it.

Oh, and did I mention the gift shop? It’s stocked with everything from super trendy t-shirts & stickers for your laptop or hydro (or I guess Stanley more appropriately these days) and 100% of the proceeds go directly back to supporting the trails. We couldn’t help but grab a few mementos to remember the day—and knowing our dollars were going to a good cause made it even sweeter.

The Trails: Marked to Perfection

Now, for the main event: the trails. You know how some hiking spots leave you second-guessing whether you’re still on the path or if you’ve accidentally wandered into uncharted territory? Not at Keystone. These trails are so clearly marked that it almost feels like they’re giving you a guided tour of the forest. No GPS necessary, just follow the signs and enjoy the journey.

The different trail options make it perfect for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re a newbie looking for a leisurely stroll or a seasoned pro ready to tackle something more challenging, there’s something for you. We stuck to a moderately challenging route today, and even with the occasional incline, it felt totally manageable.

And with 3 miles of trails, it’s a perfect place for spending a couple of hours immersed in nature without feeling overwhelmed. The changing seasons promise different experiences—so you bet I’ll be back to see what this place looks like when autumn hits.

Dog-Friendly Days? Say No More!

If you’re a dog lover like me, you know how tough it can be to find trails that welcome our furry friends. But at Keystone Ancient Forest, they get it. On select days, the trails are open to dogs, and our pup had the time of her life. There’s just something so special about seeing your dog romp around, tail wagging, that makes a day in the forest even better. While The Gathering Place has select days for dogs, Midland Valley and the riverfront trails allow dogs daily, making them perfect for everyday outings with your furry friends. But when it comes to the beautiful, ancient trees of Keystone and those special dog-inclusive days, it’s well worth checking the schedule and planning a trip!

Why Keystone Ancient Forest is More Than Just a Hike

Sure, Keystone Ancient Forest is a great place for a hike, but it’s more than that—it’s an experience. Whether you’re reconnecting with nature, taking your dog on an adventure, or just spending some quality time with friends and family, this place offers a chance to step away from the noise and breathe in some much-needed fresh air.

It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, stop to appreciate the ancient trees, and just be. And honestly, that’s what I loved the most about it. It’s not about rushing to the end of the trail—it’s about savoring the journey.

Our Takeaway: We’ll Be Back (A Lot)

There are plenty of beautiful hiking spots around Tulsa (shoutout to Turkey Mountain), but something about Keystone Ancient Forest feels extra special. It’s not just the pristine trails or the thoughtful amenities—it’s the way this place makes you feel connected to both nature and the community.

So yeah, we’ll definitely be back. We’re already planning to visit during different seasons to see how the forest changes. And if you haven’t been yet, trust me, you’ll want to add this place to your list.