Dinosaur
Valley State Park
P O Box
396
Glen Rose TX 76043
254-897-4588
The South Primitive Area, a 100-acre section of park, is set aside for
equestrian recreation, and horses may be ridden only in this area of the
park. Visitors must provide their own horses. There are no marked
trails. A river runs through the area, and the terrain is wooded and
semi-rocky. A parking area is provided for horse trailers; no potable
water is available. River water is available for horses, but you must
bring your own bucket. Restrooms without showers are located in the day
use park complex.
Dinosaur
Valley location map.
Dinosaur
Valley Trail Map
Fairfield
Lake State Park
123 State Park Rd
64
Fairfield
TX
75840
903-389-4514
Fairfield
Lake
has approximately 15 miles of day use equestrian trails.
Fairfield
Lake trail map
Directions:
The park is 6 miles northeast of
Fairfield
off FM 2570 on FM 3285 adjacent to
Fairfield
Lake
. 90 miles south of the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, 150 miles north of the
Houston area, and 60 miles east of Waco. The park is located just a few
miles from Interstate 45, northeast of the city of
Fairfield
,
Texas
.
Fort
Richardson State Park, S.H.S. & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
228 State Park Road 61
Jacksboro TX 76458
940-567-3506
Located at
Fort
Richardson
and Jacksboro, the Lost Creek Reservoir is an approximately 10-mile
hike, bike and equestrian trail that runs adjacent to
Fort
Richardson
and along Lost Creek, which is the main watershed for the two city
lakes. The trail follows scenic Lost Creek and travels the east side of
Lake
Jacksboro
and Lost Creek Reservoir. The trail crosses the dam at Lost Creek
Reservoir and winds along the west side until you enter the trail head.
There is a trail head at
Fort
Richardson
State
Historical
Park
and a trail head on Lost Creek Reservoir. This trail is 10 feet wide and
has an improved surfacing of base material and a topping of
approximately 4" of screening materials. This type of surface
creates a smooth trail for all types of use. This is a linear trail
system that winds with the terrain and abounds in scenic beauty. It
travels through the park with many shaded areas of pecan and oak trees.
Most of the trail travels by the creek or lakes which provide numerous
opportunities to fish and swim. This is a beautiful trail, abundant also
in wildlife and wild flowers.
Fort
Richardson Map of Park
Directions:
To reach the park, travel 1/2 mile south of Jacksboro on US Highway 281.
Franklin
Mountains State Park
87 miles of horse back trails
1331 McKelligon Canyon
Road
El Paso
TX
79930
915-566-6441
Franklin
Trail Map
Guadalupe
River State Park
3350 Park Rd
31
Spring
Branch
TX
78070
830-438-2656
The park has recently opened a 5.3 miles equestrian trail.
Gaudalupe
River Trail Map
Directions:
The park is located 30 miles north of
San Antonio
at the north end of Park Road 31. It may be reached by traveling west on
State Highway 46, 8 miles west of the intersection of State Highway 46
and US Highway 281 or by traveling eastward on State Highway 46, 13
miles east of Boerne.
Huntsville
State Park
P O Box 508
Huntsville
TX
77342-0508
936-295-5644
Note: Public not allowed to bring their own horses - must use the horses
provided by Lake Raven Stables. For information and reservations, call
Lake Raven Stables at 936/295-1985.
Guided Trail Rides - Enjoy the tall pines and the splendor of an old
western tradition with experienced guides. This is an activity for the
whole family. All ages and riding abilities are welcome. Each tour is
about an hour long.
Eat'n Rides:
Breakfast - Nothing is more enjoyable than an early breakfast in the
open air. While the cook is busy preparing the meal, you will enjoy a
scenic ride that reveals the pristine setting of
Huntsville
State Park
.
Steak Dinner - Get in the saddle and, after a scenic ride, you will
return to a 16-ounce, T-bone steak prepared to your liking with
"all the fixin's." For lighter eaters, hamburgers are
available.
