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Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument

Designation: National Monument

Location: Texas

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

13,000 years ago, Alibates was used by mammoth hunters as a source of flint for tools. The colorful flint has never lost its value or usefulness in the Texas Panhandle. Learn how important this site was to the survival, commerce, and culture of the people of the High Plains.

🌤 Weather Information

The Texas Panhandle experiences a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Winters are cold and windy, and summers are hot and dry. It is usually a good idea to bring a jacket with you if you are planning on hiking to the quarries with a ranger because the mesa gets very windy, even in the summer.

🚗 Directions

Alibates Flint Quarries is located approximately 35 miles north of Amarillo, Texas. From I-40 in Amarillo, take Lakeside exit north towards Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Exit on TX 136 north towards Borger. After about 30 miles, turn west from TX 136 onto Cas Johnson Road. Park Service signs will be visible. Proceed approximately 3 miles to "Y" intersection and bear to right. Go northwest approximately 2 miles to the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Visitor Center.

Images

Turtle Petroglyph at Antelope Creek Village Site

Turtle Petroglyph at Antelope Creek Village Site

Credit: NPS Photo

A view of the gardens and Alibates Visitor Center.

The gardens and Alibates Visitor Center host activities and ranger-led programs throughout the year.

Credit: NPS Photo

Colorful chunks of Alibates Flint.

Used for at least 13,000 years, Alibates Flint was the choice of many tribes for their stone tools, spearpoints and arrowheads.

Credit: NPS Photo

Stair steps up the Alibates Flint Quarries Trail.

Take a hike up the Quarries Trail to learn about this important stone.

Credit: NPS Photo

A snowy mesa, as seen from the Alibates Visitor Center.

Every season hold special beauty at Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Monday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Wednesday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday
9:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday
9:00AM - 4:00PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Wednesday, Apr 1

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 82.8°F | Low: 43.3°F

Humidity: 46%

Wind: 32.4 mph

Rain Chance: 88%

UV Index: 1.2

Sunrise: 07:33 AM

Sunset: 08:08 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (99%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.7°F

Cloud Cover: 88%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Apr 2

Sunny

Sunny

High: 84.4°F | Low: 52°F

Humidity: 29%

Wind: 24.6 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.8

Sunrise: 07:32 AM

Sunset: 08:09 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 54.1°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Apr 3

Sunny

Sunny

High: 76.6°F | Low: 52.9°F

Humidity: 23%

Wind: 23.9 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.9

Sunrise: 07:30 AM

Sunset: 08:10 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (99%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (3)

⚠️ Fire Weather Watch (Severe)
▼

Fire Weather Watch issued April 1 at 6:39AM CDT until April 2 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Effective: Apr 1, 2026 7:39am
Expires: Apr 1, 2026 5:00pm

* WINDS...Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...In the mid 80s.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will have the potential to
spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* SEVERITY...

FUELS (ERC)...90th+ percentile...5 (out of 5).

WEATHER...Elevated...1 (out of 5).

FIRE ENVIRONMENT...6 (out of 10).

⚠️ Red Flag Warning (Severe)
▼

Red Flag Warning issued April 1 at 6:39AM CDT until April 1 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Effective: Apr 1, 2026 7:39am
Expires: Apr 1, 2026 5:00pm

* WINDS...Today. Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
Thursday. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Today. As low as 22 percent. Thursday. As
low as 10 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...Today. Mid 70s to mid 80s.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will have the potential to
spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* SEVERITY...

FUELS (ERC)...90th+ percentile...5 (out of 5).

WEATHER...Near Critical...2 (out of 5).

FIRE ENVIRONMENT...7 (out of 10).

⚠️ Fire Weather Watch (Severe)
▼

Fire Weather Watch issued April 1 at 6:39AM CDT until April 2 at 11:00PM CDT by NWS Amarillo TX

Effective: Apr 1, 2026 7:39am
Expires: Apr 1, 2026 5:00pm

* WINDS...Today. Southwest 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
Thursday. Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Today. As low as 22 percent. Thursday. As
low as 10 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...Today. Mid 70s to mid 80s.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will have the potential to
spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

* SEVERITY...

FUELS (ERC)...90th+ percentile...5 (out of 5).

WEATHER...Near Critical...2 (out of 5).

