Texas hikers, what are your favorite spots to hike across the Lone Star State? What about in South Central TX (San Antonio, Austin)?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 19:03:24 -0400

My wife and I used to hike quite a bit and it's probably our favorite activity to do together. For the first few years of our relationship we lived in CO and Northern CA so we were surrounded by great hiking areas. We used to hit the trails at least once or twice a month. Since moving to Texas a couple of years ago we haven't been hiking quite as much. Part of that was due to time constraints, but we're also having trouble finding good spots. It seems like the best spots are Big Bend or Palo Duro out west. We'll have to hit those over a long weekend, but I'm hoping to find something closer to south central TX (San Antonio, Austin). I'm not expecting to find 14ers like we had in CO but some somewhat strenuous terrain would be nice. Thx!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 7:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 19:18:20 -0400

If you haven't been there yet, I suggest Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg,

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!

Response by SPC Gary Welch made Jul 22 at 2018 8:20 PM

SPC Gary Welch — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 20:20:09 -0400

Enchanted Rock is great also we like Colorado bend SP south of lampasas

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 8:23 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 20:23:03 -0400

While in San Antonio recently I covered most of the trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area. Good mix of rough and tame trails. Also, if the stream isn’t flooded you can see some fossilized dinosaurs footprints. Overall, nothing like CO or NorCal, but a good spot!

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon

Government Canyon State Natural Area — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

On the north side of San Antonio lies a 12,000-acre wilderness that protects the city’s drinking water. You’ll find your own “Recharge Zone” in this vast urban refuge.