Huntsville
Map of trails
Directions:
The park is 6
miles southwest of
Huntsville
off Interstate 45 on Park Road 40. Park
location map
Lake
Livingston State Park
300 Park Road
65
Livingston
,
TX
77351
936-365-2201
Note: Public not allowed to bring their own horses
- must use the horses provided by Lake Livingston Stables.
Guided Trail Rides - Enjoy a leisurely ride through 2.5 miles of scenic
and wooded terrain, while observing the abundance of plants and wildlife
this park has to offer.
Eat 'n Rides:
Breakfast - The early morning breakfast ride ends with a hearty
breakfast of scrambled eggs, pan-fried potatoes, sausage, English
muffins, coffee, and orange juice.
Steak Dinner - The steak dinner follows the evening ride and includes
a16-ounce T-bone steak (especially prepared), beans, potato salad,
Texas
toast, cake, tea, and lemonade. The cooks will prepare whatever you
wish, with enough notice.
Hamburger Dinner - Hamburger dinner replaces steak dinner (late
afternoon ride).
Cost (per person) One-hour Ride - $25; breakfast rides - $30; hamburger
rides - $33; and T-bone steak dinner rides - $40.
Children under six may ride with an adult for an additional $5 (does not
include meal.)
The rides are scheduled to leave five to six times daily on
weekends-year round and three to four times on most weekdays in March,
and from June 1st through August 1st. Meals are optional and all prices
include sales tax. Please call Stables for schedule, times may vary
during the off season, (936) 967-5032.
Lake
Livingston Trail Map
Directions:
The park is located 1 mile south of Livingston on US Highway 59, 4 miles
west on FM 1988, 1/2 mile north on FM 3126 to Park Road 65, which is 75
miles north of Houston.
Monahans
Sandhills State Park
Box 1738
Monahans
TX
79756
432-943-2092
This park has an 800-acre equestrian area with no marked trails. A
trailer parking area is provided and has a fenced corral where riders
can tie and water their horses. Potable water is available in the area.
The general terrain is heavy sand, with brush and a few mesquite trees.
Visitors must provide their own horses.
Monahans
Sandhills Map of Park
Directions:
To reach the park, travel Interstate 20 and Exit Mile Marker #86 to Park
Road 41.
Pace
Bend Park
(512)
264-1482
Directions
Pace
Bend
is approximately 30 miles west of
Austin
on
Lake
Travis
. From the intersection of RR 620 and Hwy. 71, take Hwy. 71 west 11
miles to RR 2322 (Pace Bend Park Road). Turn right on RR 2322 and travel
4.6 miles to the park entrance
Pace
Bend Map
Pedernales
Falls State Park
2585 Park Road
6026
Johnson City
TX
78636
830-868-7304
A rugged trail winds about 10 miles up over the hillsides and down
through the park. Riders should be experienced, as the trail is very
rocky and has some steep slopes. Horses should have shoes. There is a
water trough at the trailer parking area. In addition to the per person
entrance fee, there is a per horse fee. At this time, there are no
rental horses available near the park. Visitors must provide their own
horses.
Pedernales
falls Trail Map
Directions:
The park may be reached by traveling 9 miles east of
Johnson City
on FM 2766 or by traveling west of
Austin
for 32 miles on US Highway 290, then north on FM 3232 for 6 miles.
Sam
Houston National Forest
Multi-use Trails
936-344-6205
Big
Bend Ranch State Park
PO Box 2319
Presidio
TX
79845
432-229-3416
Daily/Hourly horseback rides are offered at the Sauceda Ranch
Headquarters with Park staff guiding visitors through some of park's
canyon trails. Visitors may also bring in their own stock with
appropriate documentation. Currently, the Oso Loop, Llano Loop, and
Contrabando Multi-use Trail offer 32 miles of horseback trails.
Occasional multi-day horseback trail rides are also available. Longhorn
Cattle Drives allow you to experience life on a working ranch
ranch by going out on horseback into the rugged country of the ranch and
driving the longhorns to ranch headquarters. For information and
reservations please call the park office at (432)229-.
