Plains Trail Region

Texas Plains Trail Region

Enjoy the rugged beauty and shimmering sunsets of the Texas Plains. Miles and miles of short grass prairie gives way suddenly and unexpectedly to spectacular canyon vistas as you cross this 52-county region that covers approximately 50,000 square miles!

One of the last parts of the continental United States to be permanently settled, the Texas Plains have been occupied for millennia. More than 12,000 years ago, the Clovis people, the earliest known residents of North America, roamed this land hunting the ancient bison and the Columbian mammoth. In time, the Apache and Comanche nations came, followed by Spanish explorers, cowboys on the free range, and finally, homesteaders seeking opportunity in a new place.

Plan Your Trip

Discover the stories of the land and the people that make up the history of the Texas Plains—and the true stories of the West.
Roadside Heritage Our roadside heritage covers a lot of territory-both in mileage and subject matter. Perhaps our best… Details
Quanah Parker Trail: Follow the Arrows into History The Comanche Indians once dominated vast areas of North America—and yet, forced onto reservations, they left… Details
Old Tascosa and a Shirttail to Hang On To Once known as “Cowboy Capital of the Plains,” the community of Old Tascosa provided an easy… Details

Did You Know?

The normally pleasant weather can change in an instant and quickly change back again.

Plains Trail Region Partners

The Texas Plains Trail Region both relies on and supports our partner organizations in promoting heritage tourism, historic preservation, and economic development within our 52 counties of the Plains and Panhandle.

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Plains Trail Region Highlights

The Plains Trail Region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. We are featuring our five stunning state parks, and the cities they are near, to celebrate Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Centennial. Together, these parks embody the rich legacy of TPWD, offering Texans and visitors alike an opportunity to connect with nature and commemorate a century of conservation and adventure. Plan a trip to these destinations as well as the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum to enjoy the TPWD Centennial exhibit through February 18, 2024.