Western Trail of Texas
Western Trail of Texas
The Western Trail is an approximately 300 mile long, multi-use path that runs between Canada and Mexico through five western U.S states ( Montana, Oregon, Washington, Texas and New Mexico). It’s one of North America’s most beloved hiking trails. The name Western Trail was given when the wagon train used it as its route, and it was the first trail that was constructed in half-freedom, with no railroad tracks in sight. Since its inception, the path has experienced minor forks in the road but overall has remained unaltered. However, through recent times, there have been three major improvements: widening and making more accessible the southern terminus, building a connector trail between the terminus and the south forks of the trail, and providing access to the west side of the trail for wheelchair users. For anyone interested in this challenging trail, it’s a good idea to get involved.
On any route of the western trail you will see a plethora of wildlife. From deer and elk to coyotes and several migratory birds, the trail is home to numerous types of animals. The most notable of these is the elk, which can be seen throughout the entire route, but are especially abundant in the south and west edges of the route. Cattle also can be found on the trail, but they tend to be less plentiful in populated areas. As you might expect, the cattle are most often found along the highway shoulders where there is plenty of room.
One of the most exciting things to do while on the WLRT is to see the cattle. There are several places along the route where you can view live cattle, including the Cedar Creek Campgrounds in Texarkana, and the La Grange Ranch in Texas. Many cowboys raise cattle on their property, and allow visitors to visit and feed them. Cattle are a great subject for any wildlife enthusiast, and it is fun to see and touch them.
In addition to viewing live cattle, there are several other things to do along the Texas Trail that are educational as well as thrilling. One of the best things to do is to explore the many old west hotels and ranches. These places can offer you the best of old western fun and adventure, as well as a trip back in time to a period when life was much simpler. The hotels offer information about the cattle herds in the area, which allows you to plan a visit to one of the ranches prior to your trip, so you can see how the animals behave and what they eat.
Another great way to get close to wildlife on the Western Trail is by taking part in guided tours of the area. Several companies offer guided treks through different parts of the trail, allowing you to see and learn more about the history of the area, as well as the wildlife and plants. Guided treks include a variety of topics, including wildlife, old west legends, and of course, cattle trails. A guided tour of the area will allow you to travel through the brush along the trail, allowing you to see everything that is interesting or impressive to you. If you are interested in seeing some of the more delicate and rare species of the state, you might even be able to spot a squirrel or an antelope.
No matter what time of year you visit, you will never lack for entertainment along the western trail. The park has a number of playgrounds and picnic areas where you can sit, relax, and enjoy nature. There are also quite a few beautiful scenery formations such as creeks and lakes. The wildlife found in the area is impressive and varied, including deer, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain goats, as well as many more species. The parks in Dodge City are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, so you will not have to worry about getting into any trouble while on the trail.