Black Mesa in the far northwest tip of the Oklahoma Panhandle got its name from the layer of black lava rock that coated the region about 30 million years ago. Black rocks can still be seen scattered about today. The mesa is also the highest point in Oklahoma at 4,973 feet.
When you make your way to this remote corner of the Sooner State, where there are more antelope than people, you will find a Black Mesa State Park and a Black Mesa Preserve. The highpoint is in the Preserve.
The ascent to the roof of Oklahoma covers 4.2 miles and is dead flat almost the entire way, save for a brief switch-backing haul up the back of the mesa. Once on top another level 15-minute hike is required to reach the red granite monument marking the summit. This is an easy go for your dog with a wide, paw-friendly trail except for the rocky slopes of the mesa. There is little shade and no water out on the mesa however, so take the proper precautions.
The Preserve is a lonely 15 miles northwest of the small Black Mesa State Park where you can camp, hike a couple of short nature trails and enjoy Lake Etling if water conditions are right.
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