Hiking In Texas

Have you ever been on a hiking trail like this?  Probably not. From the time you step out of your vehicle in the parking area at the trailhead for the Gorman Falls trail, until you return, your feet are walking on a geologic window into the Paleozoic Era. It is all revealed here. The rocks you walk over and stand upon were formed 541- 252 million years ago, right after the very first animals appeared on earth. This type of geology is often well-buried beneath tons of newer landscapes. But here, it was eroded to the surface by the Colorado River . How special is that! And, there are caves below!  A side note for the geographically-challenged: This is NOT in Colorado. This Colorado River is in Texas and is the major water feature in southwestern Texas, along with its tributaries and an underground aquifer system. The trail starts out from an oversized trailhead parking lot with restrooms.  This is the Colorado Bend State Park's busiest trail so you will likely see other peo...

Hike the Dogleg Canyon Trail at Colorado Bend State Park When was the last time you took a really challenging hike where you surprised yourself at how incredibly fit you were? Well, if it's been awhile, and you are hankering for that feeling again, then consider setting out on the Cedar Chopper to Dogleg Canyon hike at Colorado Bend State Park . Unlike many hikes, on this one you go downhill first, leaving the more challenging uphill portion for later in the day when you are more tired! When you pull into the parking area (31.0426123 -98.4766015) for the Cedar Chopper Loop trail, you'll get the impression the trail is pretty tame. While that might be true for the portion of the Cedar Chopper Loop you'll use to connect to the Dogleg Canyon trail, once you've covered that initial 8/10ths of a mile, you'll get into the more challenging stuff. From the parking lot you go a tenth of a mile across grassland punctuated with junipers. At the junction to Cedar Chopper, you h...

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