Discover The Great Outdoors: Top 10 Texas State Parks For Hiking Enthusiasts

Discover the Great Outdoors: Top 10 Texas State Parks for Hiking Enthusiasts

"Get ready for some boot-scootin’ adventure in the heart of Texas." If you’re a hiking enthusiast looking for a wild ride, you’ve come to the right place. With its diverse landscape, Texas offers a plethora of state parks that are perfect for lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails. From the Rio Grande to the Panhandle, our top 10 picks will take you on a journey through the best of Texas’ great outdoors.

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park

"Tucked away in the far southwest corner of Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park is a gem waiting to be discovered."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Marfa, Texas, about 60 miles from the park. You can also take a scenic drive from El Paso or Albuquerque.

Facilities and Condition: This 544,000-acre park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails, including the popular 16-mile Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail. Campers will love the park’s rugged desert landscape, with multiple campgrounds to choose from.

Activities: Hiking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $10 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has several stores and restaurants, including the Sauceda Store, which offers groceries and souvenirs. Visitors can also drive to nearby Presidio, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Big Bend Ranch State Park is an excellent choice for experienced hikers and adventure-seekers," says park ranger, Tim. "The scenic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande are simply breathtaking."

Big Bend Ranch State Park Maps:

• From El Paso, Texas: US-90 E to I-10 E, then TX-118 S to the park entrance (approx. 230 miles, 3.5 hours)
• From Marfa, Texas: TX-118 S to the park entrance (approx. 60 miles, 1 hour)
• From Albuquerque, New Mexico: I-10 W to US-90 W, then TX-118 S to the park entrance (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours)

2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

"Carved by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, Palo Duro Canyon is a treasure of Texas geology."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Amarillo, about 30 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: With over 20 miles of trails, Palo Duro Canyon offers stunning scenic views and rock formations. Visitors can stay at one of the park’s many campsites or rent a cabin.

Activities: Hiking, camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking are popular activities in the park.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $7 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The nearby town of Canyon, Texas, offers restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.

"Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an awesome spot for nature lovers and photographers," says park visitor, Rachel. "The canyon’s scenery is breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset."

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Maps:

• From Amarillo, Texas: I-27 S to TX-217 E, then TX-2177 N to the park entrance (approx. 30 miles, 45 minutes)
• From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: I-35 S to I-40 W, then TX-2177 N to the park entrance (approx. 360 miles, 5.5 hours)

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

"Craving a taste of the great outdoors? Head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where Texas meets New Mexico."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in El Paso, Texas, about 60 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: With over 45 miles of trails, Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers panoramic views of the desert landscape. Visitors can camp or stay in the park’s lodge.

Activities: Hiking, backpacking, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $30 per vehicle.

Nearby Facilities: The park’s visitor center has a store and restaurant, and the nearby town of Van Horn, Texas, offers additional amenities.

"The views from the top of Guadalupe Peak are stunning," says park visitor, Michael. "This park is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge."

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Maps:

• From El Paso, Texas: US-62/180 E to the park entrance (approx. 60 miles, 1 hour)
• From Albuquerque, New Mexico: US-62/180 W to the park entrance (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours)

4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

" Legend has it that this ‘enchanted’ rock has magical powers – we can’t confirm or deny, but we can say it’s an absolute must-see."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Kerrville, Texas, about 45 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers over 11 miles of trails, including the popular 4.7-mile Summit Trail. Visitors can camp nearby or stay in the park’s primitive campsite.

Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $7 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store and restaurant on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Fredericksburg, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is perfect for nature lovers and families," says park ranger, Emily. "The views from the summit are simply enchanting."

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Maps:

• From Kerrville, Texas: TX-16 N to TX-965, then TX-965 W to the park entrance (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour)
• From Austin, Texas: US-290 W to TX-16 N, then TX-965 W to the park entrance (approx. 110 miles, 2.5 hours)

5. Lost Maples State Natural Area

"Named for its stunning mix of fall foliage, Lost Maples State Natural Area is a Texas gem that will leave you spellbound."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Kerrville, Texas, about 45 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: Lost Maples State Natural Area offers over 9 miles of trails, including the popular 4.5-mile Loop Trail. Visitors can camp nearby or stay in one of the park’s primitive backcountry sites.

Activities: Hiking, photography, and swimming are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $6 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store and snack bar on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Fredericksburg, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Lost Maples State Natural Area is perfect for families and nature lovers," says park visitor, Sarah. "The views of the Sabinal River are simply breathtaking."

Lost Maples State Natural Area Maps:

• From Kerrville, Texas: TX-16 N to TX-343, then TX-343 E to the park entrance (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour)
• From Austin, Texas: US-290 W to TX-16 N, then TX-343 E to the park entrance (approx. 110 miles, 2.5 hours)

6. Balmorhea State Park

"Hark! Get ready to discover the real ‘Gem of the Pecos Valley’ – a breathtaking oasis in the middle of the desert."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Balmorhea, Texas, with regular shuttle services to the park.

