Gerry and I took a trip to Black Mesa, Oklahoma for the Memorial Day 2004 weekend. From Tulsa we drove to Clayton, New Mexico and spent the night at the Eklund Hotel. The hotel is an historic hotel, recently renovated. Click on the pictures below to check out their website, You will not be disappointed.
On Friday morning, we made the short drive from Clayton to Kenton, Oklahoma and to Black Mesa. The turn off from highway 325 just east of Kenton is clearly marked. About five miles north of the turn off, you will reach the gravel parking lot for the Black Mesa Nature Preserve.
It was a clear, windy and warm day when we arrived. There was one other adventurer in the parking lot, a young man from Durango, Colorado. Planning ahead, we had brought extra water, a backpack, sunscreen, and hats. Good shoes are also a must but we did not get hiking boots, just good walking shoes.
We set out from the parking lot at about 10:30 am. Climb the steps over the fence and follow the trail. We were surprised that the trail did not lead more directly toward the mesa. After walking for nearly an hour (at our normal pace about three miles) the trail finally turned toward the mesa. We could see the trail ahead of us leading up the side of the mountain. After a short break for some refreshments we began the ascent. While not terribly steep, there are parts of the climb that are challenging. We paused a few times on the way up. The climb is probably around 500 feet and we accomplished it in about 1/2 hour, putting us on the mesa at noon.
We had anticipated seeing the monument that marks the highest point as we cleared the crest but no. Another hike of at least a mile across the top of the mesa is required to reach the marker. We rested, hydrated, rearranged the backpack, and took pictures at the marker and then began our return trip. A few more pictures at the trailhead and we began the descent.
Down is nearly as challenging as up as you use the muscles in the front of your legs much more than normal. The three mile hike back to the parking lot was completed rather quickly as we had a strong wind behind us. We arrived back at the car at 2:30 pm. A total of four hours from start to finish.
Wildlife was a little sparse during our trek. We did see one antelope, a lizard, and a couple of horned toads. A very interesting hike. We walk regularly and so have our legs in good shape. We did not find the trip overly strenuous.
After completing the Black Mesa trek, we drove north from the parking lot to the Colorado border (only a few miles). A left turn onto a gravel road at the border and another mile or so will bring you to the marker where Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico meet. You can be in three states at once. Not quite four corners but close.