25 Must-do hikes in Texas
Texas is a vast state, and even though much of the terrain is the rugged desert you'd expect, you may be surprised at the diversity you'll find on the trail. From lush swimming holes to wildflower meadows and epic summit views, the Lone Star State has a few hidden gems. Whether you're looking for a remote, all-day trek, or a quick escape close to town, everyone can find something that satisfies their hiking needs on this list.
1. Hike to the Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon
Distance: 5.88 miles
Elevation: 492 feet
Elevation: out-and-back
For a small entrance fee ($5 per person, free for children), you’ll have access to incredible geological formations and spectacular canyon views– makes for amazing photo opportunities!
2. Hike to Cattail Falls
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation: 360 feet
Type: out-and-back Experience both desert and more heavily vegetated areas on this lesser known hike in Big Bend.
3. Hike Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend
Distance: 1.66 miles
Elevation: 610 feet
Type: out-and-back
This Texas hike boasts breathtaking canyon views, shaded areas, and sandy banks of the Rio Grande.
4. Climb Guadalupe Peak
Distance: 8.15 miles
Elevation: 2,867 feet
Type: out-and-back
Climb to the highest peak in Texas! You’ll take in sweeping views of El Capitan and the surrounding mountainous terrain that rises out of the desert.
5. Hike to Enchanted Rock
Distance: 5.13 miles
Elevation: 344 feet
Type: loop
The 360-degree views of Texas Hill Country are absolutely worth it. Expect to see small boulder fields, wide open spaces, and lush desert vegetation. Stay for sunset if you can – it’s usually gorgeous.
6. Hike the Gypsum Sand Dunes, Guadalupe Mountains NP
Distance: 3.01 miles
Elevation: 50 feet
Type: out-and-back
This hidden gem of Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts incredible vistas of Guadalupe Peak and El Capitan.
7. Hike through the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation: 262 feet
Type: loop
This preserve is teeming with life and offers many acres of hill country and woodlands. Check out the Creative Research Center run by St. Edward's University after this Texas hike.
8. Hike the Window Trail in Big Bend
Distance: 4.21 miles
Elevation: 500 feet
Type: out-and-back
This is one of the most popular Texas hikes, and Big Bend National Park routes. You’ll consume panoramic canyon views overlooking the desert into Mexico as well as the mountains of the Chisos Basin.
9. Hike through St. Edwards Park
Distance: 1.24 miles
Elevation: little-to-none
Type: out-and-back
Expect to see beautiful views, open meadows, a small swimming hole with a rope swing, prairie grass, and cacti.
10. Hike to the Boquillas Hot Springs
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: little-to-none
Type: loop
This trail will lead you to a geothermal hot spring right on the beautiful Rio Grande River. Get in a relaxing soak after a long day of hiking at Big Bend. Look for ancient pictographs on the canyon walls on your way to the springs.
11. Hike Big Bend’s Emory Peak
Distance: 9.44 miles
Elevation: 2,401 feet
Type: out-and-back
This well-marked Texas hike features incredible vistas on the way to the top and natural hot springs. At the peak, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of Big Bend National Park.
12. Hike among the Gators in Brazos Bend
Distance: 1.4 miles
Elevation: 26 feet
Type: loop
On this Texas hike, you’ll have the chance to view American Alligators up close as well as over 300 different species of wildlife at Brazos Bend.
13. Hike to West Peak
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 1,000 feet
Type: loop
Though there’s a $5 entrance fee, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views of Texas Hill Country and it’s rocky terrain.
14. Hike to Crockett Gardens and Falls
Distance: 7.69 miles
Elevation: little-to-none
Type: out-and-back
This Texas hike is a scenic trail situated around the cliffs of Lake Georgetown. You’ll see natural springs feeding into several smaller waterfalls along the way. Around mile 3 expect to see remnants of an old homestead.
15. Hike to the Upper Guale Mesa in Big Bend Ranch State Park
Distance: 8.05 miles
Elevation: 1,250 feet
Type: out-and-back
This Big Bend trail offers scenic 360 degree views of the wild, rugged high desert terrain. Do this hike at night (with the right preparation) for incredible star gazing as it’s rated one of the top 5 darkest regions in the country.
16. Hike through Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation: 365 feet
Type: loop
Just outside of Austin, Texas, this hike will give you the rare opportunity to walk through fields of beautiful blue bonnets, the Texas state flower, right above the banks of the Colorado River– a true natural oasis.
17. Hike Palo Duro Canyon’s Rock Garden Trail
Distance: 4.98 miles
Elevation: 600 feet
Type: out-and-back
Though a challenging hike, it’s certainly rewarding as it offers magnificent canyon views. Expect to see some patches of sand sage, prickly pear cacti, and Rocky Mountain juniper.
18. Hike Cedar Flats Trail at Eisenhower Park
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 170 feet
Type: out-and-back
Visit at dusk to watch the sunset over the beautiful San Antonio skyline while relaxing on the observation deck.
19. Hike the Closed Canyon Trail in Big Bend Ranch SP
Distance: 1.36 mile
Elevation: 115 feet
Type: out-and-back
This hike leads you through a slot canyon in Big Bend Ranch State Park. It’s a mostly flat hike with some bigger rocks here and there.
20. Hike the East Trail at Lost Maples
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation: 561 feet
Type: loop
Tucked away in Hill Country, the Lost Maples State Natural Area is the perfect place to view vibrant Fall foliage in Texas as it’s brimming with magnificent maple trees. And yes… beautiful Fall foliage does exist in Texas!
21. Summit Old Baldy, Garner State Park
Distance: 2.77 miles
Elevation: 938 feet
Type: loop
Garner State Park offers plenty of miles of scenic trails as well as access to the Frio River. The trails are known for their noteworthy vistas, lush greenery, and rolling hills.
22. Hike Pine Ridge Overlook
Distance: 2.95 miles
Elevation: 290 feet
Type: out-and-back
The park itself is well-marked and boasts scenic overlooks as well as access to the Colorado River. This trail is one of the longest hikes at the Nature Area featuring piney woods, valleys, and sights of the river.
23. Hike through the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Distance: 2.44 miles
Elevation: 20 feet
Type: loop
The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is an incredible outdoor oasis right in the middle of a busy city. Expect to immerse yourself in wide open fields with plenty of flowers. There are hiking trails, a single-track mountain bike loop, and an abundance of wildlife. The preserve is also conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and breweries for a post-hike meal or drink.
24. Hike Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
Distance: 3.23 miles
Elevation: 141 feet
Type: out-and-back
This is a popular hike right through the rolling hills of Austin. It features two gorgeous waterfalls, which also make for great swimming holes.
25. Hike to Penitentiary Hollow via Red Waterfront Trail
Distance: 1.44 miles
Elevation: 249 feet
Type: out-and-back
This trail is situated by the Eastern shore of the stunning Lake Mineral Wells. On this unique hike, you’ll delight in great waterfront views and find four huge Elm trees rising from the rocky canyon floor at Penitentiary Hollow.
For more Texas hike stories, check out:
10 Must-do adventures near Austin, Texas
72 Hours of adventures in Dallas, Texas
The top 8 adventures in Big Bend National Park
Cover photo: Kyle Obermann
