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Oklahoma Trails

Kenton, OK: Black Mesa

Hike to Oklahoma's secluded highpoint.

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From the trailhead, the route winds west along the base of the mesa. After 2.2 miles, the trail swings south for a mile-long climb up the mesa. At the top, stop for views of surrounding mesas that extend into the distance. From here, the trail meanders south, then southwest (scan the landscape for deer) to the marble obelisk that marks the state’s highpoint.
-Mapped by Mark “Spanky” Pankey

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 13.6

Waypoints

MES001

Location: 36.957211, -102.957323

Walk west from the trailhead. The first two miles are relatively flat.

MES002

Location: 36.950852, -102.991462

The route turns left (south).

MES003

Location: 36.94353, -102.987192

The first switchback swings right and leaves the drainage. Climb continues ahead.

MES004

Location: 36.94226, -102.988822

Crest the top of the mesa and continue south.

MES005

Location: 36.936755, -102.98717

Bear right and hike southwest toward the summit.

MES006

Location: 36.931855, -102.997856

The marble obelisk marking the highpoint shows distances to nearby states. Look for the nearby ammo with the summit register. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.

Sunrise

Location: 36.957235, -102.957148

Trailhead

Location: 36.957368, -102.957205

View to the north

Location: 36.944456, -102.989069

View to the north

Location: 36.942243, -102.988318

Trail passes volcanic rock on the mesa.

View to the east

Location: 36.940168, -102.987524

Summit Marker

Location: 36.931852, -102.997733

Summit Marker

Location: 36.931848, -102.997805

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