‘Be here. Be present. Wherever you are, be there.’-Willie Nelson
Over Thanksgiving, I found one of my favorite places in Texas. When I planned my quick trip to Caprice Canyon State Park (be sure to get the annual pass), I did not expect to fall in love, I picked it because I hadn’t been, it was a (long) day trip, and I could be outside. While I truly love the life I have built in Odessa, the downside is that it is very hot 10 months of the year and, to get out of West Texas, it is several hours drive. So my hiking season is really short. Thanksgiving weekend was the first I had free to explore. And, like most state parks, dogs are welcome. And Gus loves to rock his Ruffwear hiking pack, which he carries his own water and doggy emergency kit.
Gus and I hit the road about three and a half hours northeast of Odessa to Capcrock Canyon. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the bigger draw in this area, and I’ve been (once I go again, there will be a post), but Caprock, it was immediate love. Maybe because it reminded me of Eastern Oregon or the official state herd of bison that roam the roads and watering holes, or the incredible sunset but I immediately knew I had made the right choice.
I used my All Trails app to select my route, the Eagle Point Trail. It was about 4 miles out and back. The trail was really pretty, fairly flat, and stunning views of the canyon walls. While I didn’t see any of the bison on the trail, I did see remnants of their droppings and have seen them in the distance. Please use extreme caution and don’t approach the wildlife. The trail is essentially a straight path, so easy to navigate, and concludes with the natural bridge. I thought more of a bridge but this one goes under the path so you really just see what looks like a small cave. I was there later in the afternoon and still hot but manageable. The trail was pretty empty but Gus got a couple of compliments of him in his hiking pack and he definitely gets an extra pep in his step when he gets a compliment.
On the way out, I drove the scenic road loop around the park. This is where I saw the most bison roaming the streets and the grounds. It was so cool! In one of the side roads, you see the massive canyon cliffs and I was in love! I plan to try one of those when the temperatures really drop as I tend to get overheated going up hill (I have a narrow airway). On the way out, there was the most stunning sunset and some more bison hanging out on the side of the road. This made for some epic photos! I knew I would be back to check out some more of the trails.
Apparently, I like visiting the park around major holidays. While I intended to go on New Years Day, as Texas does a lot of celebrations in their state parks, I wasn’t feeling well so I went January 2. It was very warm and bluebird skies, so felt even hotter. Which made me glad I took a shorter hike, Caprock Canyon Rim Trail (Spur Loop), at about two miles. Near the parking area, you come across a massive field of prairie dogs, which you can hear before you see them! Gus was very confused and very unsure as we walked to the trailhead. The loop is easy to navigate but cannot imagine doing this in hotter temperatures. I did see some bison in the distance! Since this was a shorter hike, we had time left and my brother had recently stopped by Cadillac Ranch, which is nearby. So obviously we went!
Amarillo is about 45 minutes to an hour from Caprock Canyon. There is also a Buc-ee’s, which has the best ice coffee around (I add the southern pecan syrup and oat milk). Cadillac Ranch is a free, open, art display and you can use spray paint to tag yourself (I didn’t). It truly is on the side of the highway. I also made it just in time for the sunset and wow!
People think that West Texas is flat, brown, and ugly. And it can be but it can also be the most beautiful place if you get out and explore…just be sure to bring lots of water!
