Turkey Mountain is a hidden gem of nature a short distance from downtown Tulsa, OK amidst the urban sprawl. It’s over 750 acres of urban wilderness within a series of parks and venues along the scenic Arkansas River managed by River Parks Authority. The appeal is the diverse terrain boasting over 45 miles of hiking and biking trails. Beneath the tranquil canopy is a rich collection of geologic events and wonders. Even a short hike raises intriguing questions about its origin and history. How old is it? Why do we see so many rock layers? Do the rocks contain fossils? Was oil produced on Turkey Mountain? This guide answers these and many more. We look to the rocks for answers. They are silent witnesses to geological events, and they remember the stories. Think of the rock formations as chapters in the story of Turkey Mountain, with the fossils and features in the rocks as pages and illustrations. The geologic history is an interesting story involving plate tectonics, periods of mountain building, and an ice age. These events created environments forming rock sequences in swamps, streams, rivers, flood plains, warm shallow seas, and deep seas. The rocks, fossils and features in the rocks preserved the narrative we interpret today. Each has an interesting narrative and is easy to identify with a keen eye and this guide. A brief geologic history is presented to frame what we see today. Photos of common fossils and features on the trails, with concise descriptions, are provided without lengthy technical discussions found in textbooks. Use the guide to explore the trails of Turkey Mountain and interpret the stories etched in the landscape. It will enrich your experience.