Facilities and Condition: Balmorhea State Park offers over 7 miles of trails, including the popular 0.6-mile Boardwalk Trail. Visitors can stay in the park’s lodge or rent a campsite.

Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $7 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store and snack bar on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Balmorhea, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Balmorhea State Park is perfect for families and water lovers," says park visitor, David. "The views of San Solomon Springs are absolutely stunning."

Balmorhea State Park Maps:

• From El Paso, Texas: US-62/180 E to I-10 E, then TX-17 S to the park entrance (approx. 220 miles, 3.5 hours)
• From Austin, Texas: US-290 W to I-10 W, then TX-17 S to the park entrance (approx. 370 miles, 5.5 hours)

7. Cibolo Nature Center

"A designated Nature Area within the Edward’s Plateau Eco-Region, Cibolo Nature Center is a natural gem waiting to be discovered."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Kerrville, Texas, about 45 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: Cibolo Nature Center offers over 4 miles of trails, including the popular 0.25-mile Marsh Trail. Visitors can stay in the park’s RV park or primitive campground.

Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, and photography are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $6 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Boerne, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Cibolo Nature Center is perfect for nature enthusiasts and families," says park visitor, Jane. "The views of the Cibolo Creek are simply stunning."

Cibolo Nature Center Maps:

• From Kerrville, Texas: TX-16 S to TX-473, then TX-473 W to the park entrance (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour)
• From Austin, Texas: US-290 W to TX-16 S, then TX-473 W to the park entrance (approx. 110 miles, 2.5 hours)

8. Blanco State Park

"A gem on the Blanco River, this park offers an idyllic escape from the city – experience the warm-hearted welcome of Texas hill country."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Austin, Texas, about 70 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: Blanco State Park offers over 10 miles of trails, including the popular 0.75-mile Riverside Nature Trail. Visitors can stay in the park’s lodge or rent a campsite.

Activities: Hiking, swimming, and fishing are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $6 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store and snack bar on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Blanco, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Blanco State Park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts," says park visitor, Mark. "The views of the Blanco River are absolutely breathtaking."

Blanco State Park Maps:

• From Austin, Texas: US-290 W to US-281 S, then TX-1604 S to the park entrance (approx. 70 miles, 1.5 hours)
• From San Antonio, Texas: I-35 N to US-281 N, then TX-1604 N to the park entrance (approx. 60 miles, 1.5 hours)

9. Estero Llano Grande State Park

"A spectacular habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, Estero Llano Grande State Park is perfect for nature enthusiasts."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Harlingen, Texas, about 25 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: Estero Llano Grande State Park offers over 4 miles of trails, including the popular 1.5-mile River Trail. Visitors can stay in the park’s lodge or rent a campsite.

Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, and photography are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $5 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store and snack bar on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Weslaco, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Estero Llano Grande State Park is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts," says park visitor, Maria. "The views of the Rio Grande Valley are simply stunning."

Estero Llano Grande State Park Maps:

• From Harlingen, Texas: TX-306 S to FM-373 W, then FM-481 N to the park entrance (approx. 25 miles, 45 minutes)
• From Brownsville, Texas: US-281 N to TX-306 N, then FM-373 W to the park entrance (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour)

10. Davis Mountains State Park

"Offering stunning views of the Davis Mountains, this park is perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts."

Getting There: The nearest airport is in Marfa, Texas, about 45 miles from the park.

Facilities and Condition: Davis Mountains State Park offers over 5 miles of trails, including the popular 2.5-mile Skyline Drive. Visitors can stay in the park’s lodge or rent a campsite.

Activities: Hiking, scenic driving, and stargazing are just a few of the many activities available.

Price: Daily entrance fees are $6 per adult, with children under 12 free.

Nearby Facilities: The park has a store and snack bar on site, and visitors can also drive to nearby Fort Davis, Texas, for additional amenities.

"Davis Mountains State Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families," says park visitor, John. "The views of the mountain peaks are absolutely breathtaking."

Davis Mountains State Park Maps:

• From Marfa, Texas: TX-1880 S to TX-1780 S, then TX-1664 W to the park entrance (approx. 45 miles, 1 hour)
• From El Paso, Texas: US-62/180 E to TX-1664 E, then TX-17 S to the park entrance (approx. 210 miles, 3.5 hours)

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Top 10 Texas State Parks for Hiking Enthusiasts offer something for everyone – from wild scenic landscapes to tranquil retreats in nature. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, these state parks are sure to delight. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today and experience the beauty of Texas for yourself.

FAQs

Q: What are the best state parks in Texas for hiking?

A: Our Top 10 picks include Big Bend Ranch State Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and more.

Q: How do I get to the state parks in Texas?

A: Most state parks in Texas can be accessed by car, with regular shuttle services available from nearby airports. We recommend checking park directions before heading out.

Q: Are there any fees for state parks in Texas?

A: Daily entrance fees vary by park, ranging from $5 to $10 per adult.

Q: What activities can I do in Texas state parks?

A: Hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing are just a few of the many activities available in Texas state parks.