Black Mesa Summit Trail
Black Mesa Summit Trail
4.7
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MarkChapin
San Diego, CA105 aportes
jun de 2024 • Pareja
This trail is well-maintained and not strenuous. Two miles of flat, one mile of steady grade and then flat again on top of the Mesa. No route-finding required. We went early in the morning/dawn and the drive there required a careful look out. We had a calf standing in the road. Two elks were on the road a little further on. Three dogs were in the road further on. Drive moderately with your lights on, watch for these kinds of hazards and you will be fine.
Escrita el 14 de junio de 2024
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Sandi S
Tulsa, OK47 aportes
mar de 2024 • Amigos
Not gonna lie, the steep hike on rhe way to the summit was tough! Frequent breaks, sips of water helped. Beautiful views were the reward. No shade, so hikes early in the day if it’s going to be warm.
Escrita el 13 de marzo de 2024
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,712 aportes
abr de 2023 • Solitario
I visited 4 states in the Great Plains and part of it was to see the highpoints of each. Only Oklahoma at Black Mesa provided any elevation or hike. By AllTrails, this is an 8.8 mile, 748 vertical feet that is number 29 in the state of Oklahoma. As I said in my review of Black Mesa State Park, this is a unique hike for western Oklahoma, more like New Mexico which is less than 1/4 from the highpoint marker. This is a unique part of Oklahoma that has elevation and trees which makes this a beautiful hike.
I hiked this solo which was kind of discomforting in a habitat for mountain lions and bears and I did not see another hiker until Mile 2 on the return. While I had a couple of concerning thoughts in the Juniper Forest and on the hike up the elevation in the rocks, it was a great hike that was fine solo. I started at 8:15, summited at 9:45, returned back at 11:15 and had plenty of time for pictures on the way and at the top. As others have said, it is fairly easy first 2 miles on the plains through a juniper forest. It then starts a one mile climb to the top before a 1.2 mile fairly level hike on top of the mesa to the marker. In vertical part of the hike, it is so different, not just the elevation, but the rock. On the mesa, especially the outcroppings at the top, you find the black igneous rock that gives the mesa its name.
The marker is a beautiful piece of Oklahoma granite that describes something about the state in every direction. It also tells you how close you are to the nearest state in every direction which is amazing when New Mexico is only 1/4 mile away and Colorado only 4.7 miles. You can see 3 states from the hike. As highpoints go, it is a Goldilocks, neither too far nor too short or too high or too low. I highly recommend the hike as a great, reachable highpoint for so many.
I hiked this solo which was kind of discomforting in a habitat for mountain lions and bears and I did not see another hiker until Mile 2 on the return. While I had a couple of concerning thoughts in the Juniper Forest and on the hike up the elevation in the rocks, it was a great hike that was fine solo. I started at 8:15, summited at 9:45, returned back at 11:15 and had plenty of time for pictures on the way and at the top. As others have said, it is fairly easy first 2 miles on the plains through a juniper forest. It then starts a one mile climb to the top before a 1.2 mile fairly level hike on top of the mesa to the marker. In vertical part of the hike, it is so different, not just the elevation, but the rock. On the mesa, especially the outcroppings at the top, you find the black igneous rock that gives the mesa its name.
The marker is a beautiful piece of Oklahoma granite that describes something about the state in every direction. It also tells you how close you are to the nearest state in every direction which is amazing when New Mexico is only 1/4 mile away and Colorado only 4.7 miles. You can see 3 states from the hike. As highpoints go, it is a Goldilocks, neither too far nor too short or too high or too low. I highly recommend the hike as a great, reachable highpoint for so many.
Escrita el 21 de mayo de 2023
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Time to Wander
Okmulgee, OK22 aportes
mar de 2022
Meredith Aug 2020 gives a thorough review, but I would add March is a good time of year to go if weather cooperates. No snakes! My husband and I are 60 and moderately active. I found the incline to be taxing, but doable. Views are reminiscent of Santa Fe area. We started at 9 and it took us 3.5 hours to complete hike. We only met 4 other hikers while on the trail; all women hiking solo.
