The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Caprock Canyons State Park

Small cave by the wayside

Caprock Canyons State Park is a spectacular outdoor wonderland, with over 90 miles of scenic trails winding through the canyons and prairies. The park includes several campgrounds and Theo Lake for water activities. It is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, where you can see them roaming the plains. **There is a daily entrance fee to enjoy the park, or you can purchase a Texas State Parks Pass for free entry to this and over 80 other parks in the state.

The Upper North Prong Trail is challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. Along the route, you'll see incredible sculpted hoodoos that transform into natural works of art, including the "Last Dance.", which looks like a silhouette of two people. As you explore the trail, keep an eye out for "Fern Cave," an oasis with maidenhair ferns and natural springs.

This campsite boasts stunning overlooks and is a great place for an overnight or two after hiking the steep and rugged terrain. There are composting toilets here, but you'll need to bring your own water. Sitting at almost 2500 feet, it gets cold at night, so be sure to bring an extra blanket or sweatshirt to stay comfortable under the stars. There is a campsite fee in addition to the park entrance fee. A Texas State Parks Pass gives you free entry to the park and discounts on camping, depending on how many nights you stay.

This spur trail is a relatively easy, multi-use path that leads up the saddle, providing access to the North Prong Primitive Campground, Haynes Ridge, and the Upper and Lower North Prong trails. It's a fantastic hike, especially in the early morning or evening when the sun casts its rays on the red rock formations. There are plenty of bison to see on this route, but remember to maintain a safe distance when taking photos.

This trail is well marked, with moderately challenging terrain boasting spectacular canyon views. Along the way, you'll encounter incredible geologic formations and rock fins that have taken millions of years to form, providing a journey through time. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is little shade, and it can get very hot, especially if you head out later in the day. Keep an eye out for buffalo and the abundance of beautiful wildflowers, especially in spring.

This campsite is your prize for your efforts. It does not have all the amenities like some other campgrounds in the park, but if you choose this spot, your reward after hiking the cliffs and bluffs will be sweeping vistas and a great sleep under the stars. There is a toilet here, but you'll need to bring your own water. ** There is a campsite fee in addition to the park entrance fee. A Texas State Parks Pass gives you free entry to the park and discounts on camping, depending on how many nights you stay.

This trail offers stunning views, leading from open plains to rugged canyons and down to the Natural Bridge. Erosion has created a natural “tunnel” beneath the trail, where you can explore and get some relief from the sun. The vistas along the entire route are beautiful. There is no shade on the trail, so going for a morning hike is recommended. While exploring the area, you may encounter several magnificent buffalo roaming around that are worthy of a photo, but keep your distance for safety.