Trails Information
Trail descriptions and points of interest for Copper Breaks State Park.
Welcome to the Rolling Plains.
- Greater roadrunner
Explore the rugged beauty and rich history of Copper Breaks State Park on 10 miles of trails. Challenge yourself on rocky biking trails, choose your own adventure on a network of hiking loops, or take your time and ride the equestrian trails.
Trails
All trails allow hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Run Trail (hiking and biking) |
1.4 mi. | Moderate | Meander through quiet grasslands on this trail that connects the Bull Canyon Short Loop to the Rocky Ledges Loop. |
| Bull Canyon Short Loop (hiking and biking) |
1.0 mi. | Easy | This level, scenic, family-friendly loop trail is ideal for visitors with limited time to explore the park. |
| Chris' Link (hiking and biking) |
1.3 mi. | Easy | Experience the rolling plains landscape from this level trail that connects the Equestrian Trail with the Bull Canyon Loops. |
| Equestrian Trail (hiking, biking and equestrian) |
3.8 mi. | Moderate | Look for wildlife and wildflowers on this scenic trail that loops past prairie, woodland and wetland areas. |
| Juniper Ridge Nature Trail (hiking only) |
0.7 mi. | Challenging | Watch your step! The steep, rocky terrain on this rugged trail leads to stunning overlooks. Please don’t detour – stay on the trail to help slow erosion. |
| Rocky Ledges Loop (hiking and biking) |
1.1 mi. | Challenging | Follow this trail as it winds and climbs through rocky outcrops and woodlands. |
| Thirsty Horse Trail (hiking and biking) |
0.3 mi. | Easy | Stretch out your legs and experience nature’s wonders on this short, but picturesque trail. Ideal for families with small children or visitors wanting a quick glimpse of Copper Breaks. You may catch a glimpse of an Eastern collared lizard basking on the red rocks, a roadrunner running across our red soil, or the wildflowers blooming during spring. Great spot to bring your binoculars to bird-watch or nature watch at the watering hole. |
| Power Line Trail (hiking and biking) |
0.8 mi. | Moderate | Great path for mountain biking. Enjoy this scenic trail as it winds and climbs the red rocky pathways through juniper and mesquite. This trail is wider to accommodate larger groups or for a night hike to enjoy some stargazing. Keep an eye out for hidden springs sprouting out of the red rocky ledges. Good for hiking and/or biking. |
| Bull Canyon Homesteader Loop | 0.9 mi. | Moderate | This short trail takes you down into scenic Bull Canyon. Watch your step! |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper Ridge Overlook | 34.1102° | -99.7464° | Enjoy the overlook and watch your step. Too many people went off trail here, which caused erosion. |
| Permian Sea Tide Ripples | 34.1100° | -99.7462° | Tread lightly to preserve these sandstone ripples, left by an ancient sea millions of years ago. |
| The View of Copper Breaks | 34.1078° | -99.7467° | Copper Breaks’ ancient geology and rugged beauty are on display at this overlook. |
| Pease River Valley Overlook | 34.1039° | -99.7535° | The expansive view includes the Pease River Valley, Lake Copper Breaks, and Devil's Creek. |
| Historic Windmill | 34.1179° | -99.7574° | This historic windmill isn't running, but it once pumped water from a local well. |
| Starwalk Site | 34.1183° | -99.7549° | Experience StarWalk, a guided tour of the night sky. Check the event schedule at headquarters. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring a quart of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. If possible, avoid exploring alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Wear a helmet when biking. When biking, check with park HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Wear a life jacket. The law requires that all children under age 13 wear one with adult supervision while boating.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Pack out all of your trash and Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick. Please do not feed them.
- Take only memories and pictures.
- Use only muscles. To protect park resources, no motor vehicles are allowed on the trails.
- Share the trail. Hikers yield to equestrians; bikers yield to hikers and equestrians.
- Tread lightly. Shortcuts and detours from the trails destroy the park’s fragile sandstone, and the ancient stories it holds.
