Black Mesa State Park, Western Oklahoma

Sandwiched on a narrow strip of land between SE Colorado and extreme north Texas lies the Oklahoma panhandle. Rough prairie grass, yucca plants, and the occasional cactus belie the beauty that is Black Mesa State Park. With ancient rock formations and a river fed lake, the park offers exquisite camping under cliffs that once formed a shoreline approximately 150 million years ago.

Descending into the park requires dodging cattle in the road. After all, this is open range territory. The speed limit is 55, but approaching hills requires due diligence. Hitting a cow isn't like hitting a bunny. They do damage!

In the park you'll find a completely different terrain: a lake, river, and lots of vegetation. Deer and pronghorn are plenty but tend to keep away from humans.  Rock formations that were once an ancient shoreline now form the edge of a hiking trail. Hiking on the trail is moderately difficult with some large bowling ball sized stones that must be tackled dot the trail. However, the payoff is incredible with a view of the campsites and lake along the highest point.

Approximately 150 millions years ago this are was a shallow waterway with plenty of tall, coniferous tree. The remnants of them can still be found today in the form of petrified wood. 

Of course, this is the southern United States therefore a little religious vandalism is probably expected. 

The campsites are well maintained and some have shade trees. 

By far the best reason for visiting and staying here are the dinosaur trackway which can be found approximately 9 miles away near Kenton, Oklahoma. The trackway is on private land, however there is no fence or admission fee to visit.  The track lies in the middle of a creek bed which is prone to flooding and subject to being covered with mud. If possible, bring a pain brush or small broom to remove dry dirt from the prints for better viewing. After a rainfall though, expect viewing to difficult or impossible. Maps and directions on how to get to the dinosaur trackway can be obtained from the ranger station at Black Mesa State park. The mesa itself is close by the dinosaur trackway and is the highest point in Oklahoma. Due to time restraints I wasn't able to venture tot he top, but I will make another trip to do just that this summer. 

The trackway is approximately 150 million years old and was made by a Theropod (similar to T. rex). The impressions are about 8-10 cm deep and the details can be seen in the talon marks as the creature withdrew its foot from the muddy bank. 

Things to Know Before Visiting: 

The state park is fairly close to Kenton, Oklahoma but don't expect to find mush in terms of provisions such as gasoline or food. Boise City is the nearest community that will have these things.

Camping for RVs is 22 dollars a night. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed.

This is semi-arrid terrain which can be warm during the day but the temperature may drop 40-50 degrees by nightfall so be prepared with a jacket even during the summer months.

Buffalo Lake Wild Life Refuge

34.9263148,-102.1146238

Texas, unlike other western states, doesn't have the massive swaths of public lands like those found in Utah, New Mexico, or Colorado. So for the Texas panhandle to have a wildlife management area such as Buffalo Lake it's a treat to drive 10 minutes from my apartment to the front gate.

The history of Buffalo Lake NWR is long. As early as the 1940s it served as a recreational boating area with fishing and camping. Cabins even dotted the shoreline that could be rented out. At least 2 boat ramps occupied the north shore of the lake and the long lost remnants of boat propellers can still be found along what was once the shoreline near the concrete slabs. In the 1980s the lake was allowed to drain and return to its natural state. The water had become contaminated from area farms and cattle feed lots and soon fish struggled to survive. It soon became dry and besides a few times of significant rainfall that fills the lowest areas near the still existing dam, it remains dry.

Now the area is managed by the bureau of land management. Wildlife such as turkey, deer, snakes, and various others animals such as skunks can be seen roaming the area.

Camping here is allowed with several campsites available at 2 dollars a night, which is also the same cost as a day visit. No water or electricity is available, but the campsites have a concrete bench and a gravel area for parking a travel trailer or RV and the spaces are also grassy and tree lines for camping in a tent. Primitive facilities are at the campsites and usually well stocked with toilet paper and even have an LED bulb that runs on a battery and solar array.

One of the victims claimed in the fire was this little guy. I noticed him while walking the roadway in front of the campsites. At first I though he was alive since his head appeared to be elevated and looking around. As I got closer it was obvious he was dead.

We stayed one night this month (March) and it was obvious that a fire had occurred recently, though it was unclear if it was controlled or not.

The fire spared the campsites across the street. It's been extremely dry here lately, more dry than usual. Rainfall is scarce most years, but there's been no measurable rainfall in almost 6 months for the 2017-2018 winter.

Stargazing is one of the best things about camping. The night sky is filled with stars and even more are visible with a telescope.