Quick Summary:

  • Question: What makes hiking in Texas special?
  • Answer: Texas offers some of the best hiking in the country due to its spectacular rugged desert landscapes and strikingly diverse terrain.
  • Question: What types of landscapes can hikers explore in Texas?
  • Answer: From steep mountains and jagged cliffs and swampy grasslands to rolling meadows filled with wildflowers and lush swimming holes, the Lone Star State has a hike for everyone.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Boquillas Hot Springs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Boquillas Hot Springs | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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2. Brazos Bend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Brazos Bend | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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3. Cattail Falls Trail

Category: Activities
Cattail Falls Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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4. Cedar Flats Trail

Category: Activities
Cedar Flats Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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5. Closed Canyon Trail

Category: Activities
Closed Canyon Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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6. Crockett Gardens and Falls

Category: Activities
Crockett Gardens and Falls | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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7. Eagle Point Trail

Category: Activities
Eagle Point Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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8. Emory Peak Trail

Category: Activities
Emory Peak Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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9. Enchanted Rock Loop Trail

Category: Activities
Enchanted Rock Loop Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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10. Gorman Falls Trail

Category: Activities
Gorman Falls Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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11. The Gypsum Sand Dunes, Guadalupe Mountains NP

Category: Activities
The Gypsum Sand Dunes, Guadalupe Mountains NP | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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12. Guadalupe Peak

Category: Activities
Guadalupe Peak | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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13. Kirby Nature Trail and Sandhill Loop Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve

Category: Activities
Kirby Nature Trail and Sandhill Loop Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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14. Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon

Category: Activities
Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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15. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Category: Activities
Lost Maples State Natural Area | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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16. Muleshoe Bend

Muleshoe Bend | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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17. Palo Duro Canyon's Rock Garden Trail

Category: Activities
Palo Duro Canyon's Rock Garden Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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18. Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Category: Activities
Santa Elena Canyon Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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19. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Category: Activities
Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls Via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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20. St. Edwards Park

Category: Activities
St. Edwards Park | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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21. The Window Trail

Category: Activities
The Window Trail | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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22. The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Category: Activities
The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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23. Upper Guale Mesa Hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Category: Activities
Upper Guale Mesa Hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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24. West Peak Hike

Category: Activities
West Peak Hike | Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around
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