Lower Paddock Creek Trail

Lower Paddock Creek Trail is a 3.6-mile one-way walk from Halliday Well to the paved South Unit Scenic Loop Drive. It follows Paddock Creek’s open valley east and upstream, starting through a prairie-dog town and ending where Upper Paddock Creek continues across the road. The grade is gentle but rolls over many small drainages, so this is a longer open-country walk, not a quick overlook stop. Walk back to Halliday Well for about 7.2 miles round-trip; allow roughly 3 to 4 hours with crossings and stops.

The dirt path moves through open prairie, with small rises and dips as it crosses dry tributary draws. It crosses Paddock Creek several times. Those crossings are usually dry but can hold water in spring or after rain, so ask about current crossing conditions before setting out if water would change your plan. A few sections can be overgrown, and there is little shade across the valley.

The prairie-dog town near Halliday Well is the trail’s most distinctive stop. Bison and wild horses also use the surrounding South Unit, though sightings are never guaranteed. Give wildlife plenty of room.

From the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive, take the Halliday Well turnoff near mile marker 7 and follow the gravel access road to its end parking area. The path starts at Halliday Well. Dogs are not allowed on trails in the park.

Lower Paddock Creek is also one leg of the park’s 11.4-mile Jones Creek–Lower Talkington loop, a separate 6-to-8-hour outing that adds other trails. This record covers only the 3.6-mile one-way Lower Paddock segment.