Escrita el 23 de marzo de 2022
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
BlueDevilOKC
Oklahoma City, OK819 aportes
sept de 2021 • Familia
This trail is doable and worth it - even with young children - with some planning. I hiked with kids ages 6, 9, and 11, and I questioned the wisdom of undertaking this long trail with young kids. And we did it!
We took most of the day and snacked and picnicked along the way. With plenty of water, snacks, patience, and positive energy, this hike is doable. The sense of accomplishment, even more than the spectacular views, made the entire hike worth it.
We took most of the day and snacked and picnicked along the way. With plenty of water, snacks, patience, and positive energy, this hike is doable. The sense of accomplishment, even more than the spectacular views, made the entire hike worth it.
Escrita el 26 de septiembre de 2021
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Latasha B
Yale, OK104 aportes
mar de 2021 • Familia
We didn't make it to the summit. The 1st 2 miles of trail is very dry and offers little shade. The rotted trail can be difficult to negotiate for novice hikers. We finally began to see some change in terrain about 1/4 mile past 2 mile bench. However by then my 10 year old was tired and ready to go. I couldn't convince him or my 12 year old to keep trying. For beginners or those who are not accustomed to longer hikes/walks 8 miles may be a little difficult.
Escrita el 21 de marzo de 2021
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
CharliefromTampa
Tampa, FL270 aportes
oct de 2020
I headed up at dawn, 20 mph 50 degrees breeze. little over 2 miles flat, about a mile easy uphill, a mile on the plateau. Very obvious trail with very good markers, Oklahoma really takes good care of this. While on top, take the 3 minutes to follow the trail to the left to the edge of the mesa, excellent views from there.
Escrita el 8 de octubre de 2020
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Meredith
29 aportes
ago de 2020
Reviewing the summit trail and state park camping are two different things, but often people only see one or the other. So, this is my trail review; you should check out the state park reviews for camping or info on the state park. That said, this is my trail review:
The Summit is in the Nature Preservation, outside of the state park. You can get there in about 10 minutes through the state park; don't drive around on the 20 minute google route unless you just want the added drive. Upon arrival at the trail head, you will just see a parking lot and a 'restroom'. The restroom did not have any toilet paper when we arrived; it is a 1 person metal port-a-potty (basically) in a brick building...which makes it look like it is going to be more than it is. Carry your own toiletries and you will be fine; this includes hand sanitizer because there is not a sink to wash your hands.
You enter the park through a metal revolving gate onto a flat trail. As you go through the first mile you find yourself looking around wondering which way the trail will turn to take you up the mesa. After approximately a mile (or more) you will see a bench that says 'mile one'. This is a nice feature because it is a bench and gives you an illusion that there are amenities; let me assure you, there are not. The bench at mile one is the only half way shaded bench that exists...there are no coverings or shade trees. I say this because the heat is severely under estimated, especially if you are doing it in August because you came to the park for the Perseid Meteor Shower. I live in Oklahoma and can promise you, I know better than to really think hiking out here in August is a good idea. Unless you start at sunrise, be overly prepared. Anyway, we had 5-6 liters of water, but 100% should have had gatorade with us.
We did not realize that you hiked over 2.5 miles before turning toward the mesa and gaining altitude so I got a little irritated wondering why the trail head was not closer to a 'trail'. I wanted to get to the top and the trail meandered aimlessly for two miles with scatterings of rocks, wash outs, and inhospitable plant life. ...really nothing to even look at . Don't get me wrong, it is pretty, but not what you are thinking.
From about (approx.) mile 2.5 to mile 3 is a steady incline with some loose stones. From about mile 3 to 3.5 is at a stairway incline. About mile 3.5 you reach the mesa top and walk on fairly level ground for another mile (give or take) to the marble marker of the high point. The marker contains information like distances to various states and date of erection,etc. There is also one bench up there, one, that is hotter than a first date make-out session that violently ends with a bad stalker. Just don't even try it unless you enjoy getting burned.
The walk down is not as bad, but really, do not under estimate rocks and that you are more tired and not paying attention. When we returned to the state park we spoke with a park ranger who informed us the hike is really 9 miles, not 8 and also you have to go passed the little monument to see the edge/view. I don;t recall him saying how much farther, but I would imagine .5 to a mile.
