12-01 | Palo Pinto Mountains to Offer First Day Hike Sneak Peek

Dec. 1, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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STRAWN — New Year, New Park! Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, just outside of Fort Worth, is opening its gates on New Year’s Day for guided First Day Hikes. Day passes to the park will be limited for this event, and advance reservations are highly encouraged.

“We are so excited to show folks what makes Palo Pinto Mountains so special,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “With the park nearly complete thanks to our hardworking staff and partners, this felt like the perfect way to start 2026 — exploring one of Texas’ newest state parks.”

This sneak peek event will allow visitors to go on guided hikes through Palo Pinto Mountains State Park with a park ranger.

About 75 miles west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is nestled on 4,871 acres of former ranch land in Stephens and Palo Pinto counties. The property features a special collection of rock formations, plants, animals and habitats, including 90-acre Tucker Lake.

On New Year’s Day, parks across the state will host First Day Hikes, and many parks will limit admissions based on capacity. Day pass reservations can be booked in advance for any Texas State Park on the TPWD website. Through the online portal, you can narrow your search by city, activity and even by site. If you want to bike, hike or fish, look for parks with day passes available (up to 30 days in advance).

For more information about Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, visit the park’s page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.