Hike the Vista Knoll Loop

The Cactus Rocks Trail is located in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Leander, Texas. The trail is a 1 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 a...

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...

The "must have" campsite is along Marshall Cove in Pace Bend Park. From the park's entrance head straight along the road and take the 3rd left onto the Marshall Cove turnout. The sites are not numbered, but locating the site is pretty easy--it's on the left-hand side of the the road along the edge of the cliff. The campsite is primitive with a picnic table and fire ring. Exploring your campsite...

Pace Bend is a favorite camping and day use destination near Austin, Texas. The park is approximately 45 minutes West of Austin located off of Hwy 71 and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities. There is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle for Day Use only and $15 per vehicle for primitive campsites (the park currently only accepts cash or credit/ debit cards). With 400 primitive...

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...

Spend the day swimming and exploring or stay the night and see everything this privately owned park has to offer! From the spring fed concrete pool, to natural spring fed swimming hole, waterfall, butterfly gardens and more! Bring your tent or even your RV! They take reservations for RV hookups only, tent camping is available on “first come-first site” basis.  They have BBQ pits (in the day use...