Directions: The west entrance at Fort
Leaton State Historic Site and the Big Bend Ranch State
Park Complex Office is located 4 miles southeast of Presidio, on the
River Road
(FM 170). The east entrance at Barton
Warnock Environmental Education Center is located 1 mile
east of Lajitas on the
River Road
(FM 170).
Brazos
Bend State Park
21901 FM 762
Needville
TX
77461
979-553-5101
The 20 primitive equestrian campsites are located at the trailhead of
the 14-mile equestrian/multiple-use trail system. The campground is
located under a grove of pecan trees and each site has a picnic table.
Some sites have a campfire ring. Electricity, water and restrooms
facilities are not provided at the campsite. Water for horses is
available.
Brazos
Bend Map of Trails
Directions:
The park is approximately a one-hour drive from downtown
Houston
. Take Highway 59 South to the
Crabb River Road
exit. You may also take State Highway 288 south to FM 1462 West. Follow
FM 1462 to FM 762 North. From the south follow State Highway 288 North
to the FM 1462 exit or take State Highway 36 to FM 1462 East. All routes
are marked with brown signs to guide you.
Caprock
Canyons State Park
P O Box 204
Quitaque
TX
79255
806-455-1492
This park offers both day use and camping areas. Visitors may bring
their own horses. A riding area in excess of 5000 acres of spacious,
spectacular, backcountry scenery, with approximately 14 miles of riding
trails. These trails can be rugged, with cliffs, drop-offs, and steep
climbs and descents. Experienced riders can find challenging areas along
the trails. Caprock Canyons Trailway is a 64.25-mile, multi-use trail,
open to horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. This rail-to-trail
conversion features a fairly level surface, with a 1% grade or less,
which stretches from South Plains to near Estelline. The scenic
backcountry offers beautiful vistas, wildlife viewing, nearly unbroken
solitude, and passes through one of the last remaining railroad tunnels
in
Texas
. There are 7 different parking lots along the multi-use trail, about 10
miles apart from each other.
The equestrian camping area consists of 12 campsites with picnic
tables, fire rings, and two horse corrals (10' x 20'). Campers have the
choice of primitive or developed-style camping. The primitive camp area
accommodates up to 20 people and has 2 community corrals. It is located
near the Little Red River. This site requires a hike or ride of one
mile. Vehicles are not allowed at any of the primitive sites; parking is
available at the trailhead; water is not potable; and restrooms are not
available in either area.
Rentals - Horses can be rented at Quitaque Riding Stables, adjacent
to the Trailway (806/455-1208). They offer guided or unsupervised
rentals. Reservations are suggested.
Directions:
The park is 3.5 miles north of
State Highway
86 in Quitaque on FM 1065.
Caprock
Canyons Trailway Map and Guide.
Choke
Canyon State Park (North Shore Unit)
Calliham Unit
P O Box 2
Calliham
TX
78007
361/786-3868
This area, in excess of 1700 acres with 18 miles of trails, is
accessed by a paved road across the dam from the South Shore Unit to
North
Shore
. There are areas. For overnight camping, a minimum of eight persons and
two vehicles is recommended for safety reasons. The area's terrain
ranges from eroded, gently rolling brush land to rugged and rocky areas
that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. There is a 6-lane boat
ramp to the 26,000-acre reservoir. A primitive camping fee is charged
for each unit of 8. A per-person entrance fee of is also charged.
Lake
water may be used for horses; bring potable water. No sanitary
facilities; however, toilets and drinking water are available at the
South Shore Unit. No horse rentals or corrals available. Maximum 45
horses. The area is closed one month each fall during hunting season.
Contact park for reservations and additional information at
361/786-3868. Visitors must provide their own horses.
Choke
canyon Map of Park
Directions:
South
Shore
Unit is located 3.5 miles
west of Three Rivers on State Highway 72.
Calliham Unit is located 12 miles west of Three Rivers on State Highway
72 to Tilden.
