Known as one of the flattest areas in the United States, the Texas Panhandle in the northernmost part of Texas also features diverse geographical details such as wildlife areas, canyons, grasslands, recreational areas and lakes that break up the monotony of the plains. Lake Rita Blanca, just south of the city of Dalhart in the Panhandle's Hartley County, is the only lake in the surrounding area, and offers recreational opportunities to nearby residents.
Lake Rita Blanca
Created by a dam on Rita Blanca Creek in the late 1930s, Lake Rita Blanca was originally made for flood control purposes, but gradually evolved into a recreation area for Dalhart residents and visitors. The lake covers 150 acres and reaches a maximum depth of only 5 feet, making it ideal for migratory birds who flock to the lake year-round, but unsuitable for typical water activities such as boating, swimming and fishing.
Lake Rita Blanca Park
Located on the eastern shores of Lake Rita Blanca, Lake Rita Blanca Park offers recreation opportunities that take advantage of the land and trails around the lake, such as hiking and bird watching that allow visitors to enjoy the view. The park sits on almost 2,000 acres and features a combination of geography, wildlife and recreation that celebrates the lake as an undisturbed habitat for wildlife as opposed to a place that is primarily used by visitors.
Bird Watching
A strong presence of migratory birds makes bird watching one of the most popular activities at Lake Rita Blanca. Bird migration peaks in the winter months, a time when the lake welcomes 40,000 to 100,000 waterfowl such as Snow Geese and the Ring-Necked Duck that escape the colder winters up north. Neotropical birds like the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher return to occupy the lake during the spring and summer months.
Activities
While Lake Rita Blanca does not support traditional boating activities on the lake, visitors can fish at the Rita Blanca Fishing Pond nearby, which is stocked with trout each year. Anglers over the age of 17 must purchase a Texas fishing license before fishing at the pond. Other available activities besides fishing and bird watching include disk golf, hiking and mountain biking.
Accommodations
Lake Rita Blanca Park offers tent camping around the shores of Lake Rita Blanca for $3 a night. The park also features a large Picnic Pavilion Park made up of picnic tables and a stage, bathrooms, two rock climbing walls and a modern playground. The Picnic Pavilion Park closes to visitors at 10 p.m. each night, but access to the park is free.
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