Glass Mountains State Park is located in northwest Oklahoma in Major County just off U.S. Highway 412 west-northwest of Fairview south of the Cimarron River.
Sometimes called the Gloss Mountains, they have a high selenite content, making them appear as if they were covered with pieces of glass. This scenic strip is almost another world with its rugged high-topped mesas rising up from a relatively flat land area. A "painted desert" effect can be seen in many locations due to the exposure of different rock strata, and the sparkle of gypsum and selenite gives many of the mesas a glittering look.
At one time a giant inland sea once covered the area, leaving behind extensive gypsum beds. Spanish explorers passed through the area and later, the first known American explorer (circa 1821) described what he called "The Shining Mountains".
Today, astronomy groups occasionally use the area for celestial observations and visitors enjoy the 24-mile scenic drive through this very distinctive area.