Natalie's Dedication:

To The Kratt Brothers: Thank you for teaching me to love all animals and enjoy their company from a young age.

Episode Description:

In Part 2 of our conversation about Caprock Canyons State Park, Natalie takes us deeper into the spirit of the park, what visitors feel when they first see the canyon walls, how she would define Caprock in just three words, and why this landscape leaves such a lasting impression.

We spend time with the story of the Texas State Bison Herd, exploring how it came to Caprock, what makes it unique, and what daily herd management looks like behind the scenes. Natalie shares how staff balance visitor access with safety, the challenges the herd faces from drought and habitat pressures, and the powerful symbolism the bison hold for the park and for Texas itself, along with a few memorable moments that only come from working this closely with wildlife.

The conversation then moves onto Caprock’s trails and terrain, from the park’s extensive trail system and the historic Caprock Canyons Trailway to favorite overlooks, hidden gems, and recommendations for both first-time visitors and experienced hikers. We also cover trail safety, weather awareness, dog-friendly options, camping opportunities, and what guests should know before heading out into this rugged Panhandle environment.

We close by looking at conservation, how human impact affect Caprock, what the park is doing to protect its ecosystems, and the role visitors play in preserving this place for future generations. This episode is a grounded, thoughtful look at a park defined by resilience, stewardship, and wide-open space.

Part 2 of 2 — available now on Trailblazing Texas Podcast!