Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located near Canyon, Texas, offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, including the Comanche Trail. This trail is known for its technical difficulty and scenic views, making it a popular choice for advanced outdoor enthusiasts.
Overview of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park Comanche Trail
The Comanche Trail is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower. The Middle and Lower sections are considered the most technical, with steep washes, tight switchbacks, and challenging terrain. The Upper Comanche Trail is a 6.3-mile loop that gains 78.94 meters in elevation and features some uneven terrain and moderate inclines. The Lower Comanche Trail is a 6.1-mile out-and-back trail that gains 109.96 meters in elevation and features some rocks and roots, as well as steep sections.
Comanche Trail for Mountain Biking
The Comanche Trail is also a popular choice for mountain bikers, with the Comanche Loop offering some of the best technical mountain biking in the region. This loop is a 25-kilometer route that includes the entire Comanche Trail, as well as fast and flat XC trails like Rojo Grande, Sunflower, and Juniper/Riverside Trails. The loop can be ridden clockwise, with the option to descend the Rock Garden Trail instead of following the Comanche Trail all the way back to the road. This route is considered moderate to difficult, with some sections feeling more like an enduro trail.
Accessing the Palo Duro Canyon State Park Comanche Trail
Visitors to Palo Duro Canyon State Park can obtain a trail map at the entrance station or download one from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with entrance fees ranging from $8 for adults to $5 for children aged 12 and under. Campsites are available for overnight stays, with rates ranging from $16 to $25 per night.
Other Trails and Activities at Palo Duro Canyon State Park
In addition to the Comanche Trail, Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers a variety of other trails and activities, including horseback riding, rock climbing, and geocaching. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Palo Duro Canyon Trail Run and the Texas Outdoor Musical.
Popularity and Expansion of Palo Duro Canyon State Park
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Palo Duro Canyon is the most-visited state park in Texas, with over 500,000 visitors annually. The park has undergone recent initiatives to expand its trail system, with new trails being added regularly.
Conclusion
Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s Comanche Trail is a challenging and rewarding destination for advanced hikers and mountain bikers. With its technical terrain and scenic views, it offers a unique and memorable outdoor experience. Visitors are encouraged to obtain a trail map, follow park rules and regulations, and practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
References:
– AllTrails. (n.d.). Upper Comanche Trail and Kiowa Trail, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/prairie-dog-town-fork-red-river-loop
– AllTrails. (n.d.). Lower Comanche Trail, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/lower-comanche-trail
– Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. (n.d.). Palo Duro Canyon State Park Trails Map. Retrieved from https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4506_0007p.pdf
– Fatmap. (n.d.). Palo Duro Canyon: Comanche Loop | Mountain Biking route in Texas. Retrieved from https://fatmap.com/discover/route/united-states-of-america/texas/mountain-biking/palo-duro-canyon-comanche-loop/2680049
– Hiking Project. (n.d.). Upper Comanche Trail Hiking Trail, Canyon, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7038656/upper-comanche-trail