Coffee
Mill Lake in Fannin County, TX
940-
627-5475
Located in about 15
miles northwest of
Bonham
,
Texas
off FM 1396, Coffee Mill Reservoir covers about 650 acres and is feed by
Coffee Mill and Spoonamore creeks.
Half
day and all day trails. There is a small camping ground at
Lake
Coffee Mill
.
Cooper
Lake State Park (South Sulphur Unit)
Riders are rewarded with panoramic views of the lake, rides through
forest shade and many opportunities to view wildlife while riding the
Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail. This trail covers nearly 600 acres and over
10 miles. The trail is accessible from all sites in the Buggy Whip
camping area. All Camping sites have 10'X 55' concrete pads, back-in
spaces with water and electricity, a table, fire-ring, lantern post and
a 20' tether cable for the horses. Parking is available for day use
equestrian visitors. Visitors must provide their own horses.
Doctors Creek Unit
1664 Farm Rd.
1529 South
Cooper TX 75432
903-395-3100
South Sulphur
Unit
Rt. 3
Box 741
Sulphur Springs
TX
75482
903-945-5256
Doctors
Creek Unit Facility & Trail Map
Location
Map for Cooper Lake State Park
Directions:
·
To reach
Doctors Creek Unit, travel east from Commerce on State Highway 24 to Cooper, then
from Cooper, east for 1 mile on State Highway 154, then south for 2
miles on FM 1529 to the park entrance; or north from Interstate 30 at
Exit 122 on the west side of Sulphur Springs for 14 miles on State
Highway 19, then west on County Road 4795 for 2 miles to the Corps of
Engineers office, cross the lake dam and drive 1/2 mile further to the
park entrance.
·
To reach
South Sulphur Unit, travel north from Interstate 30 at Exit 122 on the west side of
Sulphur Springs for 10 miles on State Highway 19, then west on State
Highway 71 for 4 miles, then north for 1 mile on FM 3505 to the park
entrance, or east from Commerce on State Highway 71 for 16 miles, then
north for 1 mile on FM 3505 to the park entrance, or east from Cooper
for 1 mile on State Highway 154, then south on FM 1529 for 5 miles (
cross the lake dam) to State Highway 19, then south for 5 miles to State
Highway 71, then west for 4 miles to FM 3505, then north for 1 mile to
the park entrance.
Copper
Breaks State Park
777 Park Road 62
Quanah, Tx 79252-7679
940-839-4331
At this park the equestrian can enjoy a 3.5 mile, round-trip trail over
flat, rough, but rideable terrain. There is a large parking area and a
water tank for horses. The camping area has 6 camping sites and a
10-foot tying rail. Water faucets and restrooms are nearby. This area
can also be used by a group. Visitors must provide their own horses.
Map
of Park & Facilities
Directions:
The park is located between Quanah and Crowell off of State Highway 6.
Davis
Mountains State Park
P O Box 1707
Fort Davis
TX
79734
432-426-3337
Seven miles of trails in beautiful Limpia Canyon Primitive Area.
Visitors must provide their own horses. Trail takes riders from 4,900
feet elevation at Limpia Creek to over 5,700 feet at scenic overlook.
Terrain is rugged with excellent scenic views of the
Davis
Mountains
. The
Chinati
Mountains
, some 50 miles away, can be viewed toward the southwest. Six primitive
equestrian campsites are available in the Limpia Canyon Primitive Area.
A full-service hotel and restaurant is available at Indian
Lodge.
Davis
Mountains Map of trails
Directions:
The park is reached by traveling 1 mile north of
Fort
Davis
on State Highway 17 to
State Highway
118N, then west on
State Highway
118N for 3 miles to Park Road 3 entrance.
