Black Mesa State Park

Black Mesa State Park occupies Oklahoma’s far western Panhandle near Kenton and the New Mexico border, about 15 miles from Black Mesa, the lava-capped formation that is the state’s highest point at 4,973 feet. The surrounding Black Mesa area is notable for its stark landscape and a nature preserve open to hiking that spans 1,600 acres and supports an unusually diverse group of sensitive species, including 23 rare plants and 8 rare animals. Inside the park, Lake Carl Etling was formed in 1959 by damming South Carrizo Creek. The park is also famed for Oklahoma’s darkest skies, in a Bortle 1 zone, making it a leading destination for stargazing.

Oklahoma · United States