12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Texas, One For Each Month Of The Year
If you’re into New Year’s resolutions, why not make one to explore as much of the Lone Star State as possible? Here are 12 of the best hiking trails in Texas to embark on this year – one for each month. What are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
Guadalupe Peak, Texas 79847, USA
Why not start the year on a high note (pun intended) by scaling the highest mountain in Texas? This 8.4-mile trail is extremely challenging, with an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet, but the sweeping panoramic vistas waiting for you at the top are well worth the effort. Learn more here.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
The Lighthouse Trail is the most popular hike in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and we're tackling it in February - before the Texas heat has had a chance to take over and ruin the experience. The 6-mile trail leads to this unique rock formation, which also happens to be its namesake. Can you see why? Learn more here.
River Place Nature Trail Canyon Trailhead, 4998 River Pl Blvd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Spring is a time of whimsy. Nature stretches its limbs after a long winter's rest, trading barren branches and monochromatic landscapes for lush greenery and colorful flowers. We're kicking off the season at Riverplace Natural Trail near Austin, a 5.5-mile hike that's like something out of a fairytale. Winding staircases, footbridges, and trees that form natural archways over the path imbue a sense of magic into every step you take. Learn more here.
McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA
Texas is known for its breathtaking wildflowers, and McAllister Park Blue Loop Trail offers one of the best displays in the state. The 6-mile loop is bursting with vibrant springtime blooms, and you'll feel like a kid again as you frolic through the fields. Learn more here.
Santa Elena Canyon, Texas 79852, USA
By the time May rolls around, West Texas is typically already feeling the heat. What better way to cool off than with a dip in the mighty Rio Grande? The iconic Santa Elena Canyon Trail leads straight to the water, so you can enjoy a refreshing soak before heading back the way you came. Plus, it's easy and under 1.5 miles round-trip! Learn more here.
Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
June is the official start of summer, which means the only hikes we're interested in are those that involve swimming. The water in the Barton Creek Greenbelt is nice and cold, making this 3-mile trail the perfect choice on a sweltering day. Learn more here.
Gorman Falls Trail, Texas 76853, USA
Although you can't swim in the pool that the 70-foot-tall Gorman Falls cascades down into, the spray from the rushing water is plenty invigorating. All that stands between you and this jaw-dropping natural wonder is a less than 1.5-mile hike each way! You'll feel like you're in a tropical rainforest instead of Texas! Learn more here.
Hamilton Pool, Texas 78620, USA
The hike to this iconic oasis is hardly a hike at all - it's more of a leisurely stroll. From the parking area, it's under one mile to the pool, and the trail is brimming with gorgeous Hill Country views. The best part? The hike ends with you immersing yourself in the gorgeous, blue-green water! Learn more here.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Fall begins in September, - although it usually still feels like summer across much of Texas. Autumn foliage helps us get into the spirit of the season, and the trails at Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool are among the best our state has to offer. These eye-popping hues look more like what you'd see on the East Coast than here in the Lone Star State! Learn more here.
Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, USA
What better way to celebrate spooky season than with a hike to an abandoned mine? The 6.6-mile El Paso Tin Mines Trail is eerie, scenic, and loaded with local history. You can even venture inside the mines - if you're brave enough, that is. Learn more here.
Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Garner State Park is the most popular summer camping destination in Texas, but it's equally worth visiting in the fall. The trees lining the Frio River erupt in a spectacular show of seasonal color, creating the most beautiful reflections on the water. There are lots of trails to choose from, so feel free to create your own unique adventure. Learn more here.
Window Trail, Texas 79834, USA
Our year of hiking comes to a close with The Window Trail, one of the most photographed spots in Texas. Metaphorically, this hike serves as a way for you to reflect on the highs and lows of the year - think of the "window" as a rear-view mirror. As one chapter ends and another begins, take what you need and leave what you don't. If you're into New Year's Resolutions, a solid one would be to get out and explore more of Texas! Learn more here.
How many of these trails have you explored? Which ones are still on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments! For more of the best hiking trails in Texas, check out our previous article.
Address: McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247, USA
Address: Garner State Park, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838, USA
Address: Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Address: Guadalupe Peak, Texas 79847, USA
Address: Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Address: Window Trail, Texas 79834, USA
Address: Gorman Falls Trail, Texas 76853, USA
Address: Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, USA
Address: Hamilton Pool, Texas 78620, USA
Address: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USA
Address: River Place Nature Trail Canyon Trailhead, 4998 River Pl Blvd, Austin, TX 78730, USA
Address: Santa Elena Canyon, Texas 79852, USA