Davy
Crockett National Forest
50 Miles of trails
409-544-2046
Davy
Crockett Horse & Rider Camp-Location: 12 miles East of
Crockett
,
Texas
on Hwy-21
Davy
Crockett Trail map
Hill
Country
10600 Bandera Creek Rd
Bandera TX 78003
830-796-4413
This park is located 12 miles southwest of the town of Bandera on FM
1077, 52 miles northwest of San Antonio. Formerly the Bar-O Ranch, this
5400-acre site provides a back country setting. Visitors may bring their
own horses. The park offers 40 miles of designated, multi-use trails
open to backpacking, primitive camping, horseback riding, and mountain
bicycling. The terrain ranges from flat, broad, creek bottoms to steep,
rocky canyons up to 2000 feet in elevation. Spring water is available
for horses but visitors should bring their own drinking water. Hitching
posts are provided, and parking is allowed around the perimeter of the
designated equestrian area. The park does not provide horses.
Chapa's Camp is a group camp and has a capacity for a large number
of people. It is in a 10-acre, shaded area and has a large barn with a
concrete floor and electricity. There is water for horses, fire rings,
picnic tables, 3 picket lines, approximately 12 horse stalls, and a
chemical toilet nearby. Reservations are required.
At the Trailhead Campground there are 6 primitive equestrian sites.
These have picnic tables, fire rings, pens, water for horses, 40'
pull-through parking for horse trailers, and a chemical toilet in the
area. These have access to the 40 mile trail system.
A group lodge is available for equestrian or non-equestrian use and
will sleep 12 persons. It has 4 bedrooms, three with full size beds, and
a dorm room with 4 twin beds, there is also a sleeper sofa in the
lounge. The lodge has, one bathroom, kitchen with a stove and
refrigerator, and seating for 12; central heating and air-conditioning;
porch; a separate covered barbecue pit, and 5 stalls, 2 pens and corrals
for horses. Towels, bed linens and cooking utensils are not furnished.
Use of the equestrian arena is included in the lodge rental.
Bar O is a primitive day use facility that is mainly set up for
equine activities, although is popular with campers too. Located across
from the park headquarters in 6 shaded acres. It has a water trough, a
horse wash area, fire rings, and a chemical toilet. The Bar O has
limited facilities for securing your horses, both in pens and or
hitching. Call the park for availability.
Fires may be built in fire rings only and dead wood can be
collected off the ground; however, park officials recommend bringing
your own firewood because dead wood is scarce, and the cutting of
standing timber is prohibited. Trash has to be packed out for disposal,
including all hay and animal byproducts.
Special Notes:
- BE SURE TO BRING DRINKING WATER: POTABLE WATER IS NOT AVAILABLE; ALL
WATER MUST BE TREATED.
- Trails may be subject to closure during wet conditions.
- Hill Country S.N.A. is a primitive park, back to nature - so we say
"IF YOU THINK YOU NEED IT, WE DON'T GOT IT, YOU'LL NEED TO BRING
IT!!"
Rentals: Various adjacent ranches offer horse rentals, tours, and
other accommodations through the Natural Area. Please contact the
Bandera Convention and Visitors Bureau (1-800-364-3833) or visit their
web site at www.banderacowboycapital.com for more information on fees
and schedules.
Directions:
From Bandera, travel south on State Highway 173, go across the Medina
River and continue for approximately 1/4 mile to State Highway 1077,
turn right and go 10 miles on Ranch Road 1077 to end of the black top.
Continue on the caliche road and follow the park signs to the park
headquarters.
Hill
Country Trail Map
Guadalupe
Mountains National Park
80
miles of trails and 10 backcountry campgrounds
400 Pine Canyon Road
Salt Flat,
Texas
79847
Guadalupe
Park map
Lake
Arrowhead State Park
229 Park Road
63
Wichita Falls
TX
76310
940-528-2211
lasp@comcell.net
This site offers approximately 5 miles of multi-use trails on
approximately 300 acres that are open to hikers as well as riders. The
trails pass over grassy, flat terrain. Each of the 4 campsites has
water, electricity, a picnic table, a fire ring, a tie rail, and picket
line. Parking and restrooms are available near the group building.
Restrooms with showers are located at the central campgrounds. Visitors
must provide their own horses.
