Tag: State Parks

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

Personalized Texas State Parks Bucket List Map

Personalized Texas State Parks Travel Map

My family and I recently purchased a Texas State Parks annual pass! We eventually want to visit all of the State Parks in Texas so I am tracking our progress with our new Texas State Parks Bucket List Map!

The Design

Texas State Parks Bucket List or Check List Travel Maps that can be personalized with your name or family's name.
Texas State Parks Check List Travel Maps

This Texas State Parks Bucket List features an illustration of the state of Texas. There are three different color options (i.e., light salmon pink, dark blue and a greenish-blue color). All appear on a neutral background. I wanted a simple, uncluttered look with clean lines. A list of the 89 Texas State parks listed on the Texas Parks & Wildlife appears below under a heading that can be customized with your own text.

Personalize It With Your Name

Make this bucket list your own by personalizing it with your own heading. Ours says “Lewis Family’s Texas State Parks Bucket List” but you can customize this line to suit your needs. For example, for a couple you can use “Adam + Alice’s State Parks Checklist” or for an individual you can say “Sophia’s Adventures Since 2021.”

How to Use This Bucket List

Markers

The print has a list of Texas state parks numbered from 1-89, and there is a corresponding numbered bubble on the map. After you visit a park, find that numbered bubble and fill it in. You can use sharpies, but I cannot speak to its long term effect on the print. If you want a safer option, you can use archival or photo-safe markers.

Frame the print without the glass, so that you can mark your progress as you go.

Travel Push Pins

Orange travel push pins laying against cork board

Alternatively, you could frame the print against a cork tile backing. Remove the glass, and you will be able to use travel push pins to mark off each park you visited.

Or if you get a large enough cork board, you could also display some of your favorite photos of the trip on the empty space.

Posted on by

Save Money With a State Parks Pass

Dinosaur Valley State Park and Save Money with a State Parks Pass

Save money with a State Parks Pass! We plan on visiting several Texas state parks this year, and after pricing out the day use and camping fees, it made more sense to purchase a Texas State Parks annual pass.

The Texas State Parks annual pass gives us unlimited free entry to 89 state parks and it gives us additional perks like discounts on camping. The standard pass costs $70 + shipping and handling fees ($5.95). However, if you are a senior, disabled veteran or have a substantial physical or mental disability, you may qualify for a free Texas Parklands Passport. For additional information, visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.

If you are planning to visit your state parks this year, check to see if your state offers an annual pass or other discounts. If you live near bordering state(s), check out that state’s details as well. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Arkansas does not charge entry fees to their state parks.