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creek side walk by markthurman53
Like Palo Duro Canyon, Caprock Canyon is located on the eastern edge of the Llano Estacado just south of Amarillo, Texas. The Llano Estacado is a plain that encompasses eastern New Mexico and Northwest Texas. Caprock Canyon is at the breaks of this plain and is drained by the Little Red River. The Spanish named the area “Hay Sierras Debajo De Los Llanos,” There are mountains beneath the plains. Geologically they are composed of Permian-Triassic red beds. The Little Red River drains the park with two major streams, the South Prong and the North Prong of the Little Red River. In 1982 this became a Texas State Park and offered 30 miles of trails. Besides the scenic trails, the other attraction is the Bison, of which there are quite a few. Wild Horse Trail Overview The Wild Horse Trail Head is at the Wild Horse Camp Ground along the Park Road. This is a 2.4-mile trail that starts on the plains above the Little Red River but, after 0.75 miles, drops into and stays along the river. The terminus is at the park boundary along hwy 29. This trail can be used as one leg of a larger loop hike involving The North and South Prong Trails, Mesa Trail, and Rim Trail. The River, which is more like a creek, was dry in June when I was here. Hike From the Wild Horse Camp Ground Trailhead, the trail heads north along a plain about 150 feet above the river. About 0.5 miles in, the trail drops gradually to the river bed. Lots of exposed gypsum beds as you make the descent. The North and South Prong trails intersect the Wild Horse Trail once in the river bed. From here, the trail heads east, following along the river. About 0.5 miles past this junction, the Mesa Trail heads off to the North, and 0.1 miles later, the Rim Trail heads off to the South. Both of these trails can also be used as part of a larger loop hike. Between the intersections of these two trails is an old windmill, evidence of earlier ranching. The entirety of the trail along the river is along an old two-track. Except for a few spots along the trail, it's not real impressive, but this will probably be used as one section of a larger loop hike. Wildflowers in the spring abound. Check out the Official Route and Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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