Caprock Canyons Trailway

The old Fort Worth and Denver Railway once hauled cattle and cotton through these red-rock canyons – now the 64-mile Caprock Canyons Trailway follows the abandoned rail grade from Estelline to South Plains. The route cuts through the dramatic caprock escarpment where the High Plains crash into the Rolling Plains, passing through tunnels blasted from solid rock and over trestle bridges that span deep arroyos. You’ll share the trail with the official Texas State Bison Herd – about 90 head of American bison that roam freely across the park’s 15,000 acres, descendants of the great herds that once thundered across these plains.

Any high-clearance vehicle can handle the well-maintained gravel surface, though flash floods can wash out low-water crossings after heavy rains. The full trail takes 2-3 days to complete properly, with primitive camping available at designated sites along the route. Spring brings wildflowers and cooler temperatures, while fall offers crisp mornings and fewer crowds. State park entry fee required, spotty cell service throughout. It’s living Texas history – rail bed, bison, and big sky country that hasn’t changed much since the Comanche rode these canyons.