Texas Hikes and Swimming Holes

May 1

As we mentioned in a previous blog, there are many ways to protect land in Texas. As a land trust, we primarily protect private land, which we occasionally provide access to for specific events. But there are also a lot of state parks that you can enjoy year-round! Here are a few recommendations from the TLC board and staff for fun places to hike or swim this summer. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, and we’ll see you on the trails!

Have a favorite spot you’d like to add to the list? E-mail us at info@texaslandconservancy.org

*Photo credit:* *Texas Parks & Wildlife Department*

Aztec Cave Trail, Franklin Mountains State Park

Location: El Paso, TX

Distance: 1.2 miles

Description: The destination is the main draw — the caves are perched on a hillside and are thought to have formed as gigantic air pockets in ancient lava.

Contributor: Neel Baumgardner, TLC Board member

The Lighthouse, Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Location: Canyon, TX

Distance: 2.8 mile (one way)

Description: The Lighthouse is the most famous rock formation in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and is a relatively easy trail through bushes, over sandy ground, and along colorful, eroded cliffs. The path is also used by both horses and cycles, and remains generally level and well marked, with distance signs at half mile intervals and several rest stops that have benches shaded by trees. The trail is fairly flat until the last quarter of a mile or so as one climbs up a steep groove in the rock wall to reach the Lighthouse rock formation.

Best time of day to hike: no shade, highly recommend for early morning or late evening to view a sunset over the canyon rim. Can also pair an evening hike with a viewing of the play TEXAS!

Contributor: Rachel Ciomperlik, TLC Board member

Pecos River Rock Art and Desert Canyons at Seminole Canyon State Park

Location: Comstock, TX

Description: Hike or bike along Canyon Rim trail at Seminole Canyon State Park for beautiful views of Presa Canyon and the Rio Grande followed by a guided tour of Fate Bell Shelter. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/seminole-canyon

Best time of day to hike: Pre-dawn or sunrise. Midday can be torturous.

Contributor: Stephen Ramirez, TLC Conservation Director

Fossil Ridge Loop Trail at Cleburne State Park

Location: Cleburne, TX

Distance: 4.1 miles (loop)

Description: Fossil Ridge Loop Trail is great both for its beauty and its ruggedness and challenging short climbs. True to its name, fossils abound, so keep your eyes on the rocky sections of trail, not only to keep your footing but to see what kind of interesting fossil you could discover. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Best time of day for hike: This is a popular trail for camping, fishing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Beat the heat and go earlier in the day.

Swimming potential: The park surrounds the clear blue water of 116-acre Cedar Lake. Enjoy swimming, fishing and no-wake boating. Bring your own watercraft or rent one from the self-service kiosk (credit card only) at the Cedar Lodge day-use area.

Contributor: Amber Arseneaux, TLC North Texas Program Director

Swimming at Balmorhea State Park

Location: Toyahvale, TX

Description: Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, you can swim in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. 15 million gallons emerge daily from San Salomon Springs with a year-round temperature in the low to mid 70s. As this park is quite popular in the summer months, we highly recommend getting a day pass using the link: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

Contributor: Scott Moorhead, TLC Board member

*Photo Credit:* *Texas Parks and Wildlife*

Caprock Canyons State Park

Location: Quitaque, TX

Description: Here you can see bison roaming the plains and bats roosting in Clarity Tunnel! Explore 90 miles of trails with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and water sports at Lake Theo.

Contributor: Alec King, Hill Country Program Director

Discovery Center Loop at Guadalupe River State Park

Location: Spring Branch, TX

Description: A must visit park for families looking to swim, and introduce kids to nature. Everyone can go at their own pace on the Discovery Center Loop. Bring storytime to life with pages of a thematic children's book posted along the trail. The Discovery Center itself is a natural history museum in disguise (ask about the explorer pack). The nearby bird blind is purposefully designed for beginners and avid birders alike. Kids of all ages will have plenty to do, so bikes are a great way to rotate between activities. *Bonus tip for grownups: explore the north side of the river for a challenging and less crowded day.

Best time of the day to hike: Activities for all times of day! Don't forget sunscreen, water, and sunscreen.

Contributor: Sean Bibby, TLC Outreach Coordinator

Texas Land Conservancy