Lake
Arrowhead Trail Map
Directions:
·
From the
Dallas/Fort Worth area on Hwy 287/82. Exit at Jolly,
Texas
. Travel south on FM 2393, go approximately 7 miles and turn left on FM
1954 for approximately 3 miles to the entrance of the park on the left.
·
From
Amarillo/Hwy 287
enter into
Wichita Falls
, and travel south on Hwy 281. Approximately 7 miles south of
Wichita Falls
, turn left on FM 1954 (8 miles to the park entrance).
·
Lake
Arrowhead location map
Lake
Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
100 Park Road
71
Mineral Wells TX 76067
940/328-1171
This park has a 12-mile, multi-use trail for horseback riding, hiking,
and mountain bicycling. The terrain is rolling hills and native
grasslands, with moderate to heavy tree cover. The trailhead camping
area has 20 paved, pull-through campsites that include tethering poles,
water, picnic tables, and fire rings. The area is served by a restroom
with showers. Each site has a combined occupancy limit of 8, including
horses and people; advance reservations are recommended. The trailhead
camping area is shared by all trail users. If arrival will be after 10
p.m., call the park headquarters prior to 5 p.m. for late arrival
information. Parking, water, and restrooms are available for day use
trail activities. Visitors must provide their own horses.
Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway (day use only).
The Trailway provides opportunities for hikers, bicyclists, and
equestrians. Since the Trailway is located on a railroad bed, the grades
are very flat and curves are very gentle, making it popular for trail
users of all ages and abilities. Camping and picnicking is available in
the state park.
The Trailway is 20 miles long and ten feet wide. The 2 miles of
surface from the downtown Mineral Wells trailhead toward the east is
asphalt; the remaining 18 miles is finely crushed and screened
limestone. Each of the Trailway's 4 trailheads has paved parking,
drinking water, restrooms, trail information and accessible parking. All
16 bridges have been decked and railed for safety. The Trailway's
500-foot signature bridge, adorned with 104 Lone Stars, is designed to
meet American Disabilities Act requirements and allows trail users to
safely travel over US Highway 180. Note: The Trailway may be closed
during wet weather. Visitors must provide their own horses.
Lake
Mineral Wells Trail Map
Directions:
Lake
Mineral
Wells
State Park
and Trailway is located 4 miles east of Mineral Wells on US Highway 180
or 14 miles west of Weatherford on US Highway 180. Location
Map
Lake
Somerville State Park
Horse
trail is 13 miles and connects the Birch Creek SP horse camp with the
Nails Creek SP horse camp.
Birch
Creek:
14222 Park Road
57
Somerville
,
TX
77879-9713
979/535-7763
Birch.Creek@tpwd.state.tx.us
Nails
Creek & Trailway:
6280 FM 180
Ledbetter, TX 78946-7036
979/289-2392
Nails.Creek@tpwd.state.tx.us
Note: Beginning December 5, 2005 the Nails Creek Unit is closed
for camping and will be available for day use only.
Both Nails Creek and
Birch
Creek
State Parks
have designated equestrian trails and Birch Creek offers equestrian
campsites. The Lake Somerville Trailway, connecting both parks, is 13
miles long, with various loop trails branching from it. The terrain is
hilly and rocky at the trail ends, but flat and grassy in between. All
paths are multi-use and open to hikers, cyclists, and horse riders.
There are self-composting toilets and shade shelters spaced along the
trail. Non-potable water sources, as well as creeks and streams, are
available for horses along the trail, but campers must carry in their
own drinking water. Visitors must provide their own horses.
There are 5 primitive areas along the trail. Ground fires are
prohibited along the trail and in primitive camping areas. Birch Creek
has individual equestrian sites at their trailheads with hitching posts,
fire rings, picnic tables, grills, and drinkable water nearby.
Lake
Somerville trail map
Directions
to Birch Creek:
·
From
Houston
take Hwy 290 West to Brenham. Take SH 36 North through
Somerville
to
Lyons
. Turn left on Hwy 60. Travel approximately 8 miles. Turn left on Park
Road 57. Park is 4 miles on Park Road 57.
