Image credit: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Facebook Page
If you love the outdoors, Texas has no shortage of trails and hikes where you can immerse yourself in nature. While you’ll come across wildflowers and wildlife, you will also come across amazing views that you won’t ever have the chance to see in the city.
So whether you’re a beginner or skilled in trails and hikes, here are a few of the best backing trails in Texas!
Overnight Backpacking Trails in Texas
Busy weeks and busy schedules can easily have you itching for a getaway. Nothing beats conversation under the stars and a stunning sunrise to coax you and whoever you backpack with awake.
So why not experience the beautifully relaxing surroundings that the Lone Star State has by planning an overnight backing in Texas trip! With a single overnight backing trip, there are tons of pros; you won’t have to pack much, it’s a great way to discover if you like backpacking, and you will still have time for other things over the weekend.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is located in Burnet County. This oasis is in the hill country of Texas and isn’t short of trails that go through hills and rocky terrain.
Where: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX
Price: $23 per night + entrance fee
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
One famous hiking destination that you must visit is Enchanted Rock. Located in the Llano Uplift is a pink granite mountain with 8.4 miles of hiking and park camping!
Where: 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX
Price: $8 per day, per person
Localite Texan Fun Fact: Enchanted Rock is highly popular due to being perfect for outdoor engagements and photo-ops.
Best 3-4 Days Backpacking Trips in Texas
After you’ve experienced overnight backing in Texas, you’ll no doubt be looking for the best backing trails or looking forward to backpacking in Texas again. Backpacking is adventurous, and you might even want to extend your trip length to 3 to 4 days.
If you do, we’ve got you covered with these great backpacking trails fit for a few days.
Big Bend National Park
Out in West Texas, perfect for those looking for options when it comes to trails is Big Bend. Big Bend has high elevation mountains to low, deserted desert trails.
Where: 1 Panther Junction, Alpine, TX
Price: $30 per vehicle
Localite Texan Tip: Be sure to pack plenty of water, food, and a flashlight! Once you get into Big Bend, it is a far drive back to the closest city. Also, get familiar with the map as the cell signal is weak.
Colorado Bend State Park
Up in North Texas, hike on trails and experience overnight backpacking alongside the Colorado River. If you make it far enough, you can even see the 65-foot waterfall!
Where: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX
Price: $15 nightly + entrance fee
Localite Texan Tip: As a highly sought backpacking and camping destination, it is best to make a reservation for camping and activities.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Image credit: Monahans Sandhills State Park Facebook Page
Known as “Texas’s Largest Beach Without an Ocean,” is the stretch of powdery dunes that make for a unique experience. It’s a great way to get on a different type of hiking trail!
Where: Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX
Price: $15 nightly + entrance fee
Backpacking in Texas Hill Country
One of the best things about Texas is that cities are only a short drive away from Hill Country. Whether it be hopping on Loop 1604 or 1-35, you can quickly find yourself at one of these backpacking Texas Hill Country trails!
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Image credit: Dinosaur Valley State Park Facebook Page
Walk in the prints of animals that once roamed the Earth. That’s right! There are several miles of scenic trails with dinosaur prints and life-size elephant footprints at this State Park.
Where: 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX
Price: $7
Choke Canyon State Park
Image credit: Choke Canyon State Park Facebook Page
Choke Canyon is the perfect mix of land and water. Its reservoir is home to many wildlife and has paved and unpaved backpacking trails.
Where: 358 Recreation Rd 8, Calliham, TX
Price: $22 nightly + entrance fees
Localite Texan Tip: Bring a swimsuit to cool off during your backpacking journey!
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Hike under the shade of bigtooth maples in this Natural Area. Between the hills, canyons, and River, this is perfect for backpacking on a sunny day.
Where: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX
Price: $20 nightly + entrance fee
Localite Texan Tip: To see the maples turn shades of red, orange, and yellow, visit this Texas backpacking trail in the Fall.
Backpacking Near San Antonio
The best beginner backpacking Texas has to offer is right in your backyard! Or if short on time, don’t worry about going far. There are plenty of backpacking trails near San Antonio that can fuel your desire for exploration while getting you back to work, school, or loved ones within a few hours.
Medina River
While a majority of the Medina River Natural Area is a body of water, there are also 7 miles of trails that intertwine with the water.
Where: 1114 Main St, Bandera, TX
Price: Free
Government Canyon State National Area
Image credit: Government Canyon State Natural Area Facebook Page
Just outside of San Antonio is Canyon State. At this park, you can explore 5 easy hiking trails that are great for quick backpacking trips.
Where: 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX
Price: $6
No matter which trail you choose or which path you take, backpacking trips in Texas are worth every step you’re able to make!
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