Seminole Canyon SP, what's it like? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

campermom · 04-21-2006, 07:45 PM

We are going to camp 1 night at Seminole Canyon next weekend. I've seen a few photos from other travel sites and it looks pretty barren, like a desert should. I'm wondering about how long it would take to do the 6 mile hike (the trail is a dirt road along the top of the ridgeline)? Trying to see if we can get to the canyon's edge for sunset along the water. At first glance, the park maps do not show shower facilities ( eeeek ), but I called to find out they DO have showers, nice new ones. Will be traveling with a two non-hikers ( arthritis ), a kid and 2 adults. What are the "must see" parts of this rather small, barren park? I wanted to go for the scenery and petroglyphs. That might be about all they've got. Please let me know if you've been there.

After 1 night there, 2 nights at South Llano River, then a day trip to Enchanted rock. Can you believe we haven't been there yet?

natureboyhays · 04-21-2006, 10:50 PM

I visited Seminole Canyon on a Saturday last October and found it to be quite pleasant. I did not go on the guided pictograph tours, but just walked all the hiking trails that are open to the public (non-guided) which totaled about 7 miles. While the trails are mostly thru rather barren terrain (as in hardly any trees), there were a variety of interesting shrubs and cacti. The most prevalent plant was cenizo (a.k.a. Texas sage or purple sage). I can only imagine what it would look like after a late spring or summer rain: an ocean of purple flowers

The view across Lake Amistad into Mexico at the end of the trail is nice, and there is a little shelter pavilion to rest. The side trail (see park map) to a point overlooking Seminole Canyon itself was also nice and a bit more elevation change than the main trail. All in all, a nice quiet semi-desert setting. This area can get very hot from now thru summer, so the trails, being without shade, could be exhausting especially if you don't have enough water. Also, I'm sure sunset at trail's end would be nice, but it would be close to an hour walk back to the campground, so would be dark before reaching the campground.

Shannon · 04-21-2006, 11:40 PM

Don't have a lot of time so I can't post a proper trip report, but Justin and I spent several days in Del Rio about a year ago, including a visit to Seminole Canyon. We took the rock art tour and had a terrific time -- the volunteer guide from The Rock Art Foundation was a superb speaker and thoroughly knowledgeable. He also was terrific about engaging the children on the tour, and they in turn peppered him with all sorts of terrific questions about the peoples' who created the rock art, what they were thinking and trying to communicate, their lives and stories, etc. Terrific time, and terrific close-up views of the various rock art that's still preserved in the area.

I'll try to post more when I find my notes from the trip. It never made it to WildTexas.com in the form of a trip report, sadly.

DayTripper · 04-22-2006, 08:33 AM

I agree with all that has been said by others. If you are fortunate to see the purple sage in bloom, you will be impressed. I would also recommend a short drive over to Langtry to the Texas Highway Department information center there. The Judge Roy Bean buildings are located there, and there is a well-planned desert garden there. You can also pick up lots of maps and free literature. It would be perfect for your arthritic companions. On the way, be sure to drive down into the Pecos River canyon side road at the bridge.

The Fate Bell Shelter tour in SCSP is a must. Your son will enjoy it. Be forewarned that the wind can really blow there, and there isn't much to stop it.

campermom · 04-22-2006, 01:14 PM

We hope to catch a few fish on Amistad on our drive down there. Definately doing the Fate Bell tour Fri am. Langtry is a good idea for the grandparents. I went thru there on the way to big bend in college, a long time ago. It was a great place to stop and stretch the legs.