Here are my pointers:
1. If you have the option, go in the cooler months
2. take no less than 2 liters of water and at lease some sort of electrolyte replacement
3. Wear hiking boots no matter the season, you will tank me later
4. There are snakes and they are venomous.....there is NO medical assistance for you for at least 37 miles so be overly observant- this is their home
5. The town of Kenton does not have ice or Gatorade, you will have to drive 37 miles to Boise City
6. There is no shade or coverings the entire way, wear a hat and consider taking an umbrella if it is middle of summer
7. If you are planning a picnic at the top, because I know you are, take something to sit on like a small mat/towel/whatever
8. Keep extra water and Gatorade in the car for when you make it back
Overall, it is a nice hike and is not that hard, but the heat will make it seem terrible if you are not prepared. We started at 86* and returned to our car at 107*; the hike took us just over 4 hours, including our picnic. I wish the park would invest in some coverings for the benches or a little pergola at the top. They must know people come to this place to see the top or people who just come to see the meteors and think they will do this as a side car, yet are not prepared.
For reference: we are a pretty active family, hike some, camp some, run/workout, but more like the dad/mom bod level :) Even knowing it would be too hot and our experience level, the heat kicked our butts. We had probably 5 liters of water, snacks and lunch. On our return, we consumed the mother load of Gatorade because water just couldn't work fast enough. You have to have the electrolytes.
The Summit is in the Nature Preservation, outside of the state park. You can get there in about 10 minutes through the state park; don't drive around on the 20 minute google route unless you just want the added drive. Upon arrival at the trail head, you will just see a parking lot and a 'restroom'. The restroom did not have any toilet paper when we arrived; it is a 1 person metal port-a-potty (basically) in a brick building...which makes it look like it is going to be more than it is. Carry your own toiletries and you will be fine; this includes hand sanitizer because there is not a sink to wash your hands.
You enter the park through a metal revolving gate onto a flat trail. As you go through the first mile you find yourself looking around wondering which way the trail will turn to take you up the mesa. After approximately a mile (or more) you will see a bench that says 'mile one'. This is a nice feature because it is a bench and gives you an illusion that there are amenities; let me assure you, there are not. The bench at mile one is the only half way shaded bench that exists...there are no coverings or shade trees. I say this because the heat is severely under estimated, especially if you are doing it in August because you came to the park for the Perseid Meteor Shower. I live in Oklahoma and can promise you, I know better than to really think hiking out here in August is a good idea. Unless you start at sunrise, be overly prepared. Anyway, we had 5-6 liters of water, but 100% should have had gatorade with us.
We did not realize that you hiked over 2.5 miles before turning toward the mesa and gaining altitude so I got a little irritated wondering why the trail head was not closer to a 'trail'. I wanted to get to the top and the trail meandered aimlessly for two miles with scatterings of rocks, wash outs, and inhospitable plant life. ...really nothing to even look at . Don't get me wrong, it is pretty, but not what you are thinking.
From about (approx.) mile 2.5 to mile 3 is a steady incline with some loose stones. From about mile 3 to 3.5 is at a stairway incline. About mile 3.5 you reach the mesa top and walk on fairly level ground for another mile (give or take) to the marble marker of the high point. The marker contains information like distances to various states and date of erection,etc. There is also one bench up there, one, that is hotter than a first date make-out session that violently ends with a bad stalker. Just don't even try it unless you enjoy getting burned.
The walk down is not as bad, but really, do not under estimate rocks and that you are more tired and not paying attention. When we returned to the state park we spoke with a park ranger who informed us the hike is really 9 miles, not 8 and also you have to go passed the little monument to see the edge/view. I don;t recall him saying how much farther, but I would imagine .5 to a mile.
Here are my pointers:
1. If you have the option, go in the cooler months
2. take no less than 2 liters of water and at lease some sort of electrolyte replacement
3. Wear hiking boots no matter the season, you will tank me later
4. There are snakes and they are venomous.....there is NO medical assistance for you for at least 37 miles so be overly observant- this is their home
5. The town of Kenton does not have ice or Gatorade, you will have to drive 37 miles to Boise City
6. There is no shade or coverings the entire way, wear a hat and consider taking an umbrella if it is middle of summer
7. If you are planning a picnic at the top, because I know you are, take something to sit on like a small mat/towel/whatever
8. Keep extra water and Gatorade in the car for when you make it back
Overall, it is a nice hike and is not that hard, but the heat will make it seem terrible if you are not prepared. We started at 86* and returned to our car at 107*; the hike took us just over 4 hours, including our picnic. I wish the park would invest in some coverings for the benches or a little pergola at the top. They must know people come to this place to see the top or people who just come to see the meteors and think they will do this as a side car, yet are not prepared.
