SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK

About 40 miles west of Del Rio on Highway 90, this park opened in 1980 and is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved prehistoric paintings in Texas. Dating back over 7,000 years in some cases, there are more than 200 painted caves in the park. The best known is the Fate Bell Shelter, which can be visited with a guide. Another, highly recommended, is the White Shaman mural, which tells the story of the birth of the sun and the beginning of time, according to archaeologists. Access requires a two-hour hike that takes you through a landscape of Chihuahuan desert plants and a spectacular view of the Pecos River, which joins the Rio Grande. It's advisable to book a guide for this expedition. Alternatively, Seminole Canyon is also a great place for those looking to hike, camp or are interested in the local flora and fauna. This is the desert, so you'll see cactus, eagles, scorpions and snakes. Caution: don't lift a rock with your hands! That's where the snakes hide... There are 46 campsites with different facilities, some with electricity and water. We recommend camping here if you're just passing through. You can also hike or mountain bike to the Rio Grande River along the rim of Seminole Canyon. There are nearly 10 miles of trails in the park.