The 8 Best West Texas State Parks
Texas unfairly gets a bad rap for being flat and boring sometimes, but if you’ve ever visited west Texas you’ve probably discovered all the beauty and diversity that can be experienced at its state parks. If you are looking for an adventurous, outdoor destination off the beaten path, don’t miss out on all the opportunities at these 8 best west Texas state parks!
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Caprock Canyon State Park
- Hueco Tanks State Park
- Davis Mountains State Park
- Franklin Mountains State Park
- Monahans Sandhills State Park
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Seminole Canyon State Park
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Table of Contents
The 8 Best West Texas State Parks
Why west Texas? There’s the 2nd largest canyon in the ENTIRE U.S., and it’s just one of several! There’s rivers, gorges, rock climbing, sand dunes, dark sky camping, and TONS of rugged and challenging hiking. Throw in some nods to Texas history and culture with bison herds, prairie dog towns, cave art, abandoned tin mines, outdoor amphitheater plays, and more, and you’ve got 8 good reasons to check out these best west Texas state parks!
Map of the Best West Texas State Parks
#1: Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Canyon, Texas
Why I love it: it’s the second largest canyon in the U.S., after the Grand Canyon….the 2nd largest! Lots of unique hiking and landmarks to be experienced, like the one of a kind Lighthouse Trail! Plus, there’s more than just hiking – you can go horse back riding, stay at unique lodging and glamping, and check out the TEXAS LIVE musical in the outdoor amphitheater! And unlike the Grand Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon receives a fraction of the crowds and all the hassle that goes with it.
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- TEXAS musical
- Lodging
- Glamping
- Wildlife
Learn more about Palo Duro Canyon State Park HERE!
#2: Caprock Canyon State Park – Quitaque, Texas
Why I love it: it’s just down the road from the 2nd largest canyon in the U.S. (Palo Duro), but it is not to be overshadowed. Stunning canyon scenery and trails, with even less crowds! It’s the hidden secret the locals don’t want you to know about – trust me, my family lives out there. And, there’s bison herds and prairie dogs!
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Wildlife
- Mountain Biking
- Caprock Canyon Trailway
- Boating
- Swimming
- Bison, bats, and prairie dogs
- Horseback Riding
Learn more about Caprock Canyon State Park HERE!
#3: Hueco Tanks State Park – El Paso, Texas
Why I love it: who knew that west Texas was hiding some world class rock climbing opportunities? Not just some of the best in Texas, but some of the best in the country! Plus, you can explore where this state park got its name from with some unique nods to early history.
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Rock Climbing
- Wildlife
- Guided and Self Guided Tours
Learn more about Hueco Tanks State Park HERE!
#4: Davis Mountains State Park – Fort Davis, Texas
Why I love it: Remote, rugged wilderness that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, in a good way. Plus, for anyone that says that Texas is flat and boring, the mountains and rolling hills here will prove them wrong. Lots of fun, challenging, and expansive vista trails. Plus, you can drive the scenic park road or visit the historic Indian Lodge.
The nearby town of Fort Davis just happens to be one of my top small towns to visit in Texas as an added bonus! Old west history, rustic downtown, unique lodging and dining, a massive observatory, and cute little quirks like the Rattlesnake and Reptile Museum and the “Green Caboose” ice cream shop.
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Indian Lodge
- Wildlife and Bird Watching
- Scenic Drive
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
Learn more about Davis Mountains State Park HERE!
#5: Franklin Mountains State Park – El Paso, Texas
Why I love it: my favorite mountains in Texas have to be the Guadalupe Mountains of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, but when it comes strictly to state parks, this is my favorite mountain range in Texas. Surprising and fun, with plenty of challenging uphills. Plus, a couple of the most unique and bizarre hikes can be found here, like the Tin Mines Trail to an actual abandoned tin mine that you can venture inside (bring a flashlight), or the site of an old B-36 plane crash on the Thousand Steps Trail, or the hike up to the Wyler Aerial Tramway. If you’re keeping track, El Paso has two of the best West Texas state parks on this list, so you can check them both out at the same time.
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Mountain Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Wildlife
- Wyler Aerial Tramway
Learn more about Franklin Mountains State Park HERE, as well as the rest of the top hikes in the El Paso area!
#6: Monahans Sandhills State Park – Monahans, Texas
Why I love it: let your inner child play in the sand dunes, whether you’re an actual child or an adult. Bring along your own sliding disc or rent one from the Visitor Center – either way this is a one of a kind state park experience to be found in the middle of west Texas.
Opportunities:
- Sand Sledding
- Camping
- Wildlife
- Horseback Riding
- Dune Exploring
Learn more about Monahans Sandhills State Park HERE!
#7: Big Bend Ranch State Park – Terlingua, Texas
Why I love it: this park gives a nod to its nearby National Park neighbor, Big Bend National Park. And it shares many of the same rugged characteristics. You can get as remote as you want here in Texas’s largest state park, in terms of both hiking, biking, and camping.
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Boating
- Horseback Riding
- Stargazing (designated International Dark Sky Park)
- Fishing
- Scenic Drive
- Camping
- Wildlife
Learn more about Big Bend Ranch State Park HERE!
#8: Seminole Canyon State Park – Comstock, Texas
Why I love it: this isn’t a big name state park, but it’s a hidden gem. This canyon was carved by the mighty Rio Grande River, and there’s plenty of stunning, cliffside overlooks of the river from above. The trails and the views are surprisingly diverse, and there’s also opportunities to view prehistoric rock art in the form of ancient cave drawings. The guided tours for this attraction alone make this state park one of the most unique in the state with a one of a kind experience. And you probably won’t have to compete as hard for space or campsites here, and have more of the trails to yourself.
Opportunities:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife
- Guided Tours of Rock Art Sites
Learn more about Seminole Canyon State Park HERE!
There you have it, the top west Texas state parks, each worthy of a spot on your outdoor adventure bucket list. Check out some of my other favorite Texas destinations for active travel!
Including:
- the hike to the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Peak
- the top 5 canyons in Texas you can’t afford to miss
- the 13 hardest hikes in Texas
- the best of both National Parks in Texas
- the best hikes in West Texas
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