Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
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See large, shaggy, native bison - from a safe distance! -
Take a hike through the red rock canyons. -
Bring your camera - you'll want to take lots of photos of this scenic part of Texas. -
Enjoy swimming, fishing and no-wake boating in Lake Theo. -
Hike the Trailway to Clarity Tunnel, where bats roost during warmer months. -
Catch sunset over the lake. In the winter, you might see snow! -
Bison are preserved and protected here at Caprock Canyons State Park.
Where Bison Roam
Wind and water over the eons shaped the rugged beauty of Caprock Canyons State Park in the Panhandle of Texas. Today, bison roam the plains, bats roost in Clarity Tunnel, and you can explore 90 miles of trails.
Things to Do
Besides marveling at the bison and bats, you can hike, ride horses or bikes, camp, geocache, or take a scenic drive. Lake Theo offers no-wake boating, fishing and swimming. Bring your group for a picnic.
Hiking and mountain-biking
Most of our nearly 90 miles of trails are open for hiking and biking. Trails range from easy (Mesa Trail) to very challenging (Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail). Lengths range from just over 1 mile to 15 miles. Only experienced bikers should ride the more difficult trails. Access the Trailway from the park or trailheads.
Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Park Trails and Trailway Map. Learn more on our Trails Information page.
Horseback riding
We allow horses on many of our trails. Only riders with experience should tackle the more challenging trails. These trails have cliffs and drop-offs, and steep climbs and descents.
- Water is usually available for animals along park trails, but you must bring your own drinking water. No water is available on the Trailway.
- Present proof of negative Coggins for each horse at park headquarters.
Camping
Campsites range from drive up sites with electricity to hike-in primitive sites.. We also have equestrian campsites with corrals.
Water sports
Enjoy swimming, fishing and no-wake boating in the 120-surface-acre Lake Theo. Borrow a fishing pole at headquarters and try your luck! We don’t provide bait, but sometimes have worms for sale.
Get Involved
We need your help! Check our Volunteer page, or call the park.
Donate to the Caprock Partners Foundation.
Shop
We stock small souvenirs.
Ranger Programs
Attend programs on the wildlife and history of the park, take park tours (some on our open-air shuttle), or enjoy a music event.
Learn more:
- Check our Events page for upcoming programs.
- Look for exhibits in the visitor center, at the bison overlook, and at the outdoor pavilion.
- Borrow an audio driving guide at headquarters.
- Visit our Nature, History and Texas State Bison Herd pages.
- Download:
- Interpretive Guide | PDF
- Bats of Clarity Tunnel | PDF
- Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram!
Kids: Become a Junior Ranger! Learn to enjoy and care for this state park.
- Download Caprock Canyons State Park Junior Ranger Activity Booklet or pick up a copy at headquarters.
Bison Fest
We help host the Texas State Bison Herd Music Festival each September in downtown Quitaque. The festival raises funds for maintaining the bison herd.
Area Attractions
Nearby cities offer restaurants, museums and more:
Lakes in the area offer fishing, boating and water sports:
- Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (130 miles north of the park)
- Greenbelt Reservoir
- Mackenzie Reservoir (32 miles northwest)
- White River Reservoir (90 miles south)
The Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument protects the site of prehistoric flint quarries.
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