Warning: Your browser appears to have Javascript disabled. In order to use some features of Hiking Trailhead successfully, such as this one, you'll need to enable Javascript.

Caprock Canyons - Lower Canyon Trail

Name: Caprock Canyons - Lower Canyon Trail
Rating: 2.00

Type: Trail

Length: N/A

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: $4.00

Rating:

(2.00)1

Difficulty: 2stars

(2.00)

Solitude:

(3.00)

ADA Accessible: N/A

Bikes Allowed: Yes

Dogs Allowed: Yes

Interpretive Guide: N/A

City: Quitaque

County: Briscoe

More Information: More Info

Log Your Hike

Map

Topo maps provided by MyTopo.com (buy now!) Map Logo

Larger Map

Download

Order a topo map

Photos

Spectacular rock formations are ubiquitous along the trail. (Photo by Blaze)

Layers of white gypsum crystals are seen frequently in the red dirt/rock formations. (Photo by Blaze)

The Fern Cave is really more of a rock overhang than a cavern, but it is interesting in that water is present in a park that is predominantly dry. (Photo by Blaze)

This is one of the nicest views in the park. (Photo by Blaze)

Bison roam freely at Caprock Canyons State Park, although I only saw this one majestic animal. (Photo by Blaze)

This is the sign to the park. (Photo by Blaze)

Log Entries

Haynes Ridge Overlook & Lower Canyon Trails
By Blaze on 8/31/2013
Rating: 2stars

Difficulty: 2stars

Solitude:

Distance: 11.30 Miles Duration: 5 hours, 58 minutes

This log covers the Lower Canyon Trail as well as the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail.

I started this hike with a friend at the Little Red campground. We took the Lower Canyon Trail (Trail F) to the base of the Haynes Ridge, then scrambled up the hill to the top of the overlook. We then hiked along the top of the ridge (Trail B) to the Fern Cave and then back out of the valley on the Upper Canyon trail (Trail C). This part of the hike was scenic, fairly well-maintained and challenging.

We then continued hiking on the Lower Canyon Trail (Trail E) and then back along the Little Red River on the Lower Canyon Trail (Trail F). This part of the trail was flat, poorly marked, and poorly maintained. For several times, we found ourselves hiking along the dry riverbed and it wasn't clear if we were on the official trail or not. The temperature was very hot (106 degrees F), which made the latter part of our hike more brutal and withering.