The Remote Natural Wonder In Oklahoma That Becomes Even More Enchanting In The Wintertime
By Ashley|Published January 09, 2024
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Ashley
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
At the outer reaches of Oklahoma’s panhandle, where it meets the tri-state border with Colorado and New Mexico, Black Mesa State Park & Nature Reserve beckons both nature enthusiasts and those with a taste for adventure. As winter descends, this remote gem takes on an enchanting quality, offering a magical escape that transcends the everyday. Keep scrolling to learn more about this remote natural wonder that’s even more enchanting in the wintertime:
Black Mesa derives its name from a layer of black lava rock that gracefully blankets the mesa, a testament to the geological history that unfolded some 30 million years ago.
Operated by the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department in conjunction with Black Mesa State Park, the nature preserve spans approximately 1,600 acres, creating a haven for those seeking solace in the pristine wilderness.
As you venture into the nature preserve, you'll be captivated by the convergence of the Rocky Mountains and the shortgrass prairie. This unique meeting point becomes the habitat for 23 rare plants and eight rare animal species, many of which find themselves at the furthest points of their natural range.
For the intrepid explorers, a hike to the top of the plateau awaits, revealing Oklahoma's highest point at an elevation of 4,973 feet above sea level. The panoramic views from this vantage point are truly awe-inspiring, especially during the winter months when a serene blanket of snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland.
Just 15 miles from the nature preserve, Black Mesa State Park offers a range of amenities, including online reservable RV campsites, tent campsites, picnic facilities, boat ramps, playgrounds, and restrooms with showers. While camping is allowed within the state park, the nature preserve remains a sanctuary, free from overnight stays.
One of the park's hidden treasures lies in its night skies, among the darkest and most accessible in the country. The expansive, unpolluted skies make Black Mesa State Park an ideal destination for celestial observations, offering a mesmerizing experience under a canopy of stars.
During the winter, when the landscape is blanketed in snow, this natural gem truly reveals its otherworldly beauty, inviting you to embark on a journey into the heart of Oklahoma's winter magic.
