Love the Outdoors? Take it On the Road!

by Edward Kiaune
ACS Contributor 

That time of year is upon us when Texas and all it’s natural beauty is budding and ready to be absorbed by anyone halfway adventurous enough to find it. And with the economy being what it is, there is a renewed interest in one of the most affordable forms of entertainment ever discovered: hiking and camping. This is a quick guide to some of the more notable places, near and not so near, that promise to pack the allure of a weekend road trip without completely breaking your account.

Whether the draw is to visit places curious with historical happenings or to immerse yourself in a bit of the good old outdoors, heading west provides a number of the coolest places worth checking out. Some of them are within a couple hours drive time, while others require logging in a little more windshield time. Also, along the way it’s not hard to find small town restaurants and BBQ joints, promising to satisfy appetites of any type.

Along Hwy 290, not too far out of the Austin city limits, is a turnoff for Pedernales Falls State Park. Quick to get to, practically in our backyard, it is the ideal place to get away from the crowds and enjoy some unbelievably relaxing river time. From $5 day passes to $10 overnight camping sites (both primitive and with water or electrical hook ups), you can hardly go wrong. The park is open 7 days a week year round. (830) 868-7304



A little further out past Fredericksburg is the ever crowd pleasing Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Declared a National Natural Landmark in 1970, it has long been a favorite for Hill Country hiking and camping. The batholithic protrusion is one of the largest in the country and provides no shortage of hiking trails of all levels. Sitting on some 640 acres, the park is laden with activities ranging from bird watching to rock climbing as well. All in a place, too, with sunsets that are hard to match. It tends to reach capacity early, especially on holiday weekends, so make sure to call in advance or have a decent backup plan. (830) 685-3636



Keep going west and pass over I-10 and you’ll find Lost Maples sitting on the other side of Kerrville. It’s an obvious gem in the Fall for it’s spectacular foliage that the uncommon Uvalde Bigtooth Maples bring. But it’s equally as enjoyable any other time of the year because it has an abundance of swimming spots and some of the better primitive camp areas in the state. Fees will range from $6 day passes to $15 camping. (830) 966-3413



And for what is considered to be the mother of all camping locations, stock up on some supplies, be prepared to take turns driving in shifts, and head out for Big Bend Ranch State Park. The 500+ mile haul is worth it if you’re looking to really isolate yourself and see some of the most amazing views Texas has to offer. And don’t ask how much further, it passes quickly if you keep in mind the reward far exceeds the efforts of getting there!

It is unadulterated, visual stimuli like few places have to offer. It is replete with not only that wild west feel, but a genuine sense of the sublime in that thousands of generations have visited these very same sites and were as mesmerized as we are today by the sheer beauty.

Miles of trails to walk, distant views that offer breathtaking glances of a large and rough expanse, and you’re still only getting started. It’s worth noting, too, that in days of yore there was a border crossing into the nearby town of Boquillas. It had a couple of cantinas, a restaurant or two, a tiny museum of rustic relics, and a population who relied on some of the park’s guests to make the cross. But since the last several years have caused certain scares along borders, it is apparently a closed crossing yet. I happen to know that several years ago there were still guys from Boquillas who would come down to the river with horses or mules and offer to take you across for a small fee. Now a much larger
fee is imposed if caught doing such a thing. Yeah, really.

Kayaking and rafting trips are available for those wanting to get things wet. The Rio Bravo/Rio Grande corridor offers some scenic and relatively easy sections of the river to navigate. With over 65 routes, the park also boast some wonderful hiking areas, and there are regular tours given for bird watching which is worth keeping in mind. Entrance fees will range from $3 day fees to $8 camping fees. Lodges are also available varying from $25-$100 but holding quite a few people. (432) 358-4444

Now, Texas is rich with a wide variety of landscapes and geological terrain. And the parks are a great way to experience that when you can. But if anyone ever tells you they have a cool, private spot along the Llano or on the Blanco or anywhere you’ve never been, then don’t hesitate to take them up on it! Because the hundreds of hidden treasures are also part of what makes up our diverse experiences out here.