In case you didn’t know, Oklahoma is home to some of the most diverse topography in the state. There are 11 different ecoregions, ranging from cypress swamps to pine-covered mountains to tallgrass prairies. One of the most unusual terrains in the Sooner State is the Black Mesa area in the most western portion of the state. It’s home to many remote geological wonders that look like you’re on another planet. The area is open to the public and hikeable for most people, so lace up those hiking boots and head west to Black Mesa State Park to check it out.
The Southwestern Tablelands ecoregion in Oklahoma encompasses Black Mesa country in extreme western Oklahoma. It is full of dramatic rock formations, an abundance of wildlife, ancient mesas, rugged beauty, mountains, and shortgrass prairies.
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Black Mesa is a plateau that stretches for 28 miles from Colorado, into New Mexico and across the border into Oklahoma. It also boasts the highest point in the state – 4,973 ft. above sea level, so when you get to the top the views are breathtaking.
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The plateau that formed at the top of the mesa has been known as a “geological wonder” of North America.
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This area has given geologists and paleontologists rare moments to investigate Jurassic and Triassic rocks and the dinosaur bones in them.
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The trail to the top of the plateau and back to the trailhead is 8.5 miles and considered moderately strenuous.
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You never know what you’ll encounter in this unique topography. Here you see a tree growing out of a rock and it looks like something out of a movie.
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The untouched natural environment is eerily beautiful. There is so much history in this land that makes for interesting stories.
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Here, you can see an aerial drawing of just how big and remote the plateau is. Just make sure and gas up before you head too far west because it’s truly that remote.
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Black Mesa is also one of the best places in the country for stargazing. After the sun sets, this place looks otherworldly and it’s truly magical.
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Address: County Road 325, Kenton, OK, 73946
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Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve contains 47 dinosaur prints that were originally discovered in the 1980s. Click here to read about the dinosaurs that once trekked in this place.
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