West Peak Loop

West Peak is situated in the beautiful Hill Country State Natural Area which is located near the popular Lost Maples and Garner state parks. The scenic overlook located on this peak gives an unparalleled view of the Hill Country Valley and definitely worth the hike if you're in the area. Once you've entered the Natural Area you'll have to head on the road leading North from the headquarters towards the Bar-O day use area. You'll pass that area on your left and a bit further down you'll find a parking lot that leads to a few primitive campsites and the Spring Branch Trailhead to the right of the parking lot.

Spring Branch Trailhead is #6 and you'll continue following that trail for half a mile until you reach trail #5A where you will take a right at the fork in the road for 0.1 mile until you reach trail #5B. This trail will take you on a mini half of a mile loop trail, with the scenic lookout about half way around. There are several benches along the loop trail to relax, snack on some food, and take in the scenery. Once you've completed the #5B loop you'll follow the #5A for 0.1 miles again back to the #6 trail and take the opposite way you came to complete the loop back to the parking lot. You'll come to another fork in the road in 0.75 miles and you'll want to go left onto Trail #1 which will take you all the way back to where you parked. If you are running out of time and can't make the full loop, just take trail #6 back the way you came to save yourself about 45 minutes.

This is a fun trail that can be a bit challenging since it has your typical Texas Hill Country rocky terrain with a steep elevation gain at the end, but it's really fun if you're looking for that epic view!