Hikes in Texas to Plan a Trip Around

1. Boquillas Hot Springs

Located about four miles upriver from Boquillas Canyon at the point where the Tornillo Creek flows into the Rio Grande River, the Boquillas Hot Springs are a set of geothermal hot springs along the big bend of the Rio Grande River that are 105 degrees year-round. You can reach the Boquillas Hot Springs by a trailhead from the parking lot off Hot Springs Road, which runs for about half a mile and is relatively flat and smooth. There are ancient pictographs of the walls along the trailhead to the hot springs, which offer a refreshing respite from the hot and sweaty hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Hot Springs Historic Trailhead, Big Bend National Park, Texas

2. Brazos Bend

Brazos Bend is located within the Brazos Bend State Park and features about 25 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Set along the Brazos River in Needville, the 4,897-acre Brazos Bend State Park is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including American alligators.

Located within a stone's throw from the thriving metropolis of Houston, the park offers several hiking trails, including the 40-Acre Lake and Elm Lake trails, which provide excellent opportunities for alligator spotting. The park also offers a Nature Center with nature exhibits, an observatory, and a variety of camping, fishing, and day-use facilities.

40-Acre Lake Trailhead, Brazos Bend SP, Needville, Texas

3. Cattail Falls Trail

Located in Big Bend National Park, the Cattail Falls Trail is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail that winds its way to the 80-foot Cattail Falls. Rated as moderate and mainly used for hiking, walking, and nature trips, the well-marked trail starts from the parking lot and runs for about a mile up into a canyon with spectacular scenery. Be on the lookout for black bears in the densely forested areas, as well as poison oak. There are some significant boulders near the end of the trail just before reaching the Cattail Falls Trail, which is best after spring melts or heavy rainfall. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Big Bend National Park, TX, Phone: 432-477-2251

4. Cedar Flats Trail

Cedar Flats Trail is a lightly trafficked 1.9-mile out-and-back trail located near San Antonio that is primarily used for hiking and walking and caters for all skill levels. The Cedar Flats trail ends at the Eisenhower Park's observation deck, which boasts breathtaking panoramic views of San Antonio and the surrounding hill country and is one of the best places in the region to watch the sunset. You can reach the Cedar Flats Trail by taking the road to Camp Bullis and entering Eisenhower Park on the left just before the military base. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.

1899 Park Boulevard, Westbury, NY 11590, Phone: 516-572-0348

5. Closed Canyon Trail

The Closed Canyon Trail is a fun and easy 1.8-mile out-and-back hiking trail that goes through a slot canyon near Lajitas in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Winding along a river with beautiful natural scenery, the trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and rated as moderate. While mostly flat, the path has some rocks to scramble over, which can be slippery after the rain, and there is plenty of parking at the trailhead, along with a covered picnic table and benches. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Big Bend National Park: Big Bend National Park, TX, Phone: 432-477-2251

6. Crockett Gardens and Falls

Located in Cedar Breaks Park near Georgetown, the Crockett Gardens and Falls trail is a moderately trafficked 7.7-mile out-and-back trail that runs past a lake and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. The trail snakes along the banks and around the cliffs of Lake Georgetown offers beautiful views along the way. There are no fees for hiking the trail, but other activities on the lake such as camping, fishing, and boating require additional charges. The Crockett Gardens and Falls trail is a section of the 26-mile San Gabriel Goodwater Loop, which winds all the way around Lake Georgetown. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Cedar Breaks Park, 2100 Cedar Breaks Rd, Georgetown, TX 78633, Phone: 512-930-5253

7. Eagle Point Trail

Set within the Caprock State Park, the Eagle Point Trail is a 4.3-mile out-and-back trail located near Quitaque that takes in spectacular panoramic vistas over the badlands landscape of the park. The path leads to a beautiful bridge, which hikers can walk beneath and explore, and relax on a wooden bench to soak up the views. Rated as moderate and accessible year-round, the trail is primarily used for hiking, but mountain bikers and horseback riders can also make use of the trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash. Camping is available in Caprock Canyon State Park, and sometimes bison can be seen roaming the grasslands in the park from the trail.

Caprock State Park P.O. Box 204 Quitaque, TX 79255, Phone: 806-455-1492

8. Emory Peak Trail

Emory Peak Trail is a roundtrip hike to the highest point in Big Bend National Park that rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. Located near Terlingua, the 8.5-mile out-and-back trail is used for hiking and walking. It is moderately busy and rated as difficult, with sections of rock scrambling up a sheer wall at the end of the hike. The hike begins at the Basin Trailhead and follows the Pinnacles trail for 3.5 miles before cutting off and heading up to the summit for about a mile. Surrounded by stunning wildflowers and fantastic views, the path usually takes most hikers approximately five to six hours for the roundtrip journey.

Big Bend National Park: Big Bend National Park, TX, Phone: 432-477-2251

9. Enchanted Rock Loop Trail

Enchanted Rock is a famous pink granite mountain in Llano Uplift located approximately 18 miles north of Fredericksburg. The Enchanted Rock Loop Trail is a 6.2-mile lightly trafficked loop trail that runs along the floodplain of the Sandy Creek. It is the longest trail in the park, and probably the easiest trail, terrain-wise at Enchanted Rock. Used mainly by hikers, the trail consists of crushed granite and is largely flat, wide, and typically easy to navigate with a few exceptions. It snakes past incredible rock formations that resemble mushrooms, with wide tops. Part of the trail tracks old jeep trails from the land's ranching days, and the hike to the top of the rock is challenging but well worth the effort once you reach the top.

16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624, Phone: 830-685-3636

10. Gorman Falls Trail

The Gorman Falls Trail is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail located near Bend that ends at the lovely Gorman Falls. Hailed as one of the gems of the Texas Hill Country, the path and the waterfall are situated in Colorado Bend State Park and is considered a “living waterfall” – growing over time due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide in the water that flows through the large limestone deposits in the area. The Gorman Falls Trailhead is situated near the park entrance and has a parking lot at the start where hikers can leave their cars before starting the three-mile round-trip hike to the falls and back. The Gorman Falls Trail is rated as moderate. It’s accessible year-round, and dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Gorman Falls Trailhead, Lometa, Texas