Good Hiking and Camping in Texas?

go with enchanted rock

 

sounds like this could be a good thread...i'm up for suggestions as well.

 

i like colorado bend a lot, enchanted rock too. Both are awesome.

 

If you are going to be camping as well, and don't mind a drive I would go to Big Bend. The park is the size of Rhode Island, and has it all. There are challenging hikes, hills, as well as mountains, hot springs, ghost towns, abandoned mines, and a rugged terrain that helps build a solid respect for nature and the land.

 

Go way west. Big Bend is really nice. Also, the Guadalupe Mountains are amazing. If it's coming soon, the Elk will be up in the Bowl, which is a great place to hike.

 

If you go to Big Bend, follow some safety advice. Its so big, and so empty, you might not see anyone else your whole trip...

Check in at the Ranger station and tell them where in the park you are going. Also, take a satellite phone/GPS monitor.

 

1.) Big Bend
2.) Colorado Bend
3.) Enchanted Rock

 

ill second big bend. its the best place in texas to camp. its a long drive though - a little too far if you are going for less than 3-4 days.

the south rim is my favorite hike/camp. 15 mile loop trail that goes into the mountains. the far end of the trail takes you to the rim, where you can literally stand at the edge of what seems like a 1000' dropoff into the basin below. some of the best views and sunsets anywhere. if you go on the weekday you can go up into the mountains and not see anyone for a couple days-very nice.

a little closer, im suprised nobody mentioned lost maples yet. enchanted rock is great, but l.m. is absolutey the best hiking and camping in central texas. nice 8 mile or so loop trail. lots of hills and good climbs. very scenic swimming hole. awesome primitive camping areas. dont go on the weekend though, as its way too crowded (especially in the fall). very popular w/ boy scout groups on the weekends, which take away the serenity and quiet. but on weekdays its dead. we've gone on a monday or tuesday and been the only people in the whole park.
here's a pic i took looking down on the swimming hole.


e-rock is very nice too though - i go to both places at least once a year. good hiking there too.

 

Plus the fall has the benefit of being McKittrick Canyon season - probably the only place in Texas were you'll see fall color folaige on par with the best of the Northeast, or the Aspens in the Rocky's.



I haven't done it yet, but a multi-day hike I've been wanting to try involves starting at the Tejas Trailhead, to the Bush Mountain trail, to the Blue Ridge Trail, back to the Tejas trail (but go north towards McKittrick), then pick up the McKittrick Canyon trail on the way down.

Night 1 at Bush Mountain
Night 2 at Mescalero
Day 3 - down through the canyon

 

all the above are good rec's. Perdernales Falls is good also, near E Rock as well.

 

do you guys have a good website i can visit that can give me the 411 on hiking needs, supplies, and other essentials? never hiked before and i definitely want to get started. just don't know how.

 

Enchanted Rock is great.

I think Salt Lick BBQ is on the way as well in case you work up an apetitte.

 

That's Pedernales, yankee.

 

You'll need a bunch of beer and a tent and either a jacket or a bathing suit depending on the season. And maybe some fire wood. Fishing rods are cool too, but not necessary. Don't skimp on the beer or your friends will be pissed. I usually bring water too, but we don't usually drink very much of it.

If you're serious about the hiking part, (most people don't do that in Texas) then you might bring whiskey instead of beer as it's easier on the back and feet.

 

Yankee??? WTF?

 

Garner State Park- Rio Frio

 

Too many parks I've camped at to name...so just go here

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/