We Do Stuff: Black Mesa, Oklahoma and Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico

March 28–30, 2025

Black Mesa, Oklahoma High Point (4,974’) and Capulin Volcano NP, New Mexico

It was still winter back home in Colorado, but Hazel had been asking to go camping for weeks. Santa brought her a new tent for Christmas, and she was eager to put it to use. While looking for a trip with decent weather, Laura suggested hiking Black Mesa and stopping at Capulin Volcano on the way back. It sounded perfect.

Laura, Hazel and Justin at the Oklahoma state line sign

The forecast looked promising for the last few days of Hazel’s spring break from preschool, so we packed up the Jeep with all our camping gear and drove south toward Black Mesa State Park, tucked into the far northwest corner of Oklahoma.

Justin cooking dinner at our campsite at Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma

We set up camp Friday evening and cooked sausages and peppers for dinner before roasting marshmallows and making s’mores around the fire. Hazel couldn’t wait to sleep in her new tent, so we called it an early night and set an alarm for the next morning.

Hazel enjoyed the new tent while Justin enjoyed the campfire at Black Mesa State Park, Oklahoma

The hike to the summit of Black Mesa is just under five miles each way, for a round trip of nearly ten miles. The trail was well-maintained with mile markers, benches, and a few informative displays along the way. The hike was relatively easy, and the displays gave us a chance to learn about the local history, wildlife and ecosystem as we walked.

Hazel and Justin at the Black Mesa Trailhead

Laura, Hazel, and I reached the summit—marked by a large granite monolith—in just 2 hours and 20 minutes. We took photos, Hazel signed the summit register, and we walked over to an overlook with views stretching into New Mexico.

Hazel and Justin hiking on the Black Mesa trail

Laura, Hazel and Justin at the summit of Black Mesa, OK

Hazel signing the summit register

Black Mesa summit register

As the day warmed up, we started our descent around noon. Hazel hiked between us, “slingshoting” Laura and I ahead with a big smile. About halfway down, while running ahead, she tripped on a rock and scraped her knee and nose. After a few tears and a hug, she bounced back and continued the hike like a champ. We made it back to the car in 1 hour and 45 minutes, arriving around 1:45 p.m.

All smiles back at the trailhead

After a break and some snacks, we ventured off to see real dinosaur tracks, made by an Allosaurus, approximately 145 million years ago. Set in a sandy riverbed off the beaten path. The tracks were huge—so big Hazel could sit inside one!

Hazel trying to walk in the dinosaur tracks

Hazel sitting in one of the dinosaur tracks

Next up was the tri-state marker where Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma meet. We took photos, goofed around in all three states, and ran in circles shouting out the names of each one as we circled the marker.

Laura, Hazel and Justin at the tristate marker

We also visited a reconstructed dinosaur bone excavation site and explored a nearby petrified forest area before heading back to camp for our final night under the stars.

Justin and Hazel at a replica of the dinosaur bone that was found here.

Hazel hugging the petrified tree

On our way home Sunday morning, we made one last stop at Capulin Volcano National Monument. Hazel had already completed the Junior Ranger printout while driving—both the young and older kid versions—and proudly earned a new badge and patch. We hiked the crater rim loop trail, taking in views of the surrounding landscape that reminded us how much more there is to see in what we often think of as just “flatlands.” After lunch at the car, we drove down the winding road and stopped by the visitor center before heading home.