Travis County, Texas

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 edg...

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 oc...

This trail is shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The trail is open for use year round, featuring beautiful wildflowers in the spring.  The trail can be slightly hard to spot - a good place to park is next to a church off Old Hwy 80, and a spur trail will take you t...

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. 

Located about an hour north of San Antonio. The San Marcos River at Rio Vista Park in San Marcos, a short drive off from I-35. There are pretty trees for setting up your hammock or to have have a picnic in the shade. Rio Vista offers a small waterfall that you can slide down, flotation recommende...

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") n...

Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and p...

Milton Reimer's Ranch is a limestone sport-climbing crag in Dripping Springs, Texas near Austin, Texas with hundreds of routes. The park is divided into two main sections--Reimer's and North Shore, each with their own parking lot. Approaches are quite easy and well marked. The original Reimer's a...

Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, Westcave Preserve is a beautiful and family-friendly day adventure. The trail is out-and-back about .7 miles long. It leads down into a very lush green canyon filled with a variety of plant species and ferns. At the end of the trail is the main feature...

The Limbo, Dante, Old West, Beatrice, and Ovid East Loop is a 2.98 mile loop trail that begins in Prospect Park and makes a  loop around through the Purgatory Greenspace in San Marcos, Texas. The trail is mostly shaded and a little rocky at certain sections. However, this is a great hiking trail ...

The Limbo, Dante, and Ripheus Loop is a 2-mile loop hike in San Marcos, Texas found within the Purgatory Creek Green space. The trail is a filled with nature and is perfect for escaping the business of town. The trail is beautiful during the spring, with an abundance of wildflowers. It is mostly ...

The Limbo Loop is a 1-mile loop hike in San Marcos, Texas found within the Purgatory Creek Green space. The trail is a filled with nature and wildlife. The trail is beautiful during the spring, with an abundance of wildflowers. It is mostly shaded, with few inclines. The trail is family and dog-...

The Dante's Trail and Backend Loop is a 2.5 mile loop hike located within the Purgatory Creek Greenspace area just south of San Marcos, Texas. This particular section of the Greenspace is made of flattened crushed gravel and is mostly shaded. The trail is very well maintained and several benches ...

The Purgatory Creek Overlook via Dante's Trail is a 2.8 mile out-and-back hike located within the Purgatory Creek Greenspace area just south of San Marcos, Texas. This particular section of the Greenspace is made of flattened crushed gravel and is mostly shaded. The trail is very well maintained ...

Jacob's well is a 12 foot opening that goes 23 feet deep in a riverbed in central Texas and makes for an awesome spot to escape the summer heat. Once you reach the parking lot there are signs that direct you on the very shot walk to the riverbed. The underwater cave is situated below a rock face ...

The Lower Purgatory Creek Greenspace to Dante's Trail Loop is a 3.5 mile loop hike located in San Marcos, Texas. The trail is great for hiking, biking and general exercise. It's shaded for the most part. The trail is very rocky and uneven at certain points, but flat and smooth at others. It's a f...