Palo Pinto Mountains State Park

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Field Trips

Group of kids on the shore of the lake listen to a rangerWe love having schools out to learn about and enjoy our wild spaces! We offer TEKS-aligned learning at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. Choose from a selection of ranger-led programs or bring your own program for a self-guided visit!

Request field trips (ranger-led or self-guided) at least three weeks in advance via email. This avoids double booking, lets us process an entrance fee waiver for your group, and ensures we can meet your needs.

Scheduling a Park Visit

Ranger-led

We offer ranger-led programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, September to November and February to April. We do not offer them during spring break or other major holidays.

Step 1: Please email Palo Pinto Mountains SP with the following information at least three weeks in advance:

  • Your group name and “Ranger-Led Field Trip” in the subject line of your email (Example: Strawn ISD 3rd Grade Ranger-Led Field Trip)
  • Program you are requesting from our list of programs.
    • NOTE: If you have a topic in mind that isn’t on this list, feel free to mention it in your email. We will consider new programs, but we cannot guarantee to provide them.
  • Three preferred dates and times for your field trip.
  • Number of students, adults and vehicles.
    • NOTE: Please bring at least one adult for every 10 students.
  • Accessibility needs (check our accessibility page for information about our facilities).

Step 2: We will respond within a week with any follow-up questions or details, and confirmation of your trip. Once you have received our confirmation email, your field trip is officially scheduled.

If your group needs to cancel a trip, please notify us as soon as possible so another group can visit.

Self-Guided

Already have a lesson plan in mind? Self-guided trips are welcomed year-round on Wednesdays and Fridays. We provide the space, and you provide the activities.

Step 1: To ensure spaces are available, please email Palo Pinto Mountains SP with the following information at least three weeks in advance:

  • Your group name and “Self-guided Field Trip” in the subject line of your email (Example: Strawn ISD 3rd Grade Self-Guided Field Trip)
  • Three preferred dates and times for your field trip
  • Number of students, adults, and vehicles
    • NOTE: Please bring at least one adult for every 10 students.
  • Facilities you will need 

Step 2: We will respond within a week with any follow-up questions or details, and confirmation of your trip. Once you have received our confirmation email, your field trip is officially scheduled.

If your group needs to cancel a trip, please notify us as soon as possible so another group can visit. Large group of kids gather along a trail to look at something

Planning

Cost

With advanced notice, we can issue an entrance fee waiver for all teachers, students and chaperones on a field trip. Without advanced notice, regular entrance fees will apply.

Chaperones

We require at least one adult for every 10 students. Chaperones must remain with students the entire time.

Directions and Maps

We are halfway between Fort Worth and Abilene, about a 1.5-hour drive in either direction on I-20. We are located four miles from Strawn. Visit our maps page for location and directions, and facility and trails maps.

Weather      

Remember that while we do have covered facilities and restrooms, your entire trip will be outside. Please have students bring necessary sun protection, water, good closed-toed shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather.

Trails may close after heavy rains (except Raptor Ridge accessible trail which is a one-mile round trip). We will not cancel your visit if trails are closed, but we may need to adjust the day’s plans.

If weather conditions look questionable, we will email you with updates and possible changes. We sometimes need to cancel field trips due to inclement weather.

For real time weather at the park, check out our weather station.

Accessibility

Wondering if our facilities will work for your group? Need extra tools to help everyone enjoy and participate in activities? Please check out our accessible facilities page to learn more about what we have to offer. Don’t see what you need on there? Email Palo Pinto Mountains SP to discuss other options.

Can’t Come to Us?

Ranger Visits

Two women stand behind a table loaded with brochures and animal skins.Sometimes visiting the park is not possible. Email Palo Pinto Mountains SP to see if one of our rangers can visit your school in person!

Virtual Options

TPWDiscover is Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's free, TEKS-aligned distance learning program about the wild things and wild places of Texas. We offer free, interactive and on-demand resources for students in early childhood through 12th grade as well as educator training.

  • Explore our Classroom Resources page. There you'll find a downloadable, searchable spreadsheet along with many more resources.
  • Visit our YouTube channel for a collection of TEKS-aligned videos from across the state.
  • Create a free account with Connect2Texas to register for virtual educational programs. To view upcoming events, click the "Events” tab on the Connect2Texas website and search for "Texas Parks and Wildlife Department." You can also request a recording of a virtual program.
  • Check out a wildlife-themed educational trunk and materials free of charge. Trunks or tubs include hands-on activities, presentations and instructions. These materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so coordinate early!

For more information on what TPWDiscover has to offer, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.