If one of your goals is to spend more time in the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered with the best hikes in Texas! This is the ultimate “hiking trails near me” bucket list, with one epic trail for each month of the year.
- January - The Lighthouse Trail (Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon)
AllTrails/Sean Poynter If you enjoy visiting the Palo Duro Canyon during summertime, just wait until you see it blanketed in snow. The stark contrast between the red rock landscape and the winter wonderland covering it is truly a sight to see. This is the most popular trail in the park, spanning just under six miles and suitable for kids and pets. Check out our feature article for more information about visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
- February - Enchanted Rock Summit Trail (Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg)
AllTrails/Stephen Fleming Everyone knows the Hill Country is a scorcher in every season besides winter, so we recommend making the trip in February. The 1.3-mile Summit Trail leads to the top of the iconic natural wonder, showcasing unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. More information about the Summit Trail is in our feature article. Enchanted Rock, Texas 78643, USA
- March - Lost Mine Trail (Big Bend National Park)
AllTrails/Braden Donnell No Texas hiking bucket list would be complete without at least one trail at Big Bend. Lost Mine is always a solid choice - unless, of course, it’s summertime and scorching outside. March is an ideal time to embark on this 4.2-mile, 1,000-foot ascent, as the late winter into early spring climate lets you marvel at the sweeping mountain vistas without overheating. More information about the Lost Mine Trail in our previous article. Lost Mine Trail, Texas 79834, USA
- April - Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area (Spicewood)
TripAdvisor/Navigator598141 Spring is bluebonnet season here in Texas, and this 654-acre recreation area is among the best places in the state to frolic through the flowers. There are 9.8 miles of trails to enjoy, and they all feature stunning blooms far as the eye can see. More information about Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in our previous article. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
- May - Guadalupe Peak Trail (Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat)
AllTrails/Alexandra Agroskin Before temperatures really start to soar, we’re heading to the highest point in Texas! This nine-mile hike is very strenuous, featuring an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet, but the sweeping mountain vistas are worth every drop of sweat. More information about Guadalupe Peak Trail in our previous article. Guadalupe Peak, Texas 79847, USA
- June - Gorman Falls Trail (Colorado Bend State Park, Bend)
Flickr/Randall Chancellor Kick off summer with a trip to our very own tropical oasis right here in Texas. Between the lush greenery and majestic, 80-foot waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool below, it truly looks like a scene from Tarzan. This is definitely one of the best hikes in Texas! More information about Gorman Falls Trail in our previous article. Gorman Falls Trail, Texas 76853, USA
- July - Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail (Austin)
AllTrails/Kate Mika This trail is among the most popular in Austin, and for good reason. It leads to the most beautiful double waterfall you’ve ever seen, trickling into the creek with a graceful vigor. The best part? You can jump in and cool off before heading back! More information about Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls in our previous article. Twin Falls, 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
- August - San Marcos River, Mesquite Flats, and Ottine Swamp Trails (Palmetto State Park, Gonzales)
AllTrails/David Rodriguez This summer, take a trip to the rainforest without ever leaving Texas. This 3.1-mile loop at Palmetto State Park weaves through thick tropical foliage, taking you back in time to the dinosaur ages. More information about Palmetto State Park in our previous article. Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd 11 S, Gonzales, TX 78629, USA
- September - Santa Elena Canyon Trail (Big Bend National Park)
AllTrails/Kent Mader Before autumn fully takes hold, we’re headed back to Big Bend for the world-famous Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This easy, 1.5-mile hike leads down to a sandy beach and huge canyon split in half by the mighty Rio Grande. Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time by the water - it’s a short trip back, after all! More information about the Santa Elena Canyon Trail in our previous article. Santa Elena Canyon Road, Santa Elena Canyon Rd, Texas 79834, USA
- October - El Paso Tin Mines Trail (Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso)
AllTrails/Barba Mundial Why not celebrate the spooky season with a haunted hike? This easy trail leads to an abandoned mine, and people have experienced all sorts of unexplained phenomena as they approach the dark, gaping abyss. You can find more information about the El Paso Tin Mines Trail in our feature article. El Paso Tin Mines Hike, El Paso, TX 79934, USA
- November - Lost Maples East Trail Loop (Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool)
AllTrails/Shirley Clayton It’s a running joke that Texas doesn’t have seasons, but certain parts of the state surely do. One such place is Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool, which erupts in a striking display of fall foliage every year. The colors usually peak in November, and the 4.4-mile East Trail Loop is your best bet for seeing the most vibrant hues. More information about Lost Maples State Natural Area is in our feature article. Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
- December - Old Baldy Trail (Garner State Park, Concan)
Flickr/Kelly Harris Winter tends to be on the milder side across much of Texas, which means leaf-peeping season extends well into December. Another great place to spot brilliant hues is Old Baldy Trail at Garner State Park in Concan. This popular warm-weather hike is perhaps even more worth taking in the winter, as crowds are minimal and the leaves are every shade of amber, crimson, and gold imaginable. For more information about Old Baldy Trail, read our feature article. Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
How many of these best hikes in Texas have you taken? Which one is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for some kid-friendly hikes around Texas that are perfect for the whole family!
