Oklahoma Highpoint
Black Mesa
4,973 ft · Black Mesa Nature Preserve · Cimarron County
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The highpoint pin marks the granite monument on the Black Mesa plateau. The access pin marks the official Summit Trail parking area northeast of the highpoint.
USGS-derived Black Mesa highpoint locationStandard route
Black Mesa Summit Trail
From the Black Mesa Nature Preserve trailhead, follow the marked trail west across relatively flat shortgrass prairie. The route curves southwest toward the mesa, climbs roughly 600 feet through rocky switchbacks, then crosses the broad plateau for about a mile to the granite Oklahoma highpoint monument.
Distance
8.4 mi
Elevation gain
About 600 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Moderate
Trailhead
Black Mesa Summit Trailhead
Typical hazards: Summer heat, intense sun, strong wind, thunderstorms, rocky footing, cactus, and remote terrain with little shade.
TravelOK describes the route as intermediate to expert because of its length, exposure, and distinct terrain changes. Allow at least four hours and carry plenty of water.
TravelOK: Black Mesa Summit TrailAccess
Black Mesa Nature Preserve
The highpoint trail is in Black Mesa Nature Preserve northwest of Kenton. From SH-325, take the signed road north toward Black Mesa and follow it approximately five miles to the summit-trail parking area.
Use the designated Summit Trail parking area.
TravelOK publishes the trailhead at N 36°57.633′, W 102°57.817′. The preserve is remote and unstaffed, so arrive with adequate fuel, water, navigation, and daylight.
Park amenities
- Trailhead parking
- Restroom at the nature preserve trailhead
- Shade structures along the route
Know before you go
Black Mesa Nature Preserve basics
Visit only between dawn and dusk.
Camping is prohibited inside Black Mesa Nature Preserve.
Stay on the established Summit Trail and protect rare plants and wildlife.
Pack out all trash and leave the highpoint monument and summit register undamaged.
Carry sufficient water for the full exposed round trip.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Black Mesa Nature Preserve is remote and unstaffed. Check weather before leaving, avoid the hottest part of summer days, carry ample drinking water, and plan to complete the hike before the preserve closes at dusk.