Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve

Black Mesa State Park and the nearby Black Mesa Nature Preserve showcase the most geographically unusual corner of Oklahoma. The far western Panhandle rises toward the Rocky Mountain region, producing high plains, volcanic-capped mesas and dark night skies unlike those in most of the state. The state park itself surrounds Lake Carl Etling and provides camping, fishing and stargazing. The nature preserve, located separately nearby, contains the trail to Oklahoma's highest point on Black Mesa. Geology is central to the region. Ancient lava flows from volcanic activity farther west created resistant basalt layers that cap portions of the mesa. Erosion then left the elevated landform standing above the surrounding plains. The area is remote, so fuel, water and supplies should be planned carefully. Its isolation is part of the appeal, especially for astronomy; the region has some of the darkest skies in Oklahoma. Visitors should understand that the state park and summit trail are separate destinations, though they are often combined into the same trip.