Hello WELLB Family!
I hope everyone has been having a great year so far! I cannot believe it is literally almost the end of May. Now that the cold weather seems to be out of the way, that leaves more room for sunny days and summer activities. One of those activities is hiking.
The warmer days are always a great boost when it comes to hiking, mountain biking, and nice walks. In this blog, I will be sharing with you the top 5 favorite hiking places here in the Lone Star State.
Palo Duro Canyon Lighthouse Trail
The Lighthouse Trail is located in Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, TX. Canyon, TX is located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, TX. This trail is one of the most popular trails because it not only has a beautiful view, but it leads to one of the famous rock formations known as the Lighthouse that is 300ft tall. The hike there and back is approximately 6 miles and consists of mostly dirt, rocks, and sandy paths. The path begins as a flat surface until it splits leaving the hiker with the option of trailing with gradual elevations or going on a bit of a more difficult path that would be essential to advanced mountain bikers.
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is located in the Big Bend National Park in Terlingua, TX. This round trip hike is approximately 1.5 miles, but the view and river will not disappoint. This trail has epic views that will take you 160ft above the Rio Grande while being surrounded of 1500ft of canyon walls on each side. If you would like to see the canyon on the river, the best way would be on a canoe or raft.
Guadalupe Peak
Guadalupe Peak, also known as “The Top of Texas”, is located in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It has the highest natural point in Texas with an elevation of 8,751 feet above sea level and a 3,000ft elevation gain. If you love to hike, climb, or mountaineer, this place is calling your name. Guadalupe Peak is rated as a difficult level with an 8.5 mile hike out and back and is also exposed to cliff edges so avoid going during high winds.
Crockett Gardens Falls
Kaitlin Chambless / All Trails
Crockett Gardens Falls is located in Cedar Breaks Park near Georgetown, TX that features a lake, small waterfalls, wildlife, and a lot of trees to help block the sun. The hike is approximately 7.6 miles long with a 500ft elevation gain. It is great for hiking, a nice walk, and mountain biking. After about a mile out, the trail opens up to a view of Lake Georgetown with beautiful scenery. If you would like to see the small waterfalls, they are located about 3 miles out in a small cove where you can dip your toes and relax before heading back.
Gorman Falls
Gorman Falls is located in Colorado Bend State Park in Lometa, TX that is known for its waterfall. This hike is approximately 3 miles round trip with a trail that is both rocky limestone and is steep in some areas as you’re making your way towards the waterfall. Of course, there are plenty of trees for shade when taking breaks and cacti alongside the trail. The stunning waterfall is 70 feet high so the rocky and steep trail makes it well worth it. They say once you see this waterfall, you will be so blown away that you will feel as if you’re not in Texas.. that you’ve been transported to Hawaii or Costa Rica.
As a side bar note, Enchanted Rock is another great place to hike and I will never forget the view once I reached the top, but I’m sure a majority of you all have been so I thought I would occupy the slot for another great hiking trail 😊.
If you have hiked any of these trails or if you have another favorite place to hike, please share your experience or favorite trail.
As a reminder, please bring adequate water to stay safe and hydrated throughout your hike, including your pet. Wear the appropriate sunscreen, clothing, shoes and always always always check the weather prior to your hike.
If you need a great natural sunscreen, we have our WELLB SPF 30 sunscreen that you can purchase online with free local pick-up! >> WELLB SPF30
Stay safe and happy hiking!