For reference: we are a pretty active family, hike some, camp some, run/workout, but more like the dad/mom bod level :) Even knowing it would be too hot and our experience level, the heat kicked our butts. We had probably 5 liters of water, snacks and lunch. On our return, we consumed the mother load of Gatorade because water just couldn't work fast enough. You have to have the electrolytes.
Escrita el 10 de agosto de 2020
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
hoover4
Knoxville Tennessee69 aportes
ene de 2020
Hike has good views of rolling prairie, canyons, & mesas in historic Santa Fe Trail no-mans region of the OK panhandle. There is 1/3 mile of rocky steep eroded switchbacks which may require slow careful descent for some novices with knee or ankle instability. The last mile on the Mesa top is very exposed to wind, bad weather, and lightning so watch the weather and do this in the cooler months or start at dawn in the summer. There are B&B’s nearby to use for an early start. The summit and trail are located in the Black Mesa Nature Preserve. Do not confuse this location with the Black Mesa State Park, which is about 10 mi SE and has the campground.
Escrita el 26 de enero de 2020
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
James Strickland
10 aportes
oct de 2019
Hiked Black Mesa Summit with my dog on an upper 70's afternoon in October. We consumed 6 bottles of water. I did not realize that you hiked over 2.5 miles before turning toward the mesa and gaining altitude so I got a little irritated. I wanted to get to the top and the trail meandered aimlessly for two miles with scatterings of rocks, wash outs, and inhospitable plant life. Approximately one mile of the trail is upward movement. From about mile 2.5 to mile 3 is a steady incline with some loose stones. From about mile 3 to 3.5 is at a stairway incline. About mile 3.5 you reach the mesa top and walk on fairly level ground for another mile (give or take) to the marble marker of the high point. The marker contains information like distances to various states and date of erection,etc.
That's the bad. The good: There's a fairly recent latrine restroom at the trail head that was clean and in good order when I was there. There are beautiful rock formations and you will want a camera with a good optical zoom. Benches mark the first three miles and are located among trees that provide good shade.
If I had it to do all over, I'd have a pack for my dog to carry her own water! lol, And, I'd only hike up to about mile 3, where the prettiest view is, and spend the day taking pictures and marveling at the rock formations. OR, I'd break from the trail to go check out some of the more unique formations up close.
That's the bad. The good: There's a fairly recent latrine restroom at the trail head that was clean and in good order when I was there. There are beautiful rock formations and you will want a camera with a good optical zoom. Benches mark the first three miles and are located among trees that provide good shade.
If I had it to do all over, I'd have a pack for my dog to carry her own water! lol, And, I'd only hike up to about mile 3, where the prettiest view is, and spend the day taking pictures and marveling at the rock formations. OR, I'd break from the trail to go check out some of the more unique formations up close.
Escrita el 21 de octubre de 2019
Esta opinión es la opinión subjetiva de un miembro de Tripadvisor, no de Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor les hace controles a todas las opiniones.
Do we need a permit to hike Black Mesa, or could anyone hike it?
Escrita el 10 de octubre de 2018
Boise City, Oklahoma. Only about 30 minutes east of Black Mesa and good roads to get there.
Escrita el 2 de abril de 2017
Where is the nearest gas station & place to buy water? From what I understand this area is desert like, and features extreme desolation, so this question concerns me quite a bit. Thank You!
Escrita el 3 de junio de 2015
It's not extreme desert, and not entirely remote. There are houses and people nearby, and regular traffic on the highway.
There is one "general"-type store in Kenton. I imagine they have water, but I would also expect limited business hours. No gas in Kenton, at least not that I recall.
Better safe than sorry, so I suggest loading up on fuel, food, and water in Clayton or Boise City. Clayton is only 41 miles, and Boise City is only 36 miles.
Escrita el 5 de junio de 2015
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