I have to say, I was most pleasantly surprised by this park. I did not have high expectations, as…read moreit sits alongside Lake Meredith in a rather isolated region far away from other park sites. When we arrived on a cool, sunny Saturday in late spring, we found it totally empty and ours "for the taking".
The drive from the main road to the interior of the park quickly becomes scenic over the rolling hills and outcrops of dolomite and flint. West Texas standard flora abounds on these short plateaus and rocky hillsides. Think agaves, cacti, yellow wildflowers, and wiry, weather-worn trees. You can drive on in two different directions from the visitor center and snag up-close-and-personal views of the limestone boulders strewn about the park. One particular road offers several further explorations via dirt roads. We even came upon a stand-alone hoodoo in the midst of a valley surrounded by sentinel hills.
Back at the visitor center, you will of course find a typical large assortment of goodies. Stickers, patches, books, stuffed animals, t-shirts, magnets, and many more trinkets. Don't forget to get your parks passport stamped! The staff, though in short supply these days, was very helpful. There are ranger-led tours usually at 10:00 and 13:00 everyday if staff is available and if the weather is not too hot. (Y'all it gets hot here in the summer - it is the desert after all!) Last but certainly not least, there is a walk through mini-exhibit explaining the geological and historical significance of the area's flint deposits. Not to be missed are two videos - one on flintknapping and one on the history and relevance of the area and its people.
Best of all? This park is totally free to visit, so you owe it to yourself to get out here.
