The Underrated Texas State Park Boasting Red Rock Country And Wild Bison Roaming

Many of us think we know the Texas Panhandle. But if you picture vast plains punctuated by oil wells, a landscape to drive across quickly rather than admire, you're going to need to think again. Caprock Canyons State Park is a revelation, with craggy, red rock canyons, steep escarpments, and waving prairie grasses. Streams bubble toward rushing rivers, and Lake Theo glistens calmly beneath its rugged backdrop. Need any more reasons to visit? Caprock Canyons' main attractions are the herds of wild bison that inhabit the plains and the miles of trails that lead through spectacular landscapes.

Caprock Canyons sits between Lubbock and Amarillo, just a 90-minute drive from either. It makes a great destination in its own right or a wonderful diversion on a Texas road trip. Across the park's 15,000 acres, visitors can camp, fish, hike, bike, and spot wildlife, all in picturesque surroundings, making Caprock Canyons one of the best state parks to visit in Texas for your next adventure.

Swap your cowboy boots for hiking shoes and discover the 25 miles of trails in Caprock Canyon. Each trail offers an immersion into the park's diverse landscapes, from plains filled with waving grasses to hilltop hikes with panoramic views and steep scrambles down the red rocks toward the river. If you're looking for a longer, wilder hike, the Caprock Canyons Trailway is a 64-mile path that passes just south of the park. The Trailway runs between the communities of Estelline and South Plains and showcases some of the area's most stunning landscapes, but be aware that parts of the trail are very remote and rugged, so prepare accordingly.

Back within the park, Lake Theo is the perfect place to cool off or unwind. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating on the tranquil waters. Staying overnight in Caprock Canyons is a must, as it's one of the best places to stargaze in Texas, thanks to its dark skies. To really experience the wilderness, choose a walk-in site near Lake Theo or even a hike-in site along the Trailway outside the park.

Let's get back to Caprock Canyons State Park and to the herd of bison, its most famous attraction. Caprock has the honor of hosting the Texas State Bison Herd, a group of Southern Plains Bison descended from just a few animals saved by a local rancher back in 1878. You can now see bison roaming their natural environment in Caprock, and it's a highlight for many visitors. And you should have no trouble finding them. On Tripadvisor, Texas Traveler 59 writes, "There are bison everywhere," while another user Wanderer634217 exclaims, "The Bison are just a joy to watch!"

Bison aren't the only wildlife you'll find in the park. You'll also have a chance to see mule and white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and if you're lucky, pronghorn antelope. For something just as spectacular as the bison, dive around 40 minutes south of the park to the Caprock Canyons Trailway, and you'll come to the Clarity Tunnel. From April to October, around 500,000 Mexican free-tailed bats call this place home, with the highest numbers living here in early September. Go just before dusk to see them take flight. If you're simply batty about bats, one Texan city is home to the world's largest urban bat colony — check out our article to learn more.