Tag: Animals

Posted on by

Wildlife at Caprock Canyons

Buffalo at Caprock Canyons chewing grass in field with tree and other buffalo in the background.

Caprock Canyons was surprisingly one of our favorite state parks in Texas! We stopped by this park on our way to Amarillo, Texas with no set expectations. We were thrilled to see so much wildlife with so little effort. Here are some of the animals we saw during our stay.

Trio of American Bison, Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA
16″ x 12″ Print Available



Bison at Caprock Canyons

When we entered the park we were almost immediately greeted by a herd of Bison! Although the park requires guests to stay at least 50 yards away from the bison, we had a great view of them as they were crossing the roads.

Bison by the lake at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA


10 x 50 Binoculars for Adults Full-Size, Binoculars for Bird Watching Sightseeing Wildlife Watching with Low Light Night Vision



Bison standing in middle road at Caprock Canyon Texas. Bison Crossing
Bison crossing the road at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

Prairie Dogs at Caprock Canyons

Brown Prairie dog in hole speaking
Prairie Dog Speaking at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

We saw a coterie of prairie dogs just steps away from the sidewalk (near a playground). They were so adorable!

There were also prairie dogs at the Canyon Rim Trailhead. They blend in well with the dirt so remember to look carefully while you are there.

Prairie Dog at Canyon Rim Trailhead, Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

You may hear the prairie dogs before you actually see them. Have you ever heard a prairie dog speak? If not, check out this little guy talk in the video below.

Lizards

Lizard perching on gypsum rock at Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, USA

We saw this cute green lizard during our hike on Eagle Point Trail. It’s perched on top a pocket of gypsum rock.

Other Animals

Here are some other animals you might encounter during your trip.

  • Burrowing owls – Near the RV bathrooms
  • Roadrunners
  • Wild turkeys
  • Mule deer
  • Bobcat
  • Coyotes
  • Rabbits
  • Snakes
  • Birds
  • Tarantulas
  • Bats – Brazilian Free-tailed bats can be seen at Clarity Tunnel. However, they are there seasonally and will likely be gone by fall. Bat guano (bat poop) is on the bottom of the cave so if you choose to walk or bike through Clarity tunnel try not disturb the ground and wear masks.
  • Catfish at Theo Lake

Overall

If you love animals and the outdoors, this is the place for you. Remember to bring a good pair of binoculars and a good camera (preferably with a telescope lens) to capture these amazing animals roam the park.

Posted on by

Top 3 Kid-Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes

Top 3 Kid Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes National Seashore Child in purple jacket with star pattern with pacific ocean and coast in background

Point Reyes National Seashore is a wonderful place to take children. I have been taking my daughter there since she was old enough to travel in a baby hiking carrier. I was excited to show her the world, and I would point out and name everything we saw and heard to help build her vocabulary. Some people might have thought I was crazy having a one-sided conversation with a baby but teaching my daughter how to communicate from an early age was one of the BEST mom-moves I have made! Teaching her how to sign as a baby kept her crying to a minimum because she was able to communicate to me what she wanted or needed, and I was able to solve her problem swiftly and accurately. So, if you are tired of playing the guessing game, you should give this a try.

Below are our top 3 kid-friendly hikes at Point Reyes. I chose them because they are short hikes that have unique features to keep children entertained. Although these are kid-friendly hikes, you are still out in nature so please exercise caution. Check the National Park Service current conditions and closures, check the weather, observe the signs or warnings displayed, do not swim in the ocean, beware of sneaker waves, never turn your back to the ocean, and stay clear of animals.

Essential School Supplies!

Elephant Seal Overlook

This is the shortest and easiest hike, which makes it a great hike for beginners! A short walk from the parking lot, will bring you to an overlook where you can see elephant seals! If you do not know what an elephant seal is, you are in for a treat. I recommend learning about them before your visit so it will be even more meaningful. For some free learning materials (e.g., informative cartoon, real life videos, kids’ activity sheets, fun facts, etc.) and more information about this hike, continue here.

