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We started off on this adventure at around 8am this morning, stopping for gas and off we went. This area lies North of Crawford down 12 miles of well maintained dirt road. We arrived and paid our entry fee, which was a $1.50 charge with the America The Beautiful pass. There is a 1-mile loop trail that takes you through the area. They provide a foldout brochure for a self-guided tour that makes it enjoyable and easy to learn about the area. As is typical, lots of pictures were taken. Linda and Diane didn't feel comfortable doing the rock scramble on the last 4/10ths of the trail, so we returned to the trailhead the way that we came in. Cindy and I finished the loop by ourselves and got some more good pictures. We also checked out the sod house by the parking lot.
From the web Toadstool Geologic Park is noted for its unusual geological formations, some in the shape of toadstools, and scientifically valuable fossil deposits. Our interpretive kiosk explains and illustrates the local geology and provides information and history about the local grasslands. During your hike, look for signs of fossils that give scientists insight into the behavior of animals as they passed through this area as far back as 30 million years ago. In order for others to enjoy viewing these fossil resources, collection is prohibited.
The trailhead at the campground provides access to three hiking trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty. A one-mile loop highlights many examples of eroded clay/sandstone formations. While on the trail, follow our interpretive brochure to learn the fascinating geology of the area.
The Bison Trail leaves the interpretive loop at the halfway point and continues up the canyon to Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. Toadstool Campground to Hudson Meng is 3 miles one way.
A five-mile loop begins at the campground and proceeds on the graveled section of the interpretive trail for a short distance before heading north through the badlands and grasslands on the Great Plains Trail. After 1.5 miles, the Great Plains Trail intersects with the 918 Road. Follow the signs to return to the Bison Trail and Toadstool Campground. The loop can be done in reverse going the other direction on the interpretive trail as you leave the campground.
The Great Plains Trail developed by the Great Plains Trail Alliance is a cross-country network of public land trails and roads beginning in Guadalupe National Park and ending at the Canadian Border. The Bison Trail, 918 Road and part of the 5-mile loop are part of this network. Great Plains Trail information can be found at www.greatplainstrail.org
The campground consists of six sites with picnic tables and fire rings and upright grills and two accessible vault toilets. There is no water.
Special features: In 1984 the Forest Service constructed a sod house near the site of a sod house built in 1929. The new soddie provides a look into the past when the homesteaders on the grasslands used the only abundant material available. The original sod house was lived in briefly before being abandoned, and signs of the original structure no longer exist.
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