Texas

About 45 miles northwest of San Antonio is Flat Rock Ranch. The ranch has 1300 rugged acres that have been in the same family for over 100 years. They raise Black Angus cattle and Angora goats, in addition to building a 27 mile, single track trail system with a few double track trails as well. Th...

The majority of the Davis Mountains are privately owned, but the state park is one of the few ways to access it. These mountains are surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and is one of three sky islands in Texas. There are many rare plants and species in the Davis Mountains that exist nowhere else....

There is plenty of parking at the trailhead and a covered picnic table. The hike is mostly flat, but some big rock negotiation is necessary. If there has been rain, you may need to negotiate some standing water. We were lucky to have dry conditions and did not need to maneuver around any water. D...

Kelly's Pond is a primitive camping area off the beaten path with no potable water or electricity. There is an open grass area around the pond where tent camping is permitted-- as far as I am aware the spots are first-come, first-serve.Some perks of the location: Proximity to Lake Conroe allows f...

Commons Ford is a lakefront park offering a boathouse that can be reserved, fishing, volleyball net and picnicking. Many people go to the park with the expectation of lounging on the large grassy area for many hours so be sure to pack food, blankets, sunscreen, and tubes if you plan to float in ...

Looking for the chance to get up close and personal with some American Alligators? Brazos Bend will do just that and more. Located within a stone's throw from the thriving metropolis of Houston, the park is home to more than 300 different species of wildlife. With about 25 miles of trails in the...

The parking area contains ample parking, bathrooms and covered picnic tables. The clearly marked trail head sits to the south of the circular parking area and welcomes hikers, trail-runners, mountain bikers, and dogs. The trail is a 7 mile loop that consists of 4 smaller trails that are clearl...

Of all the trails in Palo Duro Canyon, the Rock Garden is arguably the most challenging, the most strenuous, and – not coincidentally – rewards hikers with the best views of the canyon. It is a five-mile round-trip hike with a rigorous incline, and is the only trail in the park that takes hikers ...

Park in the big lot off E Little Elm Trail Road (see map) to access the trailhead. Trail is accessible year round and is dog-friendly. 

El Paso is a sprawling city that is remarkably split by the Franklin Mountains. By driving up the Transmountain Road you can get a view of city, but stopping at Franklin State Park and climbing the North Franklin Mountain Peak you can top the city! To start, enter Franklin State Park and pay the ...

With a small group of people, canoes and kayaks, and one vehicle the boomerang trip (paddling against the current, then floating back downstream) up Santa Elena Canyon is the best option for floating the prettiest section of the Rio Grande while simultaneously avoiding pesky outfitters and the he...

Cameron Park is shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. You can also fish and canoe in the park. The trail system offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape and is a great place to see wildflowers and wildlife.  There are restrooms, water fountai...

Outside of the fantastic job market, one of the most magical things about Austin is how quickly you can go from city life to being immersed in nature. Nearly every day, I take a quick jaunt down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt with my trusty companion, Sage the Chocolate Lab. We live within walking...

Eisenhower Park is located on the north side of San Antonio, outside of loop 1604. Take the road to Camp Bullis, and you'll see the entrance to the park on your left a few hundred feet before the gate to the military base. The Cedar Flats trail will get you to your destination. It's an easy mile ...

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...

Five days prior to Labor Day weekend of 2017 we were the crazy ones who decided to raft on the Rio Grande when we heard it jumped up to a flow of 10,000 cubic feet per second. This was one of the first times in 10 years that the water had ever been this high.  The 3 of us had canoed this stretch ...