Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park
Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2020

A Spectacular Park with Surprising Scenery and Wildlife.

Created by the Red River, Caprock Canyon State Park, lies about 125 miles to the southeast of Palo Duro Canyon. While many similarities exist between the two state parks, the differences are striking. For starters, this park features the remaining heard of Southern Plains Bison (related to the Bison heard managed in Yellowstone N.P.) who wander the park roads and graze upon the local vegetation. So, keep your speed down and pay attention around every corner, especially at night!

We stayed in the Equestrian Camp (water only, no toilets, no electricity so come prepared with your solar panel).   Spacious sites, corrals for horses at each site, and one very squeaky windmill that will keep you awake at night if it's windy, which it always is.  Try to get a spot that is NOT right next to it!  The campground has a gate to keep wildlife out and horses in.  You'll have to open and close it each time you leave/return.

Hiking might just be the best way to see this park, but miles and miles of horse trails offer an unique experience from the saddle. Many trails crisscross the dry washes so pay attention to your trail markers so you don’t get turned around. Opportunities to hike up to the highest point in the park are strenuous but well worth the effort. So too is the hike back to the year-round springs that keep the wildlife running.

The nearby town of Quitaque also has an ice/water kiosk and a convenience store which is less than 5 miles away.  The closest town with a real grocery store and restaurants is Plainview, about 55 miles away.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild Horse Equestrian Area — Caprock Canyons State Park by Shari  G., December 27, 2020