10 Hikes in the Hill Country You Have to Experience
Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Do you ever feel like you had one too many breakfast tacos this past week? I’m not here to attack anyone. Well, these top 10 Hill Country campgrounds, state parks and nature preserves I have researched are perfect for both moods- best of all they’re all super close to San Antonio and perfect for either a weekend away or just a day trip.
Cibolo Nature Center- Boerne, TX
Cibolo Nature Center is a center TO DIE FOR. This nature center in Boerne is a place for everyone in the family to enjoy- bring the bathing suits, the hiking shoes, the binoculars, just bring a sense of adventure. Also if you need an escape from your getaway, Boerne has got it covered with an awesome collection of brewery AND wineries!
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Comanche Lookout Park- San Antonio, TX
Comanche Lookout Park was once a historical landmark where Native American actually used for warfare and hunting. Not to mention since this park is actually located here in San Antonio- this is a perfect early morning choice. While you are hiking up Lookout Park you can also tweet about your 1,340 feet elevation- unheard of here in SA.
Hours: 5am to 11pm
Eisenhower Park- San Antonio, TX
Eisenhower Park is just north of all the hustle and bustle of the city life if you wanna get in touch with nature. If you get lucky- you might encounter some local wildlife. If you get extra lucky- it’ll be part of the Greenway soon!
Hours: 5am to 11pm
Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area- Fredericksburg, TX
From hiking up an elevation of 1,825 feet to stargazing upon the pink granite historical dome, Enchanted Rock is the place for you and will not disappoint. This State Natural Area is located along the outskirts of Fredericksburg just about 20 minutes away from dozens of wineries and cute vintage shops to stop by during your visit- so hike faster!
Hours: 8am to 10pm
Entrance Fees:
Adult: $7 daily
Child 12 years & younger: Free
Garner State Park- Concan, TX
Garner State Park is packed with so many activities it’s almost impossible not to ask off for a weekend getaway. Along with the beautiful scenery, there’s also easy access to the Frio River so you can spend your weekend hiking, swimming or just floating the river. Keep in mind they close once they reach capacity so pro-tip by a pass to ensure you have a spot.
Hours: 8am to 10pm
Entrance Fees:
13 years & older: $8 daily
Child 13 years & younger: Free
Government Canyon State Natural Area- San Antonio, TX
With up to 40 miles of trails to hike or mountain bike on Government Canyon is the place for you. The unique thing about this Canyon is the nearly 110 million-year-old dinosaur tracks found by scientists. Being that this natural area is on the Northwest side of San Antonio- you can follow along and join one of their many events.
Hours: Friday-Monday 7am to 10pm
Closed: Tuesday-Thursday
Entrance Fees:
Adult: $6 daily
Child 12 years and younger: Free
Hill Country State Natural Area- Bandera, TX
With over 5,000 acres of pure Hill Country in Bandera, it gives you just enough time and space to get away from the real world and simply let loose. Bonus tip- springtime is the best time to go! You’ll be able to see all the wildflowers and the temperature will be a lot cooler.
Hours: Open daily (usually dawn til dusk)
Adult: $6 daily
Child 12 years and younger: Free
Courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Lost Maples State Natural Area- Vanderpool, TX
So normally we’d send you out to these hikes during Spring or early Summer because it’s nicer- Lost Maples is the exception. We want you to go during the fall! It’s famous for it’s changing leaves and autumn vibe. So bring the camera, bring the change of clothes and don’t forget the campfire rule! Leave the place better than when you got there!
Hours: Open daily
Adult: $6 daily
Child 12 years and younger: Free
Lyndon B Johnson State Park- Stonewall, TX
Named after the 36th President of the US- the LBJ State Park in Stonewall is a great day trip for history buffs and nature afficionados alike. It’s located on his old ranch so that’s kinda cool.
Hours: Dawn-Dusk
Cost: Free
Old Tunnel State Park- Fredericksburg, TX
Looking for a place to catch the bats? Old Tunnel State Park is what you’ve been looking for! During the early summer months until about October you’re able to catch this spook-tacular site. So bring some Freetail and enjoy these Mexican freetail bats after your hike!
Hours: Sunrise to 5pm
