Mount Oklahoma rides the Continental Divide northeast of Independence Pass, between two wilderness areas, Mount Massive on the San Isabel side and Hunter-Fryingpan on the White River side. Named for the University of Oklahoma, it is a Centennial that sees far fewer boots than Mount Massive just up the valley, and its tundra ridge makes a peaceful vantage over two wild drainages.
The southeast slopes route starts at the North Halfmoon Creek trailhead, reached by a narrow 4WD extension of the Halfmoon Creek road beyond the Mount Massive parking area. A maintained trail climbs 1.25 miles through forest to a meadow near 11,200 feet where the peak first shows itself, then continues on the North Halfmoon Lakes trail to a rocky overlook at 11,600 feet. From there the route is off-trail: two stream crossings, a subtle forested rib, and rock outcrops into a high basin, then a steep grassy slope to the ridge at 13,100 feet and easy talus northwest to the top. The round trip is about 7.25 miles with 3,400 feet of gain, Class 2 throughout.
The forest navigation below treeline is the main puzzle, so carry a map or GPS track. Summer is the easy season, and spring skiers use the same slopes. From the Fryingpan side, the lakes below the Divide frame a fine view of the peak.
