Black Mesa
Black Mesa is a high-elevation desert plateau in the southwestern US, straddling NM and CO. Known for its stark landscapes, rare alpine flora & traditional Navajo routes, it offers stark vistas and harsh weather. Access is challenging—plan for high winds, fluctuating temperatures & remote facilities.
Learn More
Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Southwest United States |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | ArizonaNew MexicoColorado |
| County | San Juan CountySan Juan CountyMesa County |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 36.98 |
| Longitude | -107.83 |
| Maps |
9:35 PM LOCAL TIMEBlack Mesa constitutes a broad, high-elevation plateau part of the larger Colorado Plateau region, crossing parts of northwestern New Mexico and western Colorado. Its significance lies in geology—pervasive basalt flows and layered sedimentary deposits that record complex volcanic and erosional histories—as well as its ecology, where pinyon-juniper woodlands transition to alpine tundra at higher elevations. Historically, the mesa has served as a traditional route for Navajo travel and cattle drives, now tracked in part by existing roads and trail segments. Today, visitors seek out long-distance cross-mesa hikes, scenic overlooks, and remote desert landscapes. Expect high winds, large temperature swings and minimal services; conditions are rugged and year-round access can be restricted by snow or storms.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Sun Dec 14, 2025, 2:55 AM