Spring Black Mesa - Kenton (360 miles northwest of Oklahoma City) A trip to Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve is an especially fun option for extra days off during spring break. Black Mesa is the highest point in Oklahoma at 4,973 feet above sea level, and the trek up to the top gives families incredible views of distinct elevation changes and the tri-state border. Hikers can explore the short grass prairie at the base and the foothills covered with juniper, shrub oak and cacti. At the top, the summit offers expansive views of New Mexico and Colorado in the distance. The state park is also known for its remote, dark skies, perfect for stargazing. In fact, the area draws a host of astronomy enthusiasts. Summer’s heat can really soar at Black Mesa, making springtime a more enjoyable time to visit, but hikers should still pack plenty of water. An average hike to the summit takes around four hours. Also located in Black Mesa State Park is Lake Carl Etling , a hot spot for spring trout fishing. Campgrounds near the lake offer picnic areas and a playground, as well as late night views of the sweeping sky. Just past the east end of the state park families can hunt for dinosaur tracks preserved in sandstone at Carrizo Creek . Originally discovered in the 1980s, portions of the tracks are still visible today. The exact species is unknown but scientists believe the tracks were made by a theropod, a classification of dinosaurs with hollow bones and three-toed limbs. The tracks are on private property; however, visitors can access the tracks during the day. Families can extend their stay at one of the nearby ranches offering lodging and activities including hiking and guided horseback trail riding. The Hitching Post Lodging & Ranch lets families stay in a 100-year-old two-story rock house and Hoot Owl Ranch welcomes families for overnight stays in one of their two cabins. The owners of Hoot Owl Ranch showcase some of the historical excavations found on the ranch including a Spanish conquistador helmet and dinosaur bones. Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series. Check back in February for our summer and fall recommendations for your next Oklahoma family vacation.
BLACK MESA IS THE HIGHEST AND MOST NORTHWESTERN POINT IN OKLAHOMA. VISITORS CAN SEE THREE STATES FROM THE PEAK.
46 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JANUARY 2020
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