FIRE ENVIRONMENT...7 (out of 10).

Park Alerts

Ice Storm Closures
Due to the current ice storm and unsafe road conditions, Park Headquarters and the Alibates Visitor Center will remain closed on Friday and Saturday, November 27-28, 2015. Please use caution if you decide to visit. In case of emergency, please dial 911.
Holiday Closure
Alibates Visitor Center will close at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24. The visitor center will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 26. If hazardous weather conditions occur the visitor center may be closed Sunday.
Prescribed Burn - Temporary Closures
Fire managers plan to conduct prescribed burns around Lake Meredith the week of March 8. Temporary closures and delays may be possible.

More Info

Alibates Visitor Center Closed
Alibates Visitor Center will be closed Monday, February 1 and Tuesday, February 2 due to electrical work.
Heat May Cancel 2:00 p.m. Quarries Tours
On very hot days, when temperatures reach 100F or the heat index is at 90 or above, our 2:00 p.m. Quarries Tours may be cancelled. Please plan accordingly.
Alibates Visitor Center Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Through April, the Alibates Visitor Center will remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The visitor center will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Quarry Tours will be offered by reservation on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

More Info

Park Events

Alibates Star Party

Alibates Star Party Series — 2026

Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and night‑sky enthusiasts.

⭐ 2026 Star Party Dates

  • April 11 • 8:30 PM — Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
  • June 13 • 9:15 PM — Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
  • September 12 • 8:00 PM — Autumn skies reveal deep‑sky objects and early fall constellations.

Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome — curiosity encouraged.

Location: Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot

Date: Apr 11, 2026 12:00am to Apr 11, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Alibates Star Party

Alibates Star Party Series — 2026

Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and night‑sky enthusiasts.

⭐ 2026 Star Party Dates

  • April 11 • 8:30 PM — Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
  • June 13 • 9:15 PM — Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
  • September 12 • 8:00 PM — Autumn skies reveal deep‑sky objects and early fall constellations.

Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome — curiosity encouraged.

Location: Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot

Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Movies at the Lake

Movies at the Lake – Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith Friends Group hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings family‑friendly films and a lake view, with refreshments available for purchase to round out the evening.

The season kicks off on June 13, 2026, with National Treasure, followed by a lineup of outdoor fun leading to our finale on July 3, 2026 with Inside Out 2.  Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax by the water, and enjoy a movie night in one of the Panhandle’s most scenic spots.   Movies begin at sunset. 

*no dogs allowed except service animals

*Movie will be canceled in case of inclement weather. 

 

Location: Fritch Fortress Amphitheater

Date: Jun 13, 2026 12:00am to Jun 13, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Movies at the Lake

Movies at the Lake – Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Settle in for summer nights under the stars as Lake Meredith hosts Movies at the Lake at the Fritch Fortress Amphitheater. This free community series brings family‑friendly films with a lake view, with refreshments available for purchase to round out the evening.

The season kicks off on June 13, 2026, with National Treasure, followed by a lineup of outdoor fun leading to our finale on July 3, 2026 with Inside Out 2.  Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair, relax by the water, and enjoy a movie night in one of the Panhandle’s most scenic spots.

*no dogs allowed except service dogs. 

Location: Fritch Fortress Amphitheater

Date: Jul 3, 2026 12:00am to Jul 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Fireworks at the Lake

A Night of Patriotism, Community, and Pure Summer Magic


As the sun dips behind the mesas and the lake settles into twilight, anticipation builds. Families spread out blankets, kids wave glow sticks, and the smell of summer hangs in the air. There’s something special about watching fireworks burst over the water—each color reflecting across the lake like a painting that lasts only a moment.


This year’s show begins at 9:30 PM, timed perfectly so the sky is dark enough for every spark, shimmer, and boom to shine at full brilliance.

Tips for a Great Evening

  • Arrive early to snag a great spot—this event draws a crowd.
  • Bring a light jacket; evenings by the lake can cool off quickly.
  • Don’t forget your camera. Fireworks over the water make for incredible photos.

Location: Fritch Fortress Amphitheater

Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Alibates Star Party

Alibates Star Party Series — 2026

Join us for three unforgettable nights under the Texas sky!
The Alibates Visitor Center invites you to a seasonal stargazing series led by Dr. Arthur Schneider, professor emeritus at Amarillo College. Each evening features large telescopes, guided sky interpretation, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, learners, and night‑sky enthusiasts.

