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Caprock Canyons State
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Caprock Canyons State Park
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P O Box 204
Quitaque TX 79255
806/455-1492
History: Caprock Canyons State Park, 100 miles southeast of Amarillo in Briscoe
County, was opened in 1982. It consists of 15,313.6 acres (including the
Trailway, a 64.25 mile Rail-to-Trail conversion, acquired by donation in 1992
from a Railroad entrepreneur). This acquisition added recreational adventure,
stretching from the western terminus at South Plains up on top of the caprock
escarpment to the eastern terminus of Estelline in the Red River Valley. This
multi-use trail (hike, bike, and equestrian), opened in 1993, stretches the park
through Floyd, Briscoe, and Hall counties crossing 46 bridges and running
through Clarity tunnel, one of the last active railroad tunnel in Texas. The
64.25 miles of the Trailway are open to the public from Estelline to South
Plains.
Caprock Canyons is home of the
official Texas State Bison Herd.
The escarpment's scenic canyons were home for Indians of several cultures,
including the Folsom culture of more than 10,000 years ago. A decrease or
disappearance of some species, from Folsom times to present, indicates a gradual
drying and perhaps warming of the climate. Later paleolithic hunters, associated
with the Plainview culture, also occupied the area from 8000-9,000 years ago.
Only slight traces of these people have been found at Caprock Canyons. As the
climate became increasingly drier, the period of hunting and gathering cultures
began. Smaller animals, as well as plant materials, made up the diet of the
people. The Archaic period lasted from 8,000 to 2,000 years ago. Artifacts from
this period include boiling pebbles for heating food, grinding stones for
processing seeds, oval knives, and corner-notched or indented dart points. The
Neo-Indian state was characterized by the appearance of arrow points and
pottery. During the latter part of this period, 800 years ago until the Spanish
exploration, permanent settlements were established, and agriculture was being
practiced to some extent. These people traded Alibates flint for pottery,
turquoise, and obsidian from the Puebloan groups to the west.
The region's historic era began when Spanish explorer Coronado traveled across
the plains in 1541. After Spanish colonies were established in New Mexico around
1600, two-way trade between Plains Indians and New Mexicans began and gradually
increased. The Plains Apache, present when Coronado arrived, acquired horses and
became proficient buffalo hunters. They were displaced by the Comanche, who
arrived in the early 1700s and dominated northwestern Texas, until they were
finally subdued in the 1870s. During the Comanche reign, trade prospered and New
Mexican buffalo hunters, known as ciboleros, and traders, known as Comancheros,
were frequent visitors to this area. Las Lenguas Creek, a few miles south of the
park, was a major trade area, and a site excavated on Quitaque Creek has
produced artifacts indicating that it may have been a cibolero camp.
After 1874, Anglo settlement began, counties were organized, and ranches were
established. Famed cattleman Charles Goodnight moved cattle into Palo Duro
Canyon in 1876. In 1882, he bought vast areas of land for John G. Adair, who
became owner of the noted J. A. Ranch. The land on which the park is located was
included in the purchase. A railroad was built into this area in 1887, and by
1890, the town of Quitaque, with a population of 30, was a regular stage stop.
The use of suitable lands for farming increased as more settlers arrived in the
early 1900s, but most of the broken country is still ranch land. After passing
through the hands of several owners, most of the land that now lies within park
boundaries was acquired in 1936 by Theo Geisler, who died on August 15, 1969.
The state purchased the land in 1975, and the park's Lake Theo was named after
Geisler.
Hiking at Caprock Canyons State Park
Activities: The park offers day-use and camping facilities; hiking; horseback
riding; mountain biking; boating on a no-wake lake (120-surface-acres, 30' when
full); fishing; lake swimming; a scenic drive; guided tours; and seasonal
concessions offering horse rentals. Almost 90 miles of multi-use trails range
from the very difficult in rugged terrain to trails with less than 3% grade.
About 25 miles of the trails include cliffs and drop-offs, with steep climbs and
descents that are recommended only for the experienced equestrian and mountain
bike riders. When visiting Caprock Canyons State Park, be sure to check out the
recently completed audio driving guide to the park. It's like having a tour
guide on your own schedule and it's free! The audio guide is available for
check-out, at the park headquarters, on tape or CD ($5 deposit).
There are 13 trails in all, (some still under construction), including 6 along
the Trailway, which are each approximately 10 miles long and provide parking
lots at each trailhead.
Water is usually available for animals along the trails, and some potable water
is available at selected sites; but is it highly recommended that personal water
is carried for each adventurer. The development of the trails change on a daily
basis. |
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