We drove from Arizona on our way home to Texas from Arizona State University, where we had just dropped Clayton off for his first year of college. I needed a distraction and really wanted to knock out a high point.
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Date Visited: August 18, 2021
Weather Conditions: Sunny & Warm
Temperature: Began 64 degrees and ended at 91 degrees
Elevation: 4975 feet
Blaze Color: None (no Blazes)
Length: 8 Miles Out and Back
Time to Complete: 3 hours and 45 minutes (this includes a 45-minute stop at the top)
Black Mesa Mountain History
Called a geological wonder of the United States, the Black Mesa Plateau is where the Rocky Mountains meet the shortgrass prairie. Long before it was established as Oklahoma’s high point, the area was used by outlaws as a hideout. Outlaws William Coe and Blackjack Ketchum built a fortress named Robbers’ Roost. When ranchers and coal miners moved into the area, the lawlessness subsided, and the area was settled.
In 1991, a private group called the Oklahoma Nature Conservancy purchased the mesa and established the Black Mesa Nature Preserve. The Preserve is roughly 1600 acres and protects roughly 60% of the mesa top.
Oklahoma High Point Trailhead
The trailhead is off Black Mesa Rd, directly across from the second cell phone tower.
Trip Summary
Finding the trailhead was easy. We stopped at the logbook so we could sign our names and realized two other people had also just signed in (or so we thought). It turns out our watches were still on Mountain Time, not Central Time.
The trail was relatively easy (flat), with only a short “up” stint. The thing that may make this hard for some is the brutal sun, as there is no shade.
Reaching the Top
The trail is flat for the first 2.5 miles before you start a short .5-mile climb to the top of the plateau.
We ran across lots of cows (this is a working ranch that you hike through) that didn’t seem to mind we were there.
There was a water cache right before you start the climb, but I wouldn’t count on that being there, so make sure you bring enough water to get you to the high point and back.
The temperature was just starting to rise as we made our climb in what was about to become the brutal sun. Once we reached the top, the trail seemed to never end. So much so that we thought we actually took a wrong turn somewhere.
But alas, the Oklahoma high point monument upon Black Mesa came into view.
We took some time to rest at the top before heading back down.
The trek down was horribly hot; thankfully, I brought my trekking umbrella, which provided me some shade. Jerry didn’t, so we ended up sharing it. He now travels with a trekking umbrella, lol.
Blazes Along the Way
There were no blazes along the way unless you count cow patties, and the trail is pretty obvious.
Highpoint Stats
| STATE: Oklahoma | WHEN TO CLIMB: Any Time of the Year |
| WHEN TO CLIMB: Any Time of the Year | PERMIT REQUIRED: No |
| TYPE: Hike – Round Trip | FEE: None |
| LENGTH: 8 miles | HOURS OPEN: Dawn to Dusk |
| DIFFICULTY: Moderate | ELEVATION GAIN: 774 feet |
| TYPE OF TERRAIN: Dirt / Gravel | ELEVATION: 4975 feet |
More Information
Getting There
From Kenton: Head east on OK-325 E toward Newbert Ave. Turn left onto Black Mesa Rd and go about 4.9 miles. The entrance will be on the left.
Red Tape
- Only hikers are allowed.
- The trail is open from dusk until dawn.
- BRING LOTS OF WATER, especially in the hotter months. The trail is completely open with no shade.
Parking Area
The parking area is located by the trailhead and features a vault toilet.
Accessibility
The road to the trailhead is paved.
Quick Facts
- Black Mesa is named for the dark pumice found all over the terrain
Gear I Used/Took
| BACKPACK: Osprey Manta AG 36 | TREKKING POLES: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork |
| PHONE: iPhone 11 Pro | PHONE TRIPOD: Joby Grip Tight One |
Video
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Disclaimer: These articles are here to serve others as a guide on their own outdoor & travel adventures. You use any advice given on this site at your own risk. Exploring & Hiking Hiking can be risky activities; fatalities and injuries do occur. You assume responsibility when you decide to visit or hike in a particular location. Not all trails, attractions, and travels are safe for everyone. What works for me, may not work for you. Do your own research on gear and destinations before proceeding. Information is accurate at the time of posting and is subject to change at any time.
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