Caprock Canyons State Park, a Texas State Park
Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Texas
62

Texas State Parks

responsive menu icon
start slideshow
Caprock Canyons State Park © RichieB_pics / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stream behind Lake Theo
Caprock Canyons State Park © Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rock layers along the Canyon Loop Trail Trail D in Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas.
Caprock Canyons State Park © Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Black-tailed prairie dogs Cynomys ludovicianus near the Honea Flat Campground in Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas.
Caprock Canyons State Park © RichieB_pics / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A wash along Eagle Point Trail
Caprock Canyons State Park © drumguy8800 (xvisionx.com) / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A Great Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus in the Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway along the Caprock in West Texas USA
Caprock Canyons State Park © RichieB_pics / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Boulders
Caprock Canyons State Park © Leaflet / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
View from Haynes Ridge, Caprock Canyons, Briscoe County, Texas
Caprock Canyons State Park © Barbara Brannon / CC BY 2.0
Caprock Canyons State Park © Barbara Brannon / CC BY 2.0
Caprock Canyons State Park © Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Above the slot canyon and Fern Cave in Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas.
Caprock Canyons State Park © RichieB_pics / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eagle Point Trail
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK
CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK
850 Caprock Canyon Park Road
Quitaque, Texas   79255
(lat:34.437 lon:-101.0599) map location

Phone: 806-455-1492
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.

Powerful natural processes created the parks steep and colorful canyons and bluffs.

The park sits along the Caprock Escarpment, a long, narrow rocky formation as high as 1,000 feet. The escarpment is a natural transition between the flat, high plains of the Llano Estacado to the west and the lower Rolling Plains to the east.

Streams flowing east from the Llano Estacado descend to the lower plains through the Caprock Escarpment. There they join the Red, Brazos and Colorado rivers.

Water making its way to the Little Red River has exposed geologic layers in the park down to the Permian age Quartermaster formation formed about 280 to 250 million years ago. These layers are commonly referred to as red beds, thanks to the red tones of the shales, sandstones, siltstones and mudstones. Each geologic age has different colorations, with shades of red, orange and white.

Caprock Canyons State Park is home to the Texas State Bison Herd. Bison roam over 10,000 acres in the park.

Famed cattleman Charles Goodnight and his wife Mary Ann started the herd in 1878. It is one of the five foundation herds that saved this animal from extinction.

Nature of the Area
Several Native American cultures made their homes in the scenic canyons here. This includes the Folsom culture more than 10,000 years ago.

Paleolithic hunters, associated with the Plainview culture, lived here from 9,000 to 8,000 years ago. Only slight traces of these people have been found.

Hunting and gathering cultures emerged as the climate became drier. They dined on smaller animals and plants. The Archaic period lasted from 8,000 to 2,000 years ago. Artifacts from this period include boiling pebbles for heating food, grinding stones for processing seeds, oval knives, and corner-notched or indented dart points.

Arrow points and pottery appeared during the Neo-Indian state. In the latter part of this period, 800 years ago until the Spaniards arrived, groups established permanent settlements and grew some crops. They traded Alibates flint for pottery, turquoise and obsidian from the Puebloan groups to the west.
History of the Area
Anglos arrived after 1874. Settlers organized counties and established ranches.

Famed cattleman Charles Goodnight moved cattle into Palo Duro Canyon in 1876. In 1882, he bought vast areas of land for John G. Adair. This land became the noted J. A. Ranch. The current park land was part of the purchase.

The railroad extended into this area in 1887. By 1890, the town of Quitaque, population 30, was a regular stage stop.

More settlers arrived in the early 1900s seeking suitable farm land. Most of the broken country, however, remained ranch land.

Most of the land that lies within park passed through the hands of several owners after Adair. Theo Geisler purchased the land in 1936. He died on Aug. 15, 1969.

The state purchased the land in 1975, and named the park's Lake Theo after Geisler.

Caprock Canyons State Park opened in 1982. It is 100 miles southeast of Amarillo in Briscoe County. The park has 15,313.6 acres, including the 1,217-acre Trailway.
Camping
Stay overnight in the park or at primitive campsites along the Trailway.

Set up camp anywhere alongside the Trailway, but make sure you are within park boundaries.

Camping fee is $12 per site, per night.
A maximum four people can camp at a site.
Pay at a self-pay station for one-night stays.
Pay at headquarters for multinight stays.
No campfires allowed.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in Lake Theo, home to catfish and trout. Fishing gear is available for rent at the park store.


Location
Caprock Canyons State Park is

Picnicking
1. Caprock Canyons State Park offers numerous picnic tables with grills in shaded areas.
2. There are also several pavilions available for larger groups.
3. Visitors can enjoy a meal by the lake or under towering canyon walls.
4. Picnic spots offer breathtaking views of colorful rock formations and wildlife sightings.
5. Some sites have water, electricity, restrooms nearby making picnicking convenient.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 90 miles of trails, but be aware that the terrain varies greatly.

The park offers both challenging and easy routes for cyclists.

For a moderate ride, consider the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail or Upper Canyon Loop Trail.

However, these paths require careful navigation due to steep inclines and rocky surfaces.

If you're an experienced cyclist seeking thrill rides, try South Prong Tent Camping Area trailhead leading up to Fern Cave.

Remember though: this route is strenuous with sharp turns and sudden drops; not recommended for beginners!

Alternatively, there's also Mesa Spur which provides easier biking conditions suitable even for novice riders.

Always wear protective gear as some areas are remote with limited cell service in case of emergencies.

Check weather forecasts before setting out since flash floods may occur during rainy seasons making certain trails impassable.

Lastly remember - respect wildlife by keeping distance while enjoying your cycling adventure!
Trails
Explore the Caprock Canyons Trailway for a day trip or for a longer excursion. The trail is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

The Trailway stretches from the west, at South Plains on top of the Caprock Escarpment, to the east at Estelline in the Red River Valley. It spans three counties Floyd, Briscoe and Hall, crosses 46 bridges, and passes through Clarity Tunnel, one of the last active railroad tunnels in Texas.

Access the Trailway from the park, at various road crossings, and near towns. Pay entry fees at trailhead self-pay stations or at park headquarters.

Present proof of negative Coggins at headquarters before bringing a horse on the trail.

The Trailway is broken into shorter segments, ranging from 5 to 12 miles long one way. Solid decking and side rails on trestles allow easy bridge crossing for all users.

Carry all water, equipment and supplies you will need. No water is available on the Trailway.

Comfort stations are located at various points on the Trailway.

Birding
Birdwatchers can spot over 175 bird species. These include the Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Painted Bunting and Black-chinned Hummingbird.

The park is home to several raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels and Turkey Vultures.

Visitors may also see waterfowl like Mallards or Blue-wing Teal near Lake Theo in winter months.

In springtime migratory birds including Swainson's Hawk, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher arrive at this location.

During fall migration season expect sightings of Northern Harrier and Sharp-shinned Hawk among others.

Songbirds are abundant with Bullock's Oriole, Lark Sparrow being common sights during summer months

Winter brings Dark-eyed Juncos along with other sparrows while Wild Turkeys roam year-round.



Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Texas
62

Texas State Parks

X