Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

Had a great time stopping by and seeing the spectacular views from this State Park. Along the way we stopped at the overlook to the Pecos River as an added bonus. The State Park isn't very large, but they have a lot of nice camping spots, a picnic area, smallish covered picnic grounds, but the views of the Seminole Canyon are some of the most impressive, awe inspiring views of the majesty of Texas. If anywhere near this location or traveling by, this is a must stop location.

Definitely do the guided hike that the park organizes to see the rock art. We only did the 2 hr one but well worth it. We also did the friends 4 hr tour and it was great as well more historical focused. Both get you in the canyon for a reasonable amount of cash. Campground was great as well. Very windy. Showers warm. Also hiked out to rio grande along the top of canyon which was great as well.

Made a reservation to stop there between Big Bend and Death Valley and quite pleased to have discovered this State Park. Camped with our motorhome at site 6 with electricity and water $28/night). Dump site not too far. Washroom and shower block clean and heated. Great site and easy to level the motorhome. Had reserved but could have stopped as walk-in since there were sites available during our 2-day stop. Cell reception on AT&T was only one bar and deployed Starlink with great access to the sky (200 mbps). Fire ban that includes no charcoal/briquettes but it was so windy, it would have been crazy to start a fire and tough to use propane stove outside so ended up cooking inside the motorhome. Visitor Centre quite neat with small interpretation section to understand the region, Indigenous way of life and petroglyphs/pictograms in Panther cave. Sadly we missed the window to get a guided tour to Panther cave (runs from wed to sunday at 10am and 3pm). Our boys enjoyed the junior ranger book and got their badge. Biked the Rio Grande trail (gravel road with a few challenging parts for young kids) and got to a nice outlook and view on Panther cave across the canyon. You cannot get to the cave without a boat to cross the flooded canyon, so plan to get a guided tour. We saw amazing sunrises and sunsets, so just that is worth the stop!

This is a nice remote state park along the Rio Grande. I hiked most of the trails in a day. The most scenic trail is the canyon rim trail offering views of the river and canyons. There is some moderate climbing but nothing too strenuous. The trail is easy to follow. I also went on a tour of some of the ancient pictograms on the sheltered cliff walls in the canyon. The tour takes about an hour and half and requires a descent down into a canyon on what is mostly stairs with a hand rail. It is worth the effort to see the ancient art left by people thousands of years ago. I recommend this park as a fun day trip.

We booked our day trip reservation online to make it all easier. We paid $8 for 1 vehicle 2 people (as of 2024). While we also encountered a couple who bought their day trip pass in the center. Drove from SATX to Seminole with a little bit over 3hrs. Note that you will pass a border patrol here. Center and Service: When we arrived we went to the center to get our ticket for the car. The center has a mini museum and shop that covers necessities and souvenirs. The staff were all so hospitable and helpful. Since we said it’s our first time they helped us to understand the map and the trails. Trail: On the trail we did the loop (Rio Grande and Canyon Rim Trail) from 3 > 7 > 6 > 5 > 4 and took us over 3hrs with over 8miles (Check the map to make sense). Then we went back to the center to do the Windmill Trail (.50miles, around 20mins) They also offer a guided tour for the canyon. Tip: Bring water and wear enclosed shoes and comfortable socks to hike in a rocky trail. Wear something that covers your skin as it has a lot of spikey plants. Check the museum before going to the trail. I advised to hike this place in a non summer weather since it is pretty open and little to no shade at all. While for winter and with heavy wind bring a moisturizer for your face and lips as it will truly dries you out. Overall we enjoyed our experience from people to the history and scenery of Seminole Canyon.