Black Mesa State Park

Black Mesa State Park is a nature reserve in the Oklahoma panhandle where Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. The landscape features grasslands below a distinctive plateau made of black volcanic rock that rises prominently above the surrounding terrain.

The black rock of the plateau formed roughly 30 million years ago when volcanic activity deposited a thick layer across the formation. This geological event gave the location its name and created the distinctive appearance that defines the park today.

The park sits where two different ecosystems meet, supporting plants and animals found nowhere else in the region. Visitors can see how nature thrives in this transition zone during their hikes.

The park provides camping and RV sites with basic facilities like water and electric connections, plus picnic areas and restrooms. Visitors should prepare for temperature changes between day and night, especially during spring and fall, while exploring the trails throughout the grounds.

The location offers some of the darkest night skies in the United States, making it excellent for observing stars and meteor showers. These conditions result from its remote position far from artificial lights of nearby cities.

Location: Cimarron County

Website: https://travelok.com/state-parks/black-mesa-state-park-nature-preserve

GPS coordinates: 36.84590,-102.88000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44