Walk Among The Treetops On A Rope Bridge At Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 06, 2020
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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).
Texas has no shortage of opportunities to walk among the treetops — take Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, for example. One of the most incredible canopy walks in Texas is hidden so deep within the Rio Grande Valley, few even know it exists. We’re heading to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, where two 40-foot-tall observation towers are connected by a rope bridge that sits high in the forest canopy.
Nestled deep in the Rio Grande Valley, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 2,000 acres.
It protects nearly 400 bird species, plus an array of other fauna. The refuge is extremely unique in that several different ecosystems, climates, and geographical regions converge within its boundaries.
While the refuge is bucket-list-worthy for myriad reasons, the canopy walk is especially incredible. After all, it's the only one of its kind in South Texas!
Have no fear, though, as the towers are plenty strong enough to prevent any mishaps.
The 40-foot-tall observation towers can be accessed via either the bridge or a winding staircase. Opt for the latter, and your anticipation will only continue growing as you ascend ever-higher into the wooded landscape.
Standing atop the largest open-air towers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, you'll enjoy awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding terrain. Come springtime, you can watch in awe as 10,000 broad-winged hawks take to the skies for their annual migration northward.
The view from up here is simply unparalleled. Far as the eye can see, rolling plains blanketed in lush greenery extend out to the horizon, the sweeping panoramas beckoning you to stay just a little while longer.
In total, 12 miles of pedestrian trails meander through the refuge. An almost unbelievable variety of animal and plant life flourishes around every turn, and one trail even parallels the majestic Rio Grande itself.
You'll even come upon the Santa Ana Cemetery, which has quickly become one of the main attractions at the refuge. It contains approximately 30 graves and a tomb, which used to house the remains of the original grantee's son and his wife.
Trails are open from sunrise until sunset. Visit the refuge’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
Have you ever been to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge? If so, did you cross the bridge? Let us know all about your experience, and check out our previous article for another bucket-list-worthy South Texas park to visit as the weather starts getting cooler.
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