⭐ 2026 Star Party Dates

  • April 11 • 8:30 PM — Spring skies return with bright planets and crisp constellations.
  • June 13 • 9:15
  •  PM — Summer nights bring star clusters, warm breezes, and sweeping Milky Way views.
  • September 12 • 8:00 PM — Autumn skies reveal deep‑sky objects and early fall constellations.

Bring a chair and settle in for an evening of celestial discovery.
All ages welcome — curiosity encouraged.

Location: Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot

Date: Sep 12, 2026 12:00am to Sep 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Plains Buffalo Watercolor Workshop

Watercolor Workshop: The Plains Buffalo of Texas
September 26, 2026

  • 9:30–11:30 AM
    Alibates Visitor Center

Step into the history and spirit of the Texas Plains in this hands-on watercolor workshop inspired by one of the region’s most iconic animals — the plains buffalo. Participants will create a watercolor painting of a buffalo skull, exploring color, texture, and symbolism while learning about the animal that shaped the culture, ecology, and survival of the Southern Plains.

The Plains Buffalo once roamed Texas in herds numbering in the millions. These powerful animals could weigh up to 2,000 pounds, run at speeds over 35 mph, and were essential to the lifeways of many Indigenous nations. Their near extinction in the late 1800s dramatically changed the landscape, and their recovery today stands as a testament to conservation efforts.

No experience is necessary, and all supplies are provided. Whether you're an artist, a history enthusiast, or simply curious, this workshop offers a meaningful way to connect with the story of the buffalo and the beauty of watercolor.

Join us at the Alibates Visitor Center for a creative morning on the Texas Plains.

To make reservations call 806-857-6680

Limit 25 participants

Location: Alibates Visitor Center-Theater Room

Date: Sep 26, 2026 12:00am to Sep 26, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antleope Creek Village Tours in October 

Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village. Each Saturday in October, meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 9:00 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People, who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD. Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains.

This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike, so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions.

To protect this fragile cultural site:
• Do not touch or remove artifacts
• Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger
• No dogs allowed, except service animals

Participation is limited to 25 people, and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑857‑8660 to secure your spot.

Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Location: Meet at Alibates Visitor Center

Date: Oct 3, 2026 12:00am to Oct 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antelope Creek Village Tour 

Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village Each Saturday in October, meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 9:00 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People, who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD. Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains.

This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike, so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions.

To protect this fragile cultural site:
• Do not touch or remove artifacts
• Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger
• No dogs allowed, except service animals

Participation is limited to 25 people, and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑857‑8660 to secure your spot.

Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Location: Meet at Alibates VIsitor Center at 9:00 AM

Date: Oct 10, 2026 12:00am to Oct 10, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Antelope Creek Village Tour

Antelope Creek Village Tour 

Celebrate Archaeology Month with a guided journey into the past at Antelope Creek Village Each Saturday in October, meet at the Alibates Visitor Center at 9:00 AM and caravan with a ranger to an ancient village site featuring remarkable petroglyphs and stone structures left by the Antelope Creek People, who lived in the Texas Panhandle from 1100 to 1450 AD. Known for their skilled masonry and extensive trade networks, these early inhabitants built multi‑room dwellings and crafted tools from Alibates flint that traveled hundreds of miles across the Plains.

This ranger‑led experience includes a 2‑mile hike, so bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking attire. October weather can be unpredictable and may change rapidly; the hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement conditions.

To protect this fragile cultural site:
• Do not touch or remove artifacts
• Stay on the trail and always follow the ranger
• No dogs allowed, except service animals

Participation is limited to 25 people, and no additional guests can be added once the limit is reached. Reservations are required — call 806‑857‑8660 to secure your spot.

Step back in time and experience the story of the Antelope Creek People in the landscape they once called home.

Location: Meet at Alibates Visitor Center at 9:00 am.

Date: Oct 17, 2026 12:00am to Oct 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
37084 Alibates Rd.
Potter County, TX 79036

🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1460
Fritch, TX 79036

📞 Voice Phone: 8068576680

✉️ Email: lamr_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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