If True Paradise Was In Texas, It Would Be At Madrid Falls In Big Bend Ranch State Park
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 22, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
If you are looking for true paradise in Texas, Madrid Falls should be the first destination on your list. One of the most stunning waterfalls in Texas, this pristine, tropical oasis is located deep within Big Bend Ranch State Park. Hardly anyone has seen it in person because it’s notoriously hard to access, but the reward is beyond anything your wildest dreams could conceive of.
It only makes sense that the highest-publicly-accessible waterfall in Texas would be located in our state's largest state park, don't you think?
There is no one trail that leads directly to the falls. Instead, hikers must forge their own path through an overgrown, jungle-like landscape, but the reward is beyond anything your wildest dreams could possibly imagine.
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Most of the brave and determined folks who seek out Madrid Falls begin on the East Contrabando Trail (which can be accessed via the Barton Warnock Center in Lajitas).
After clearing Madrid House and taking a sharp left turn at the Primero Trailhead, hikers are tasked with bushwhacking their way through Chorro Canyon toward the falls.
The trail disappears at some point, but if you just stay the course and follow the creek bed, you shouldn't have any problem reaching the falls.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this little-known natural wonder looks like it belongs in a tropical rainforest instead of the West Texas desert - yet here it is.
You probably won't see anyone else here, but on the off-chance you do, they'll probably be wading in the pool at the bottom of the falls. It's impossible to resist after such a long and sweaty hike! When you see the sunlight shimmering as it reflects on the emerald waters, you'll swear you've entered heaven on earth.
Depending on what time you visit the falls, you may even get to catch a world-famous Big Bend Ranch sunset on your way back.
We’ve included the coordinates for Madrid Falls, but be sure to consult the various Big Bend Ranch State Park maps before setting off for the utmost accuracy. Also, do not drink the water in the pool below the falls without first filtering it, as it contains harmful bacteria.
Check out this YouTube video by Jonathan Coleman for an in-depth look at the hike to Madrid Falls:
Have you ever seen Madrid Falls in person? What other hidden waterfalls in Texas are worth seeking out? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more things to do at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
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