Side Canyon

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway falls between the Llano Estacado and North Central Plains regions of the Texas Panhandle.

Understand

Flora and fauna

The area contains badlands with mesquite, cacti and junipers with tall grasses, plums, hackberries and cottonwoods in the canyons.

The park hosts the Texas state bison herd. At the urging of his wife, Charles Goodnight preserved several plains bison from those that were being slaughtered. This herd became one of the genetic sources from which current bison herds descend. The state herd only contains plains bison which have no cattle DNA.

African aoudad sheep (barbary sheep), mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, bobcats, foxes, porcupines, numerous species of snakes and lizards, and over 175 species of birds including Golden Eagles are found within the park. Lake Theo contains bass and catfish.

Climate

Average minimum temperature in January is 19 °F (−7 °C). The average maximum in July is 91 °F (33 °C). Average rainfall is 20.4 in (520 mm).

Get in

Access is by Texas Highway 256 east of Silverton and northwest of Turkey.

Fees and permits

$3 per day, per person 13 and older, 12 and under free. Special entrance rates for holders of:

• Texas State Parks Pass.
• Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.
• Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)

See

The official Texas State Buffalo Herd.

Do

Hike, bike, and ride horses on almost 90 mi (140 km) of marked trails, including the Trailway, a 64.25 mi (103.40 km) stretch that was once a railroad line. The path crosses 46 bridges and passes through Clarity Tunnel as it weaves its way from the top of the Caprocks down to the North Central Plains, terminating at the small town of Estelline. Excluding the Trailway, some of the trails here are not for the beginner, with steep climbs and precipitous drops. Check with a ranger before embarking. Ranger Station - +1 806-455-1492

Sleep

Camping

Information line: +1-800-792-1112. Fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. Maximum 8 people per campsite unless otherwise noted. Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee.

• North Prong area and South Prong area. Both areas have organic restrooms and 16.3 miles of associated trails. $8 per 4 people for back pack campsites. 
• South Prong and Little Red Camping Areas. 40 walk-in developed (tent) campsites. $12 per campsite 
• Equestrian Developed Campsites. (non-equestrian camping is allowed). 12 sites have corrals, tables, grills, water for horses, and parking at individual sites. Total of persons or horses not to exceed 8 per campsite. $12 per campsite 
• Lake Theo. 9 campsites with water with a shade shelter, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Water is in the area. $14 per campsite 
• Honey Flat Area. Campsites with water and electric (30 amp). 25 sites with a shade shelter, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, water, & 30 amp electrical outlet. $15 per campsite 
• Honey Flat Area. Campsites with water and electric (50 amp). 10 sites have a shade shelter, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, water, & 50 amp electrical outlet. $20 per campsite 
• Primitive Camping. Available along the length of the Trailway. $8 per 4 people 
• Overflow Camping Area. $11 per campsite 
• Excess Vehicle Parking. $2