Great place to get away from it all. I purchased a year pass and live about 15 miles from the park. About four or five times a year I ride my bike through the Area. Others ride horses and if I had a horse that would be a fantastic place. It is away from the crowds. Peaceful.
This Texas park has over 40 miles of trails. They are well marked as to directions and difficulty. It's a favorite of those who ride horses. Also see the occasional mountain bike rider. We try to go several times a year and have hiked almost all of the trails. Be sure and wear good shoes as there is a TON of rubble on most trails and take water as there is none available. There are a couple of potties but no running water. Spring is the most beautiful time when the wildflowers are blooming. By-and-large it is a high desert type landscape and pretty arrid. The term "state natural area" means primitive with few comforts..........just rugged beauty.
I didnt get to spend much time there and most of the trails were closed. But I did get to see some beautiful hawks from the road.
Very "spaggetti western" scenery. Dry limestone with fossils and cacti -- lovely to ride through -- wouldn't want to walk too far.
Hill Country State Natural Area has got some fab trails for running, riding horses, mountain biking...this is a must go to place in the Texas Hill Country.
My husband & I spent 2 1/4 days hiking the park with our dog. It was absolutely beautiful. The trails were for the most part well marked & the views were gorgeous. Be prepared, though - the trails are rugged & you need to bring your own water. It's totally worth it. We loved it!
This area appears to be set up tp accommodate groups of 25-50 people. Picnic table and stables and a bathroom
Bandera,TX has been named the COWBOY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD.Authenic buildings and events highlight this unique town. Puts you back in historyand can enjoy just relaxing. It is a part of our culture that has almost disapeared. Only visible when recreated by something false-this is the real deal.
Didn't realize there was this much greenery and natural beauty in the middle of texas. Enjoyable hiking trails!
Went with a group of backpackers. First, very friendly staff at the no frills HQ (don't show up looking for souvenirs...nothing for sale but campsite rentals here). With a storm in the forecast we opted to hike the ~ 2 miles of trails to the Wilderness Camp backpacking area. Trail 1 is a nice double track, great for groups. Still some caution needed as it's rocky and there are elevation changes.Wilderness Camp sites were very nice, most secluded, but a couple were so tiny I'm not sure where you would put a tent. Picnic table and fire rings at each primitive site (a rare treat to have somewhere to put your stuff up off of the dirt!). Collecting downed wood is prohibited so I'm not sure why they bothered with the fire rings...who wants to hike 2 miles with arm loads of firewood?Anyhow, the trails are great, the scenery was beautiful. I would suggest more detailed trail maps as the park map is covered in trails and the type is very small. It's hard to see ratings, turns, etc.Looking forward to returning, already got my next trip out here planned.