·
From
Austin
(North) take Hwy 290 East to Hwy 21. Left on 21 Approximately 30 miles.
Right on FM 60, 11 miles to Park Rd 57. 4 miles on Park Rd 57 to Park
entrance.
·
From
Austin
(South) take Hwy 71 East to
Bastrop
. Hwy 21 East approximately 45 miles. Right on FM 60, 11miles to
Park Rd
57. 4 miles on Park Rd 57 to Park entrance.
Directions
to Nails Creek:
·
From
Houston
take US 290 west to
Burton
(Go through Brenham) Exit at Spur 125. Stay on 125. Turn left on FM
1697. Stay on FM 1697 to FM 180. Turn right on FM 180 to the park.
·
From
Austin
take US 290 East to about 6 miles East of Giddings. Turn left on FM 180
to the park.
Caddo-LBJ
National Grasslands
940-627-5475
Horseback
riders are reminded that horses are not allowed in Forest Service
developed recreation areas. When using undeveloped sites, do not tie
horses to trees or where they can damage the trees. The use of picket
lines between trees or trailers is permitted. Please remember to PACK
OUT everything you PACKED IN.
Caddo-LBJ
Map
Palo
Duro Canyon State Park
11450 Park Road
5
Canyon
,
TX
79015
806-488-2227
pdc@palodurocanyon.com
This park has approximately 10.5 miles of trails with generally
semi-rough terrain. One trail is strictly for horses, while the others
are shared with other park users. The first is the Turnaround Equestrian
Trail, which is about 4 miles round-trip and is for horses only; the
second is the Interconnecting Trail, about 2 miles round-trip and is
multi-use; and the third is the Lighthouse Trail, which is also
multi-use and about 4.5 miles round-trip. Riders can wander below
Turnaround Trail (1/4-mile on either side of the trail to the park
boundary), but park officials advise against it because the terrain is
hilly, rocky, and borders the cliffs. Visitors may bring their own
horses. There are two large trailer parking areas at the designated
equestrian campground near Turnaround Trail. There are 6 campsites with
corral and water nearby. Camping is primitive and riders must bring
water buckets for horses and walk or drive to a nearby camping area for
restrooms and showers.
Old West Stables - Located inside the park on the Canyon Floor, the
Old West Stables are open year-round (365 days a year) for you to
explore the beauty of the Canyon, following in the footsteps of the
cowboys and Indians who were here before you.
The courteous wranglers provide both a horseback tour of the scenic
Timbercreek
Canyon
and a narrated, mule-drawn covered wagon ride. Talk with Dave Harris or
one of his boys about setting up a special Ride to the Lighthouse - an
all-day excursion to the awe-inspiring
Sunday
Canyon
and the Lighthouse Rock, a formation so unique that it has been
designated a National Natural Landmark.
In addition, at the Old West stables, you will find a huge variety
of drinks and snacks, including the famous Palo Duro Custard on a cone.
Look through the gift shop to pick out that unique item for a loved one
back home and be sure to purchase one of the shirts or hats to remember
your trip.
The Harris' excel in serving groups, including church groups and
birthday parties and will strive to make your group outing one to
remember.
For current rates, details, and reservations, please call
806/488-2180 or write us at:
Old West Stables
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
RR 2,
Box 285
Canyon
,
Texas
79015
Palo
Duro Facility & Trail Map
Directions:
The park is located about 12 miles east of Canyon on State Highway 217.
From
Amarillo
, take Interstate 27 south to State Highway 217, and go east 8 miles.
Parrie
Haynes Ranch
Bring your horse and ride over 50 miles of marked trails on this 4500+
acre ranch just 60 miles north of
Austin
. You'll find winding trails through cattle pastures, cedar and oak
trees and cross crystal clear streams. Some steep climbs and rocky areas
afford gorgeous Hill Country views. The trails are suitable for novice
or experienced riders, and buggies or wagons on the east and west sides.