AllTrails/Sean Poynter
If you enjoy visiting the Palo Duro Canyon during summertime, just wait until you see it blanketed in snow. The stark contrast between the red rock landscape and the winter wonderland covering it is truly a sight to see. This is the most popular trail in the park, spanning just under six miles and suitable for kids and pets. Check out our feature article for more information about visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
AllTrails/Stephen Fleming
Everyone knows the Hill Country is a scorcher in every season besides winter, so we recommend making the trip in February. The 1.3-mile Summit Trail leads to the top of the iconic natural wonder, showcasing unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. More information about the Summit Trail is in our feature article.
Enchanted Rock, Texas 78643, USA
AllTrails/Braden Donnell
No Texas hiking bucket list would be complete without at least one trail at Big Bend. Lost Mine is always a solid choice - unless, of course, it’s summertime and scorching outside. March is an ideal time to embark on this 4.2-mile, 1,000-foot ascent, as the late winter into early spring climate lets you marvel at the sweeping mountain vistas without overheating. More information about the Lost Mine Trail in our previous article.
Lost Mine Trail, Texas 79834, USA
TripAdvisor/Navigator598141
Spring is bluebonnet season here in Texas, and this 654-acre recreation area is among the best places in the state to frolic through the flowers. There are 9.8 miles of trails to enjoy, and they all feature stunning blooms far as the eye can see. More information about Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in our previous article.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
AllTrails/Alexandra Agroskin
Before temperatures really start to soar, we’re heading to the highest point in Texas! This nine-mile hike is very strenuous, featuring an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet, but the sweeping mountain vistas are worth every drop of sweat. More information about Guadalupe Peak Trail in our previous article.
Guadalupe Peak, Texas 79847, USA
Flickr/Randall Chancellor
Kick off summer with a trip to our very own tropical oasis right here in Texas. Between the lush greenery and majestic, 80-foot waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool below, it truly looks like a scene from Tarzan. This is definitely one of the best hikes in Texas! More information about Gorman Falls Trail in our previous article.
Gorman Falls Trail, Texas 76853, USA
AllTrails/Kate Mika
This trail is among the most popular in Austin, and for good reason. It leads to the most beautiful double waterfall you’ve ever seen, trickling into the creek with a graceful vigor. The best part? You can jump in and cool off before heading back! More information about Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls in our previous article.
Twin Falls, 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
AllTrails/David Rodriguez
This summer, take a trip to the rainforest without ever leaving Texas. This 3.1-mile loop at Palmetto State Park weaves through thick tropical foliage, taking you back in time to the dinosaur ages. More information about Palmetto State Park in our previous article.
Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd 11 S, Gonzales, TX 78629, USA
AllTrails/Kent Mader
Before autumn fully takes hold, we’re headed back to Big Bend for the world-famous Santa Elena Canyon Trail. This easy, 1.5-mile hike leads down to a sandy beach and huge canyon split in half by the mighty Rio Grande. Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time by the water - it’s a short trip back, after all! More information about the Santa Elena Canyon Trail in our previous article.
Santa Elena Canyon Road, Santa Elena Canyon Rd, Texas 79834, USA
AllTrails/Barba Mundial
Why not celebrate the spooky season with a haunted hike? This easy trail leads to an abandoned mine, and people have experienced all sorts of unexplained phenomena as they approach the dark, gaping abyss. You can find more information about the El Paso Tin Mines Trail in our feature article.
El Paso Tin Mines Hike, El Paso, TX 79934, USA
AllTrails/Shirley Clayton
It’s a running joke that Texas doesn’t have seasons, but certain parts of the state surely do. One such place is Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool, which erupts in a striking display of fall foliage every year. The colors usually peak in November, and the 4.4-mile East Trail Loop is your best bet for seeing the most vibrant hues. More information about Lost Maples State Natural Area is in our feature article.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Flickr/Kelly Harris
Winter tends to be on the milder side across much of Texas, which means leaf-peeping season extends well into December. Another great place to spot brilliant hues is Old Baldy Trail at Garner State Park in Concan. This popular warm-weather hike is perhaps even more worth taking in the winter, as crowds are minimal and the leaves are every shade of amber, crimson, and gold imaginable. For more information about Old Baldy Trail, read our feature article.
