Highpoint #15: Oklahoma

Cross-Country Highpointing Trip, Stop #8

Vanity Shot at the Summit

So…  Whatever you do, don’t rely on Google Maps to route directions to Black Mesa, Oklahoma!  At least, don’t bother doing that if you intend on going to the actual highpoint of Oklahoma.  I should have done my homework in advance and printed out directions to the trailhead.  I didn’t.  I visited the highpoint of Arkansas first thing in the morning, and I then spent the entire afternoon and evening driving through Arkansas and Oklahoma.  It was after 10pm when I was coming to the end of the Oklahoma panhandle, and I saw a sign for “Black Mesa State Park”, “Black Mesa Nature Preserve”, and “Black Mesa Summit” with directions to each conveniently enough not all in agreement.  I considered it for a moment, and figured that I should just trust Google Maps and continue on to New Mexico and “swing back in” to Oklahoma from there, per the directions, rather than turning off this appointed road in Oklahoma.  My reasoning was that there may be more than one trail leading to the summit, and I should probably rely on Google Maps to provide the most popular trail as the default option -- such wishful thinking! 

Those Arrows are Pointing in Different Directions!

Waiting for Dawn

Well, I crossed into New Mexico and turned off of the paved road when the computerized voice said “turn right”.  Aside from the light from an intense field of stars in the sky, it was pitch black.  I continued down the dirt road for some time, crossed a cattle grate, and then passed by a random ranch house.  The road started to take a turn for the worse becoming hilly in spots and noticeably a little rougher.  When I bottomed out, I was none too pleased with my sequence of decisions but decided to press on.  Google Maps was suggesting several (as in more than 7) more miles of this nonsense before I would arrive at the mesa.  The voice beckoned me to turn again, but I could not see anywhere to turn at all.  Should I just drive through a random field and rely on the little GPS dot to guide me the rest of the way?  I couldn’t even see the mesa.  Ugh.  Deep breath. 

Entrance to Black Mesa (Trailhead)

Map of the Route

I decided to go back to that sign I encountered earlier in Oklahoma and see if I can at least get to “a” trailhead for the summit from that direction.  Any other option simply was not going to work.  Having made the decision, all I needed to do was double back on the same sketchy road that I came in on and not bottom out this time.  Easier said than done, but I eventually made it.  Following the signed directions, I found myself in front of the proper trailhead in no time and decided to camp there for the night.  (For the would-be traveler, follow directions to Kenton, Oklahoma instead).   

Hiking is Best when the Sun is Rising!

So Beautiful Here!

Eventually the sun rose, beginning the next day, and I was able to have a look around.  There was a graveled parking lot, an enclosed primitive outhouse, and a large gate.  Beyond the gate, there was signage for the trailhead and visible mesas in the distance.  The signage included a map of the park, the length of the hike (8.4 miles round-trip), and strong warnings about rattlesnakes.  They are seldom seen during daylight hours, it reports.  During the summer that is; during the winter, they can be encountered at dawn, which was precisely the time I was beginning my hike.  Yay!  The nearest medical facility, it went on to report, was in a tiny non-town (Boise City) about 35 miles down the road.  Should be interesting! 

Benches Mark Each of the First Three Miles (Mile 3 Shown)

Outstanding Views Abound

The hike was pretty easy and straightforward though.  Route finding could not have been simpler.  The path is wide and clear so there is not even a need for blazes.  Better than that, there are actual benches marking miles 1, 2, and 3.  The terrain for the first 3 miles or so is distinctly flat with gorgeous views in all directions.  After 3-3.5 miles, the terrain becomes steep.  At this point, you are effectively climbing the mesa.  At the top, it becomes flat again (it is a mesa afterall).  There is a sign just after the 4^th mile, which indicates that the highpoint is 0.30 miles away.  And you can just make it out too by eye, from that distance.  Within minutes, I found myself upon it!

Almost There!

The summit is marked by a large, reddish granite peg with square cross-sections  (technically, a frustum) set upon a shallow base.  It is easily the height of a man, and it has 4 sides corresponding to and facing in each cardinal direction.  Each side indicates the distance to nearest state line in that direction.  This is of note because Black Mesa is actually relatively close to 5 different states!

 

Summit Marker

Detail of Summit Marker (South Side)

On the base there is an official State of Oklahoma, Department of Highways survey marker that marks the elevation at 4972.97 feet – the highest point in Oklahoma!  Two decimal places of accuracy – now that’s impressive!  Very close to the survey marker, there is a box containing the summit register.  I did the needful.

Summit Register

The view from the top of the mesa was fairly impressive in all directions.  It was enhanced all the more so by the rising sun.  It definitely pays to get an early (alpine) start.  I was taken with the view, so I actually spent a little bit of time atop the mesa for reflection. 

Vanity Shot at the Survey Marker

Detail of Official Survey Marker (The True Highpoint)

Overall, this was a great, easy hike that I was able to finish relatively early in the morning.  It was definitely cold out, but that was really the only hindrance.  The rattlesnakes never made an appearance. 

View at the Top (It's a Mesa)