If you’re looking for a great weekend at a great Texas State Park where you can both explore and learn, check out our weekend park guide for Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site.
Fate Bell Shelter Tour
If you only do one thing at Seminole Canyon, go see the amazing rock art in the Fate Bell Shelter. The only way to experience this is on a guided tour which is offered Wednesday – Sunday at 10am and 3pm. During the summer months, only the 10am tour is available due to the extreme heat of the afternoons. Tickets are $8 for 13+ and $5 for 12 and under. You can purchase your tickets on the park Events Page.
The tour begins at the Visitor Center and makes its way past the art installation (which you’ll hear all about on the tour) and down into the canyon. Be aware that you will have to walk down several sets of stairs on the tour so a good pair of hiking shoes is recommended.
Once you’ve made it into the canyon, there are 2 sections to explore. The first is the annex, a much smaller site than Fate Bell, but still full of history. The tour guide will take groups up to see the rock art in this particular area.
Then, you’ll travel down to the Fate Bell Shelter where you will see numerous rock art pictographs and evidence of the people who once used to live here. Your guide will tell you that there is little known about the people and art in this area as it is very unique. Many scientists and historians are studying the area to find out more about this beautiful site. When you’ve finished exploring the site, you can make your way back to the Visitor Center on your own. The tour, in total, should take about 90 minutes.
Canyon Rim/Rio Grande Trail
The best hike in the park is a combination of the Canyon Rim and Rio Grande Trails. These trails, which combined together to make a loop, take you to some key sites in the park. The trailhead is next to the park campground and HERE is the trail map.
Railroad Bed Crossing
You’ll begin on the Rio Grande Trail and then in 0.5 miles, make a left onto the Canyon Rim Trail at the Railroad Bed Crossing. This is where the second transcontinental railroad came through the area in the late 1800s.
Bridge to the Past
Continue on for another 0.5 miles and you’ll arrive at a bridge. Look for 2 rock rings that were used by Native Americans 1,500 years ago.
Presa Canyon Overlook
In another mile, you’ll come to the Presa Canyon. The overlook gives you the opportunity to see where the Presa and Seminole Canyons come together. Presa is actually just a shoot off from Seminole, but it’s very impressive.
Panther Cave Overlook
As you continue on the trail, you’re in for a long stretch of hiking at 2.45 miles until you reach Panther Cave. There is absolutely no shade on this trail, except for a few shade structures that the park has built, so please remember to bring plenty of water with you. Once you arrive at the overlook, you can see in the distance more rock art. There is a beautiful 9-foot-long panther pictograph for which the cave gets its name. The cave is a considerable distance across the canyon so a pair of binoculars would be ideal for better viewing. Up close access to this area is only available via private boat.
Rio Grande View
If the Panther Cave view was a little disappointing because you couldn’t see it that great, you WILL NOT be disappointed when you get to the Rio Grande view. It is a beautiful site and, if you have time, take a minute to enjoy it.
Then, make your way back on the Rio Grande trail as you return to the trailhead in a little over 2 miles.
Campground Sunset
We really enjoyed camping at this Texas State Park. The campground is up on a hill which makes for great views and pretty sunsets. You can choose from almost 50 campsites, 23 of which have both water and electricity. Check out the PARK MAP to help you choose your site. The sites near the end of campground (#18-#31) have the best views in the park. Make your RESERVATIONS on their website up to 5 months in advance.
A side note to say that you could absolutely do all of this in ONE DAY. However, this park really does benefit from a slow exploring pace. It’s the details in the rock art and the many views on the trails and in the campground that make the perfect weekend trip.
Consider the Wonders is a travel blog intended for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV, travel, or hiking experts and are not making recommendations. These are our opinions and you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
Consider the Wonders is not affiliated with Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, Texas State Parks, or Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Comments are closed