Black Mesa State Park & Nature Preserve — Attraction in Boise City

Come for the star viewing.

There's a lot of good and a few negatives that aren't deal breakers, just things you should know.

The staff play pretty fast and loose with the hours posted on their office door. Like... Very loose with when they actually open it but also a bit loose with when they close it (in a good way, they're often there later than it says on the door)

The staff are very friendly and very helpful, and there's even a line you can text them at if you need help and they're not around.

The showers come in exactly one temperature, it's not an unpleasant temp but on a 23°F morning you'll wish for more than just slightly below room temperature water.

The tent camping spots look phenomenal, the first row of RV spots are phenomenal, the next set are pretty good and after that they're kinda... poorly laid out...

Edited, I wrote this review BEFORE my last day. On my last day I found a whole slew of additional trails hidden WAY at the far end of the park grounds! There on a map in the main office which could stand to be posted outside (seeing as the office is often closed).

The vista trail is a great if narrow walk. It starts behind the main office, follows along the cliff and joins up to a bird watching trail to let out down the road.

The 4 canyon related trails in the back are all pretty fun but a word of warning, the ones towards the back are seldom traveled and so the path completely dissapears and is grown over in places. There's a lot of cactus so wear good shoes and be careful about bringing dogs. That being said, they're good and even have markers indicating good places to climb the rocks and swap trails. Those being the North Canyon Trail, Archeological Trail, Canyon Ridge Trail, and the Rock Garden Trail.

There's actually free wifi and it covers a decent chunk of the park.

So yeah the big draw is stargazing. Which is phenomenal. The shots I took with my phone do not NEARLY do the place justice! There is an area called the dark canyon that's purely tent camping, lights are forbidden there after dusk (if you must, use a low brightness red light). I walked up there most nights to lay on a picnic table and...

Great little camp ground. I came for the photography. If you want to get away from it all this is a place to do it. There is not a ton to do here, but that is the point. What they do have to offer, they have it in spades. Come to Black Mesa for beautiful views of big sky and unique combination of prairie perforated with mesas, nature, and the night sky.

At times there is a large selection of animals to be seen such as, birds of many types, antelope, big horn rams, and small mammals. The nature does have its wild side to watch out for. Rattlesnakes can be a problem and there is the very slim chance you will run into a mountain lion in your adventures.

Black Mesa is amazing for astrophotography. It officially is a dark site which means you can find skies with zero light pollution. Check your star maps for the area to find the best time to see the Milky Way. Also figure out where the moon is going to be and what phase it will be in, because it can affect your viewing. Seeing space with zero light pollution is a must for everyone.

As far as the camp grounds, they are pretty quiet and relaxed. Tent camping is available with camp showers. You may want to check and see if there is a burn ban or not. Also, be sure to check the weather and night temperatures, because it can get a little chilly at night. Bring the appropriate gear. There are set up for RV use as well. Make the drive, set up, and then just chill and enjoy each...

This is absolutely an experience any hiker should undertake. It's an easy trail for the most part. Most of it is flat except for one section between mile maker 2 up to a little past mile marker 3 where it goes up the side of the mesa. That part is tough for an out of shape flatlander like myself but I did see several other people go up it with no problem so it's really up to your condition. Overall it took me most of the day to do it but again, I'm probably one of the slowest people to have done the whole thing.

The view is spectacular from the top. I was able to see Capulin Volcano to the west in New Mexico (almost fifty miles away) from the top as well as several peaks in Colorado to the northwest. This truly is like no other place in Oklahoma.

A few warnings/heads-up for this: It's the desert for all intents and purposes. BRING WATER! It's very remote. Be self sufficient. Bring the Ten Essentials (if you don't know what those are, then find out before you go!). Cell service is spotty so don't plan on using your cell phone as part of any emergency plan. Let someone know when you're going in and when you've got back out. Try to be off the top of the mesa after 12pm or so. Afternoon thunderstorms kick up quickly, are fast moving, and this is the highest point in the area. Don't be a...