- …
- Yak
- Quests
- 50 State Highpoints
- Black Mesa
4,973 ft · Cimarron County Mesas, Oklahoma
Black Mesa
Black Mesa is a 4,973 ft peak in the Cimarron County Mesas, Oklahoma. The standard route is the Black Mesa Trail: 8 mi, 748 ft of gain, Class 1.
Black Mesa at a glance
- Elevation4,973 ft1,515 m
- RouteBlack Mesa TrailClass 1
- Distance8 mi748 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
- SeasonSep – May
- RangeCimarron County MesasOklahoma
Climbing the Black Mesa Trail
From Boise City, Oklahoma, drive 25 miles northwest on Highway 325 to Kenton, then follow county road signs to the Black Mesa State Park trailhead. The terrain is hot, exposed, and desert-like with no shade on the route. Carry at least 3-4 liters of water per person. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms which can develop quickly. Rattlesnakes are present in warm months, so watch where you step and sit. The monument at the summit marks the highest point. Best hiked September through May to avoid extreme heat. Early morning starts are strongly recommended in warmer months.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Warm Hat
Sun Hat
Buff
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Dry conditions
- High winds
- Storms
- Rattlesnakes
Quests with Black Mesa
50 State HighpointsFrequently asked questions
How tall is Black Mesa?
Black Mesa is 4,973 feet (1,515 m) tall. It is in the Cimarron County Mesas, Oklahoma.
Is Black Mesa the highest point in Oklahoma?
Yes. At 4,973 feet, Black Mesa is the highest point in Oklahoma.
How hard is it to hike Black Mesa?
The Black Mesa Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 748 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Black Mesa?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Black Mesa Trail, covering 8 miles with 748 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Black Mesa?
The Black Mesa Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 748 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Black Mesa?
The usual hiking window is September to May. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Black Mesa with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list