Hike Balcones Canyonlands Indiangrass Trail

After turning off Highway 1431 you'll drive through a little quiet and narrow one road neighborhood to arrive at the entrance to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. From there you will drive down a dirt road which will take you almost all the way through Shaffer Bend's 523 acre lot, and lead you directly right to a portion of the expansive Lake Travis where the Campgrounds lie.  The landscape at Shaf...

The Sunset deck at Balcones Canyonlands is an amazing family- and pet-friendly spot. Parking is only about 100 feet from the overlook and is easily accessible for any and everyone. The overlook is absolutely serene and great for a picnic. There is also a small beginner trail ("Ridgeline Trail") nearby that is only about three quarters of a mile long. The road leading up to the deck is a dirt ro...

Spend all day wandering the endless fields of bluebonnets above the banks of the Colorado River in this hill country oasis. MuleshoeBend Recreation Area is just 50 minutes outside of Austin in Spicewood, TX. It has 540 acres of trails, camping, and picnic tables. The highlight of this park is the miles and miles of bluebonnets that bloom in mid March through late April making springtime the bes...

The Vista Knoll Loop is a .9 mile hike, accessible year round. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The trail offers great views of Lake Travis, with good wildlife viewing opportunities. 

The Cactus Rocks Trail is located in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Leander, Texas. The trail is a 1.2-mile loop perfect for kids, hikers, trail runners, and birding expeditions (watch for the golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered species). You will see a variety of naturally occurring rock formations and plant life. This trail does not allow dogs so leave your furry friends...

The Vista Knoll and Ridgeline Loop via Cactus Rocks Trail in Leander, Texas, is a moderate difficulty trail spanning approximately 3.1 miles. The trail is known for its unique rock formations, particularly the Cactus Rocks, which are a highlight of the hike. The trail begins with a steady incline leading to Vista Knoll, a high point offering panoramic views of the surrounding Texas Hill Count...