Black Mesa: Home To Dinosaur Tracks In Oklahoma

Are you fascinated by the idea of seeing dinosaur tracks in Oklahoma? If so, look no further than Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve. This remote park is home to historic dinosaur tracks and the best part? It’s an easy, short hike to see them (once you make the journey to western Oklahoma!). I had to share this incredible place with all of you readers who love dinosaurs!

Located in the small town of Kenton in extreme western Oklahoma, Black Mesa is most famous for its namesake mesa, the highest point in the state.

However, it's also home to 47 dinosaur prints that were discovered in the 1980s. While erosion has taken its toll on some of the tracks, visitors can still see about one-third of them today.

To get to the tracks, head to the Black Mesa Nature Preserve and walk about one-third of a mile north from the parking lot. You'll come across a small private road heading east, which leads to a short walking path along Carrizo Creek where the tracks can be seen.

What's fascinating about these tracks is that they were left by theropod dinosaurs, a type of carnivorous dinosaur that walked on two legs.

Some of the tracks measure up to 16 inches wide, giving visitors a sense of the sheer size of these prehistoric creatures. While scientists aren't exactly sure which species of theropod left these tracks, they believe they date back to the Jurassic period.

If you're a fan of dinosaurs, this short and easy hike is a must-do. You can even bring along dinosaur replicas and have fun reenacting the days when these massive creatures roamed the earth.

In addition to the dinosaur tracks, Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve offers plenty of other outdoor activities. You can hike to the top of Black Mesa for stunning views, go fishing in Lake Carl Etling, or take a scenic drive through the park's rugged terrain.

Watch this video below to learn more about Black Mesa and the dinosaur tracks in Oklahoma:

Follow along on the official Black Mesa State Park Facebook page for the latest news and information about the park.

If you’re interested in camping in Black Mesa, check out our previous article: “Enjoy An Adventurous Camping Trip At Black Mesa, One Of The Most Remote Campgrounds In Oklahoma.”

Or, maybe you’re an avid hiker and would like to hike to the top of Black Mesa? If so, be sure and read this article: “The Black Mesa Trail Will Show You A Completely New Side Of Oklahoma.”

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Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve, OK-325, Kenton, OK 73946, USA

Walk Along Historic Dinosaur Tracks On This Short And Easy Hiking Trail In Oklahoma

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