Posted in Oklahoma Hiking, Nature Apr xv, 2019

The Incredible Oklahoma Hiking Trail That Takes You By Aboriginal Lava Period

You'll feel similar yous're on summit of the world on Black Mesa, the highest point in Oklahoma. This spot stands at an elevation of 4,973 feet above sea level, and it likewise boasts some interesting geography. Did you know that three to 5 million years ago, a volcanic eruption created this mesa? You tin can take a hike to see some incredible views, and meet the lava flow close-upwards.

Black Mesa is a plateau that stretches for 28 miles from Colorado, into New United mexican states and across the border into Oklahoma. It was formed by a volcano millions of years ago, and y'all tin notwithstanding see remnants of the lava flow that created it.

You'll find the trail to the highest bespeak in Oklahoma on Black Mesa Summit. The trailhead is located at the Black Mesa Nature Preserve nigh Kenton.

The trail is considered moderately strenuous, so make certain you're upwards for the task before you go started. You'll want to comport plenty of h2o with you on this hike. The beginning of the trail follows a Jeep track, and starts to slowly climb. Your peak climb is just over 700 feet total during the 8.v-mile out-and-back hike.

Forth the fashion, you'll enjoy some classic Oklahoma scenery with big, bluish skies and the butte in the groundwork. Bask the first couple miles of the trail, which are adequately flat.

The trail starts to climb as you reach the switchbacks, and this is where the real piece of work begins. Luckily, a sign encourages you to continue going - you're well-nigh there!

Yous'll see evidence of the lava flow with the basaltic lava rocks that are left here. A huge eruption came from a vent in the Raton-Clayton volcanic field, and filled the entire valley. Millions of years of erosion left simply the basalt.

Toward the finish of the hike, the terrain flattens out as you reach the top of the mesa. Now yous can grab your breath for the final mile...

...and you'll enjoy some incredible views from Oklahoma's highest betoken.

Check out the marker placed here in the 1950s. In that location's also an ammo box with a trail log so you lot tin can sign your name and exit a annotation.

Have yous ever hiked the Black MesaTrail? Requite our readers some more than tips about this trail, and share your pics with us in the comments!

If yous prefer to explore in your automobile rather than on pes, you'll want to take this idyllic breathtaking drive that volition completely relax you lot.