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Enjoy a water-filled hike on the Spicewood Springs Trail

Spicewood Springs Trail

The Spicewood Springs Trail at the Colorado Bend State Park delivers a refreshing journey through crystal clear water features, rocky ridges, and quiet, secluded paths meandering through forest and canyons.

On the 3.5 mile round trip, you should be prepared to do some scrambling up and down rock faces, expect to get your feet wet and be ready to backtrack when you lose the trail.

Colorado Bend State Park Map showing Spicewood Springs trail

Spicewood Springs trail and the Spicewood Canyon trail share the same river front access trail from the southwestern river front parking area.

The riverfront trail leading to the Spicewood Springs trail

Access to the Spicewood Springs Trail runs along the banks of the Colorado River where you will enjoy an easy hike with intermittent shade. I was there on a clear day in late February and started my hike at about 10:30 a.m. At that time, this 1/2 mile stretch leading to the Spicewood Springs trail was a comfortable temperature. But, on the way back, it was pretty hot and with little shade for my hatless head ( I totally forgot to bring the hat)!


An early encounter with spring water on the Spicewood Springs trail


When you leave the riverfront trail you hike up a steep little hill, cross a short mound and face your first water crossing. Don't worry, it's shallow and takes you across slippery rocks interspersed with little islands where you can reestablish your footing. On the other side you start up a steep climb. At the top you traverse a long spell of rock with a gentle slope toward the drop off. The bottom is about 30 or 40 feet down, so pay attention to your footing.

Water flows from Spicewood Springs


Along the way you will see many water flows and natural pools. You will also have to scramble up a couple of 15-foot rock barriers and skirt along the edges of clear pools. 



As you go farther and farther up the canyon, the water pools and springs fall behind you and you enter a shady path leading to an open hillside punctuated by juniper trees. The Spicewood Springs trail ends with three choices. Go back down the way you came, turn right and head down the Spicewood Canyon Trail, or continue straight for another mile and end up at the Park Road. If you take the Park Road back to the SW riverfront trail parking area, that will be about a 2.5 mile hike.

Scenic rock cliffs along Spicewood Springs Trail





























If you decide to go back down the way you went up, you will be surprised at how different the trail looks going in that direction. I had totally missed the scene above from being so focused on what was in front of me on the way up. 

If you are an avid nature lover, and you like testing yourself on challenging hikes, the Spicewood Springs Trail will deliver all you want, and more.


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Location: Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USA

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