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Texas August 04, 2022 Katie Lawrence What are some kid-friendly hikes around Texas? If you have little adventurers in tow, overly strenuous hikes are out of the question. Luckily, Texas offers lots of easy trails that are perfect for families! One of our all-time favorite kid-friendly hikes around Texas would have to be the Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail. Meandering through South Austin’s Travis Heights neighborhood, this one mile stroll features majestic oak trees and other greenery, plus seasonal wildflowers. It will make you and your kiddos feel like you’ve entered a fairytale! Where can I find scenic hikes in Texas? When it comes to natural beauty, Texas has a little bit of everything to offer. We’re so blessed to live in a state with mountains, beaches, wetlands, deserts, and plains all within its borders! All these different types of landscape give way to unparalleled hiking opportunities. One of the most scenic hikes in Texas is The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park. This 5-mile trail leads to a famous vista boasting two mountain peaks separated by a small gap in the center. If you complete the hike at dusk, you can even watch the sun go down between the mountains for a sight you’ll never forget. Are there any easy hikes in Texas? Sometimes, you just want to see some beautiful views without committing to an all-day hike that will leave you feeling drained. For those instances, easy hikes in Texas are exactly what you need. One of our top picks is the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Clocking in at under a mile long, this beautiful hike skirts around the base of the mountains, allowing you to admire their towering peaks from below. While the trail is accessible year-round, fall is definitely the best time to embark on it. Every autumn, the trees lining the path erupt in a glorious display of seasonal hues that are sure to drop your jaw.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Texas
August 04, 2022
Katie Lawrence
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Texas? If you have little adventurers in tow, overly strenuous hikes are out of the question. Luckily, Texas offers lots of easy trails that are perfect for families! One of our all-time favorite kid-friendly hikes around Texas would have to be the Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail. Meandering through South Austin’s Travis Heights neighborhood, this one mile stroll features majestic oak trees and other greenery, plus seasonal wildflowers. It will make you and your kiddos feel like you’ve entered a fairytale! Where can I find scenic hikes in Texas? When it comes to natural beauty, Texas has a little bit of everything to offer. We’re so blessed to live in a state with mountains, beaches, wetlands, deserts, and plains all within its borders! All these different types of landscape give way to unparalleled hiking opportunities. One of the most scenic hikes in Texas is The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park. This 5-mile trail leads to a famous vista boasting two mountain peaks separated by a small gap in the center. If you complete the hike at dusk, you can even watch the sun go down between the mountains for a sight you’ll never forget. Are there any easy hikes in Texas? Sometimes, you just want to see some beautiful views without committing to an all-day hike that will leave you feeling drained. For those instances, easy hikes in Texas are exactly what you need. One of our top picks is the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Clocking in at under a mile long, this beautiful hike skirts around the base of the mountains, allowing you to admire their towering peaks from below. While the trail is accessible year-round, fall is definitely the best time to embark on it. Every autumn, the trees lining the path erupt in a glorious display of seasonal hues that are sure to drop your jaw.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you have little adventurers in tow, overly strenuous hikes are out of the question. Luckily, Texas offers lots of easy trails that are perfect for families! One of our all-time favorite kid-friendly hikes around Texas would have to be the Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail. Meandering through South Austin’s Travis Heights neighborhood, this one mile stroll features majestic oak trees and other greenery, plus seasonal wildflowers. It will make you and your kiddos feel like you’ve entered a fairytale!
Where can I find scenic hikes in Texas?
When it comes to natural beauty, Texas has a little bit of everything to offer. We’re so blessed to live in a state with mountains, beaches, wetlands, deserts, and plains all within its borders! All these different types of landscape give way to unparalleled hiking opportunities. One of the most scenic hikes in Texas is The Window Trail in Big Bend National Park. This 5-mile trail leads to a famous vista boasting two mountain peaks separated by a small gap in the center. If you complete the hike at dusk, you can even watch the sun go down between the mountains for a sight you’ll never forget.
Are there any easy hikes in Texas?
Sometimes, you just want to see some beautiful views without committing to an all-day hike that will leave you feeling drained. For those instances, easy hikes in Texas are exactly what you need. One of our top picks is the McKittrick Canyon Nature Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Clocking in at under a mile long, this beautiful hike skirts around the base of the mountains, allowing you to admire their towering peaks from below. While the trail is accessible year-round, fall is definitely the best time to embark on it. Every autumn, the trees lining the path erupt in a glorious display of seasonal hues that are sure to drop your jaw.
