Black Mesa Trail to the Oklahoma high point
At the time I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I had nearly met my long-sought goal of standing on the highest point of each state in the U.S.
I had about eight states to go.
And I wasn’t about to let a little thing like a progressive neurological disease stop me.
(Cue the Indiana Jones theme.)
One of those states was Oklahoma.
The highest point is at 4,973 feet, but since it’s on a high plateau already, there’s not a lot of elevation to slow you down when reaching it. Black Mesa Trail is an 8.4-mile out-and-back trek, with an elevation gain of around 650 feet.
You may not think it is among the most lovely of trails, especially if you like trees.
But the desert presents its own brand of beauty, with interesting plants and wildlife, and the view from the top of Black Mesa is expansive and awe worthy.
(Just FYI, other trails to the states’ highest points aren’t very scenic, and some are even accessible by car! Nevertheless, each is required to visit for “high pointers” like Mr. Unshakable and me. So off we went.)
Getting to Black Mesa is no Sunday drive.
It’s a long, long way from anywhere to Kenton, Oklahoma, the closest town to the trailhead.
Kenton is just a couple of miles south of the Colorado border and barely east of New Mexico, at the very tip of the OK’s panhandle. Think of where you’d find a ring for hanging a saucepan.
The trail to the high point starts in the northeast corner of Black Mesa Nature Preserve. Google maps can get you right to the trailhead, where parking is plentiful.
If it’s summer, start at dawn to avoid the heat later; this trail can also be traversed in the winter if you’re geared up for the cold and possible snow.
The trail is easy to follow and has decent signage. Miles 1 and 2 are about as exciting as walking on a bowling alley – the trail is flat with a few educational plaques and benches that double as mile markers.
At about 2.5 miles, you’ll face the only uphill climb. Here, the trail can get a bit steep and rocky. That lasts for about three-quarters of a mile.
Parkinson’s tip
Wear shoes with ankle support to help avoid injury when walking over the rocks, both up and back down the steep portion.
Once at the top of the mesa, it’s about a mile-long walk on a flat trail to the high point. On sunny days, prepare to crave shade, which is not just elusive but non-existent.
The fauna in the area include mountain lions, snakes including rattlers, sheep and cows. They are rare, but be on the lookout.
More common are all sorts of creepy crawlies. If it’s not windy, bugs can be an issue, so bring repellent.
Can you spot the animal in this picture? Answer below.
Parkinson’s tip
Did you bring enough meds? This trail took us more than four hours to complete.
Up top, when you spot an odd object sticking out of the ground ahead, it’s time to rejoice.
As we got closer to it, the “2001 Space Odyssey” theme entered my head! The tall granite obelisk marks the highest point in Oklahoma and the end of the trail.
There you can have a seat on the bench, and then sign your name in the book in the metal box to prove to the world that “I was there!” (It’s a high-pointer thing.)
If time allows, follow a smaller trail for about a quarter mile to the west, and you’ll reach the edge of the mesa. There are some fantastic views of the landscape of New Mexico.
I’m probably not selling many of you on this hike.
Chances are, if you see anyone else on this trail, they’re probably trying to bag another high point.
It’s not like you would “just happen to be in the area” and looking for a nice hike.
Still, Black Mesa is a destination unlike others we had seen and was worth the effort.
Did you find the mystery animal? We think it was a gopher snake. Non-venomous.
Hike info
PD difficulty level (see chart): moderate
Distance: 8.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation change: about 650 feet
Location: Kenton, Okla., is the closest town. Pop. 31.
Bathrooms: at trailhead
Emergency medical support: 38 miles away in Boise City, Okla.
Costs: none
Road access to trailhead: park nearby in lot
Insider tips: We stayed at Black Mesa Bed & Breakfast – a delightful place only a few miles from the trailhead. They even made us breakfast burritos to go! Also, be sure to stop by the antiques museum off the main highway in Kenton. It’s quaint, and the locals have lots to tell you about the history of the area.
