With gorgeous weather year-round, you'll have plenty of opportunities to trek some of Texas' best hiking trails!
Texas has year-round activities due to the state's favorable climate, and hiking is no exception. The variety of terrains and geological contrasts make for many options when choosing a trail. Here, we will guide you through 9 year-round hiking trails that will ignite your sense of adventure and allow you to witness the natural beauty of Texas in all its glory.
Let's dive in! (Just make sure you've checked off your hiking checklist first!)
Enchanted Rock: Summit Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
The Enchanted Rock is a Texas icon, a massive pink granite dome that covers 640 acres near Fredericksburg. The Summit Trail guides you to the top, where an otherworldly view of the central Texas area rewards your ascent. This trail is a little under a mile one way, but the steep incline can make it feel much longer. The best time to hike is during the week or early in the morning to avoid crowds. Once at the top, take in the breathtaking 360-degree panorama and feel the spirit of the hill country beneath your feet.
Pedernales Falls State Park: Wolf Mountain Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
The Wolf Mountain Trail in Pedernales Falls State Park is an 18-mile loop that takes you through the scenic backcountry areas of the park. This trail is challenging, but the solitude and the chance to see wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys make it a memorable experience. The highlight is the broad and impressive vista of the Pedernales River Valley from the top of Wolf Mountain.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Lighthouse Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the perfect place to escape the flatlands. The Lighthouse Trail is a seven-mile round trip that leads you past unique geological formations, rugged cliffs, and vibrant desert flora. The 'lighthouse' is a well-known rock hoodoo that serves as the focal point of the hike and offers an excellent spot for a photo opportunity.
Lost Maples State Natural Area: East Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Nestled in the hills of the Edwards Plateau, the Lost Maples State Natural Area offers a variety of trails that showcase the seasonal changes of the maple trees, from the vibrant reds and oranges of autumn to the tranquil green canopy of summer. The East Trail, a favorite among photographers, winds along the Sabinal River and can be hiked as a six-mile loop. The difficulty is moderate, and you might even spot a waterfall when the river is running strong.
Caprock Canyons State Park: Upper Canyon Loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Caprock Canyons State Park, home to the state bison herd, is one of the most scenic areas in Texas. The Upper Canyon Loop offers an 11-mile hike that is best experienced in the cooler months. You'll traverse high up on the canyons' rim, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding terrain, and may even have a chance encounter with the state's impressive bovine residents.
Colorado Bend State Park: Gorman Falls Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
The Gorman Falls Trail in Colorado Bend State Park is a two-mile round trip leading to one of the most beautiful and unique features in Texas: a 70-foot cascading waterfall surrounded by bright green ferns and delicate orchids. While the trail is relatively short, it's a slightly difficult trek with a rocky path and steep terrain. Gorman Falls is especially striking after a good rain, but it's worth the visit year-round for the photo-worthy sight.
Dinosaur Valley State Park: The Dinosaur Tracks Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
As a history buff, you'll be amazed to find real dinosaur tracks embedded in the riverbed at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The easy 1.5-mile Dinosaur Tracks Trail follows the riverbank where you can see the etched footprints of giants from the Cretaceous period. This unique trail also offers opportunities for horseback riding and mountain biking, making it accessible and exciting for the whole family.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Guadalupe Peak Trail
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
The highest point in Texas at 8,749 feet, Guadalupe Peak Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is not for the faint of heart. An 8.5-mile round trip, this challenging ascent takes you through a remarkable portion of the Chihuahuan Desert and culminates with vistas that stretch into the state of New Mexico. Hiking this trail, you'll enjoy the company of the state's unique flora and fauna, including the Texas madrone tree and the elusive Colima warbler, found only in the United States in these mountains.
Big Bend National Park: Window Trail
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
In the far reaches of South Texas, Big Bend National Park is a remote, beautiful area that offers a variety of hikes. The Window Trail is a favorite due to its relatively short length (5.6 miles round trip), accessibility, and one-of-a-kind view of the expansive desert landscape. As it leads you down through an arroyo and out into the Chisos Basin, the 'window' in the mountains frames a perfect view of the desert that stretches out like an ocean of sand.
The beauty of Texas lies not only in its vastness but in the multitude of experiences it offers to nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. By exploring these trails, you will come to appreciate the rich tapestry of landscapes found in the second-largest state in the U.S. Each trail is just a small slice of the grand terrain Texas offers.
Embrace the adventure, lace up your boots, and set out to discover the unspoiled wonders of the natural world that call Texas home. Your next big journey begins right here, and it's waiting for you in Texas.