Seminole Canyon State Park is a great place to go camping, bird watching, hiking, biking, and backpacking. The park is also a great place to study archeology. It is located just off U.S. Route 90, about 9 miles west of Comstock, Texas.
If you have time, hike the Canyon Rim Trail. This trail is accessible only with a guide and has breathtaking views of the canyon and the Rio Grande. Stay on marked trails and read informative signage to learn about the park’s geology, history, and natural features. There are also great views of the canyon from the back of the visitor center.
The park contains abundant wildlife. White-tailed deer, raccoons, porcupines, armadillos, bobcats, javelina, and foxes roam the park. You will also find a variety of birds, including the endangered western bald eagle.
Seminole Canyon State Park is located in Val Verde County west of Comstock and features 2172.5 acres of wilderness. It was purchased from private landowners in 1973 and opened to the public in February 1980. Prehistoric people lived in the area 12,000 years ago and developed a hunting culture based on large mammals. However, there is no evidence of rock paintings. A climatic change about 7000 years ago changed the area’s flora and fauna. In the aftermath, a new culture evolved and depended on hunting small animals and gathering wild plants.
The park has several trails, but you may want to go on a guided tour to see the Fate Bell Pictograph Site. The tour is just $5 per person and will take approximately 1.5 hours. You’ll need to wear running or tennis shoes, as the terrain is slippery in the rain.
While you’re at Seminole Canyon State Park, be sure to bring your camera. Murals depict shamanic journeys to the land of the dead and symbolic relationships with peyote and animals. These murals range from small paintings to large panels. There’s something for everyone at this stunning park.
Most campsites have restrooms and picnic areas near them. You can also find a shelter if you’re camping with pets. There are also scenic overlooks where you can enjoy scenic views. A few of the trails are marked for hiking and have picnic areas. The trail is approximately half a mile long.