Upper Comanche Trail • Hike • Texas • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

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May 12 2021

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 990
Photos 12,079
Triplogs 865

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Comanche Rylander Fortress Loop, TX

Hiking		May 12 2021
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 865

Hiking	13.14 Miles	1,499 AEG

Hiking	13.14 Miles	6 Hrs 16 Mns	2.17 mph
	1,499 ft AEG	13 Mns Break

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Upper Comanche Trail

Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail

Rojo Grande Trail

Rock Garden Trail

Paseo Del Rio Trail

Tub Spring Duck Pond Trail

Partners

partners

mamakatt22

The second day of our Palo Duro Canyon trip we took a 13.5 mile hike along the Comanche and Rylander Fortress Cliff Trails. We returned via the Rock Garden Trail, Rojo Grande and Paseo Del Rio Trails to the start point.

We started this hike on the Soapberry Spur Trail which is a short .3 mile trail that connects up to the Upper Comanche Trail from the Soapberry day use area. The Comanche trail follows along and below the Rylander Fortress Cliffs. Interesting trail with plenty of interesting rock formations. When I was on the Rylander cliff trail last year walking along the edge we ventured out to the edge crossing over foot wide fissures in the rock going quite a ways down. If I had done the hike we did today first and looked at what was holding those cliffs up I may not of been so willing to go out on the edge. On the other hand I probably would have thought that the rocks have been hanging on for a long time why would they break away now, but on the other hand (I think that's 3 hands) is my 175 pound weight all it needs to break away. Any way this is a very fascinating trail.

Once we connected up to the Rock Garden Trail we headed up to the rim. Once on the rim we headed south along the Rylander Fortress Cliff Trail to its terminus where there were great views overlooking the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River as it heads southeast exiting the park. On the return trip we took a short side trip off the Rylander Trail to Duck pond on the Tub Spring Trail. Nothing too interesting about this trail, Duck Pond was dry and not exactly sure where Tub Spring is. We returned via the Rock Garden Trail.

Once down to the flats again along the river we took the Sunflower, Rojo Grande and Paseo Del Rio Trail back to the start point. The trails along the river are easy walking and tend to meander a bit. These trails appear to be popular with mountain bikers. Overall a very good hike with great weather, we did not get rained on at all and the temperatures remained in the 50s. The river had the most water in it that I have ever seen on my previous visits here but still really looks like a stream or creek rather than a river.

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May 11 2021

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 990
Photos 12,079
Triplogs 865

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Upper Comanche Kiowa Loop, TX

Hiking		May 11 2021
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 865

Hiking	4.07 Miles	436 AEG

Hiking	4.07 Miles	1 Hour 39 Mns	2.47 mph
	436 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Upper Comanche Trail

Kiowa Trail

Partners

partners

mamakatt22

We Headed back up to Palo Duro State Park for a couple days to hike a few trails that we have not been on before. The Comanche Trail runs above and on the East side of the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and spans most of the park. The Comanche Trail is broken into two trails, the Upper and lower. This hike is along the northern part of the Upper trail (We had done the southern part on another trip) and returned via the Kiowa Trail.

Like all the trails in this park they are in excellent condition and easy to follow, the trail is well signed with tenth mile marker posts. There is not a lot of elevation gain along this trail most of it is from going up and down through side creeks. While the trail is fairly easy the scenery will keep you occupied, the rock cliffs on the east side and the river bed below on the west. This trail follows along Permian Era Layers with its colorful shales and mudstone and Triassic Rock cliffs above. If you are trying to do this trail and maintain a fast pace forget it, I stopping every few minutes to ponder at yet another strange rock formation or wonder how that massive rock is being supported by a pedestal of soft looking shale. About 2 miles in along the Comanche Trail we headed back down to the river bed and followed the Kiowa Trail back to the start point.

The weather report called for rain and thunderstorms but by early morning neither happened. It was cloudy and the temperature was in the upper 40’s all day, perfect for hiking. Occasionally a breeze would kick up and remind you that it was a bit cold. There were very few people on the trail, only saw two other hikers just as we exited the Comanche Trail and started on the Kiowa Trail. We finished around 10:00 in the morning and got ready for our next hike which was about .2 miles down the road.

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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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