Abbotts Lagoon

If your kiddo likes birds, this is the hike for them. Abbotts Lagoon is a great place to go bird watching, especially in the fall or winter. The hike to Abbotts Lagoon is relatively flat and easy. You will walk through lush green lands, see wildflowers, and you may even see otters swimming in the lagoon and other animals along the way. If you continue further, you can explore the sand dunes and visit Great Beach. For more information about this hike, continue here.

McClures Beach

Stream flowing into Pacific Ocean at McClures Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore

McClures Beach is a great place to explore tidepools and have a peaceful picnic. This hike is more challenging than the others because it is not flat, but it is still easy enough for small children. As you walk on the trail, you can see a stream making its way to the beach. We enjoyed watching the tiny waterfalls along the way. For more information about this hike, continue here.

Runner Up

You might be surprised that I did not include the hike to Point Reyes Light House as one of my top 3 kid-friendly hikes. I did not include this because of the flight of stairs that lead to the lighthouse. Although there are places to rest along the way, it may be too strenuous for small children. However, if you think your kids can make it, it is one of my favorite must-see stops at Point Reyes.

My daughter was able to walk up and down the stairs without assistance as young as five years old. We loved visiting the lighthouse to watch the migrating whales. The best time to see them is January through March. The hike itself is beautiful. You will have sweeping coastal views and see some interesting shaped leaning trees. There is also a Lighthouse Visitor Center.

Explore Our Free Creative Activities Collection! Get Free Shipping On Orders $33 Or More!

Get Inspired

Posted on by

Elephant Seals at Point Reyes

Did you know there are elephant seals at Point Reyes National Seashore?! I wrote a science report on elephant seals when I was in primary school so I am probably more excited than most. The idea of a seal having an elephant-like nose just tickled me, and I was finally going to see one in real life. Better yet, I was going to be able to share this experience with my daughter who is also an animal lover.

Northern elephant seals are the second largest elephant seals in the world. The southern elephant seals takes first place as the largest. However, the northern elephant seal male can grow up to 16 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000lbs and that is still very impressive!

How much does it cost?

Free! There is no fee to access Point Reyes National Seashore.

Are pets allowed on the trail?

No, pets are not allowed on this trail.

How do I get there?

It will take you about 45 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor center to the Chimney Rock Trail Head.

Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center:

  • Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
  • Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
  • You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
  • Keep left at the fork to stay on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
  • Take a left at Chimney Rock Road.
  • Park in the parking lot for Chimney Rock. Toilets and trash bins are here.
  • Follow the sign to Elephant Seal Overlook Trail (on your left).

What to Bring

Remember to check the National Park Service for current conditions, closures, etc. It is often cold and windy here, but it can also be foggy and rainy. The overlook is a short walk from the parking lot, but you will still want to wear layers.

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Trail Map (We did not have cell service at Point Reyes and the Visitor Center is currently closed)
  • Jacket with hood (or a beanie with a pair of ear muffs)
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Long pants
  • Socks
  • Walking shoes
  • Gloves
  • Snacks and fluids to keep the little one happy
San Francisco Sightseeing Pass

Make it Educational

Make this trip educational by using these free resources:

  • Elephant Seals Resource Newsletter by National Park Service – This 8 page newsletter is a mini report about elephant seals and is filled with photos, maps and infographics. It also has fun activities for kids like connect-the-dots worksheet, writing prompt, coloring page, word search and crossword puzzle.
  • Elephant Seal Cartoon Video by Friends of the Elephant Seal – This video is on their “Kid Zone” area where they also have other fun facts and plenty of photos.
  • Elephant Seal Information and Videos by National Park Service – More information and videos on elephant seals.

Other Kid Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes Seashore

Abbotts Lagoon

See a serene lagoon, go bird-watching, explore sand dunes, and have a picnic on a beautiful, secluded beach. [Read More…]

McClures Beach

Check out tidepools at low tide, play in the sand and have a picnic on this small but secluded beach. [Read More…]

Get Inspired

Sources

  1. Friends of the Elephant Seal, accessed July 23, 2021, https://elephantseal.org/
  2. Elephant Seals, National Park Service, accessed July 23, 2021, https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/elephant_seals.htm
  3. Point Reyes, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/pore