Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway

  • Caprock Bison Release
    See large, shaggy, native bison - from a safe distance!
  • Caprock Hiking
    Take a hike through the red rock canyons.
  • Golden Hour at Caprock Canyons
    Bring your camera - you'll want to take lots of photos of this scenic part of Texas.
  • Caprock Canyons and Lake Theo
    Enjoy swimming, fishing and no-wake boating in Lake Theo.
  • Caprock Trailway
    Hike the Trailway to Clarity Tunnel, where bats roost during warmer months.
  • Caprock Sunset Over the Lake
    Catch sunset over the lake. In the winter, you might see snow!
  • Caprock Bison Statue
    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 MapLearn 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:

Kids: Become a Junior Ranger! Learn to enjoy and care for this state park.

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:

The Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument protects the site of prehistoric flint quarries.

850 State Park Rd.
Quitaque, TX 79255

Latitude: 34.410296

Longitude: -101.053264

(806) 455-1492

Entrance Fees
  • Adult: $5 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
  • Group - Adult: $3 Daily
Hours

Open daily.

Gate Hours

8 a.m. – 10 p.m.


We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Busy Season

Spring, summer and fall

Climate

January average low temperature is 19 degrees; July average high is 91 degrees. In summer months, air temperatures can climb above 110 degrees with the ground reaching upwards of 130-140 degrees. Average rainfall is 20.4 inches.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

2180 to 3180 feet