Challenging First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Join us in welcoming 2026 with this challenging, Ranger-guided hike in the newest state park in Texas!

This moderate to challenging, 3.5-mile hike guides visitors down our Lakeshore Accessible Trail, across the spillway and dam, weave up hill on Cross Timbers Trail, and meander down Ben’s Trail with stunning views of our rolling hills, Palo Pinto Creek, and unique rock formations along the way. This route has varying degrees of difficulty including a rocky crossing at the spillway making it not recommended for strollers.

Where: Park at Crappie Cove Day-Use parking lots

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Time: 1:00pm

Registration: Registration is HIGHLY recommended. There is a limit of 70 participants for this event. Please fill out this form to register for the hike of your choice.

Bring: Water, good hiking shoes, and dress for the weather

Accessibility: If you would like to discuss accessibility options or reserve one of our loaner all-terrain chairs, please email us at PaloPintoMountains.SP@TPWD.Texas.gov. Thank you!

Note: Please arrive early for your hikes to allow ample time for check-in. Our system is new, and we’re still working through the kinks. Your patience is appreciated.

Route for Challenging Hike highlighted in green and parking area circled in green