Water is available on trail. Visitors must provide their own horses
and shoes are highly recommended.
The
Equestrian
Center
, located atop a knob with gentle breezes and amazing views, is
available year-round . The Equestrian Campground features twenty-six
30-amp electrical hookups. Campsites include water, RV electric and
horse pens. Also available is the Cowboy Cabin which has a bunk-bed,
kitchen area and AC unit. Primitive camping is also available in the
Equestrian
Center
, or chose a remote campsite for your outdoor adventure. Facility has
vaulted toilets. Campfires are permitted in certain areas when weather
conditions allow. Large groups can rent the Clubhouse complete with a
commercial kitchen, tables with seating for 50 people, an indoor meeting
room and covered patio.
The
Equestrian
Center
is accessible 24 hours a day. Campsites and parking for day riding is
located on
Maxdale Road
. Trail maps are available at the self-serve iron ranger. For
reservations contact the Parrie Haynes Ranch.
Prices per rig:
- Overnight:
- Primitive Camping $10.00
nightly (fee includes day riding)
- Electric, Water & Pens
$12.00 nightly (fee includes day riding)
- Day Riding $10.00
Ray
Roberts Lake State Park (Isle
du Dois Unit & Greenbelt Corridor)
Isle du Bois
Unit100 PW 4137
Pilot
Point
TX
76258-8944
940/686-2148
Trail
Map for Isle Du Bois
Johnson Branch
Unit100 PW 4153
Valley View, TX 76272-7411
940/637-2294
Trail
Map for Johnson Branch
Jordan Unit
Phone: 940-686-0261
Toll-Free: 866-LANTANA
Isle du Bois Unit: Visitors can enjoy the 12.5-mile trail winding
through oak and pine trees, passing by the lake, with occasional hills.
Blue Stem Grove, the equestrian area, has 14 campsites that can each
hold up to a combined total of 8 people and horses. Each campsite has a
picnic table, a fire-ring, a lamp post, and a hitching post. Water is
available in the area, but there is no electricity. There is a
composting toilet nearby. A water hydrant is located in the parking
area, but visitors must bring their own buckets. Visitors must provide
their own horses.
Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor (day use only)
is a 10 mile multi-use trail system that begins at the Ray Roberts Dam
and ends at the headwaters of
Lake
Lewisville
. This unique trail corridor meanders along the heavily wooded banks of
the Elm Fork Branch of the
Trinity River
. Equestrians, hikers, bikers, canoeists, birdwatchers, anglers, and
other outdoor enthusiasts can access the trail at one of three
trailheads, located at FM 455, FM 428 and Hwy. 380. Canoe and kayak
rentals are available by calling Cross Timbers Outdoors at 940-872-0404.
Visitors must provide their own horses.
Sabine
National Forest
(409) 787-3870
Horse
back riding and camping
Sabine
National Forest Map
San
Angelo State Park
3900 - 2 Mercedes
San Angelo TX 76901
325/949-8935 (Gatehouse/Reservation Info.)
325-949-4757 (HQ)
sasp@tpwd.state.tx.us
The park has 50 miles of developed, multi-use trails for hiking,
mountain biking, and equestrian use. Visitors must provide their own
horses. Equestrian camping is allowed in some electrical sites, back
pack sites, and developed sites. Back pack distances in range from 5
miles to 20 miles. There are no pens or tethers; campers may bring
portable pens. Water is provided in some places throughout the primitive
areas. An equestrian area is being prepared across the creek from the
Bald Eagle Creek electrical area (where equestrian users are currently
encouraged to camp). Visitors must remove waste (clean area) when
leaving. Special trail rides for groups are offered in a wildlife area
of over 1,000 acres called "Macy's Last Stand."
San
Angelo Trail Map
Directions:
To reach the park from
San Angelo
, take US Highway 67 south to FM 2288 to the south shore entrance or US
Highway 87 north to FM 2288 south to the north shore entrance.
