Summer in Texas means taking to the trails - unfortunately, that means tons of other people have the exact same idea. It can be hard to find places to hike that aren't overly crowded and take away the peace and tranquility that's supposed to come along with the sport. Wolf Mountain Trail at Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City is a gorgeous trail that's always desolate because most people prefer to explore the rocks down by the river. Check it out:
Wolf Mountain Trail will take you so far away from (and above) the hustle and bustle of the world that all of your problems will seem minuscule.
It's 7.4 miles long and of moderate difficulty, but it shouldn't be problematic for most people as long as you bring plenty of water, snacks, and walk slowly.
And when you reach the top, it's so quiet you could hear a pin drop. You'll feel like the only person on earth, and an overwhelming sense of tranquility will wash over you.
When you hear the word iconic, what comes to mind? Personally, I think of someone or something that is memorable that will leave a lasting impression. That’s exactly what you'll think when you visit the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg, Texas. The unique state park with its mystical pink granite rock is unlike anything in the state, making it worthy of your bucket list. Inside you’ll find several trails; the most popular is the Summit Trail that takes you to the top of the massive rock. But there’s another equally unforgettable trail that you should try at least once - the Moss Lake via Echo Canyon Trail. This iconic trail in Texas is so exhilarating that it belongs on your bucket list.
Of course, most hikers flock to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for their chance to trek to the top of the steep mystical rock that overlooks the gorgeous Texas Hill Country. I don’t blame them one bit because the panoramic views from 1,800 feet high are truly spectacular. Naturally, that trail can be extra crowded, especially on the weekends, so if you want to skip the crowds, opt for the Moss Lake via Echo Canyon Trail instead.
The 3-mile loop trail meanders along the base of Enchanted Rock, through a rugged canyon, around massive boulders, and eventually leads to a hidden lake. The trail connects to several other trails inside the park, so for easy navigation, it’s best to have AllTrails+ downloaded on your phone.
If you plan on venturing on this hike, you’ll need trekking poles as well as sturdy hiking boots. Due to its rugged terrain, we do not recommend this hike for beginners, and the pups must sit this one out, too. Depending on when you visit, the heat can get pretty intense, so be sure that you bring lots of water, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen.
If you’re there during the warmer months expect to see the landscape covered in pretty wildflowers and cacti as well as lush greenery. Not to mention the mind-blowing views of Enchanted Rock that make this trail worth the trip. Aside from the pretty scenery, avid hikers will love trekking through Echo Canyon which is a rugged and challenging terrain. There might be water seeping through the area, so watch your step as you hike through the rocky landscape.
The good news is part of the trail is also flat which is a relief after making your way through the rocky canyon. It gives you a chance to take a leisure stroll and enjoy the scenic views inside the park. One of the best parts of the trail will lead you straight to Moss Lake. Seeing the reflection of Enchanted Rock on the lake is truly a sight to behold. I guarantee that you’ll want to stay for a while and enjoy the unforgettable views. Better yet, you can also pack your camping gear and spend the night at the primitive campsite near the lake. This will give you a chance to wake up and explore the park some more.
What do you think about this iconic trail in Texas? Would you add Moss Lake via Echo Canyon Trail to your bucket list? Or tell us about your favorite bucket list worthy trail in the Lone Star State. We’d love to hear from you!
The Most Iconic View in Texas is Also a Stunning Slice of History
One of my favorite historic places in Texas (that also happens to be incredibly beautiful) is Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This vast desert oasis dates back millions of years, and the view from Guadalupe Peak is perhaps the most iconic scene in the Lone Star State.
I'm a huge history buff, but I also love being outdoors. Those two interests don't often intersect—after all, how many museums have you been to that offer hiking trails? I personally haven't seen more than a few. Sometimes, however, I forget that history is all around us. The ground beneath our feet is rich with the imprints of the past that shaped it, and all we have to do to absorb the information is walk on it. One of my favorite historic places in Texas (that also happens to be incredibly beautiful) is Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This vast desert oasis dates back millions of years, and the view from Guadalupe Peak is perhaps the most iconic scene in the Lone Star State.
Located in far West Texas near the New Mexico border, Guadalupe Mountains National Park spans 135 miles of Chihuahuan Desert landscape. The origin story of the mountain range often takes people by surprise because it is such a stark contrast to the ruggedness we see today. About 250 million years ago, the Guadalupe Mountains were part of the largest fossil reef in the world in the Permian Sea. The water evaporated once the connection between the sea and the ocean was fractured, and the mountains began rising roughly 70 million years ago.
Based on archaeological evidence, human habitation of the area can be traced back some 10,000 years. The Mescalero Apaches were the first indigenous group to actually live in the mountains, where they hunted, roasted agave, and sheltered in caves. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, bringing horses that would later become integral to the Apaches' way of life. In 1849, the U.S. Army staged a campaign against the Apaches, attempting to drive them away. It took 30 years - probably because the Apaches knew the mountains much better than the soldiers - but eventually, the troops were successful and ranchers were able to develop the area.
In the 1850s, the first transcontinental mail route, known as the Butterfield Overland Mail, was established. It passed through the mountains with several relay stations along the way, and in 1958, American Airlines erected a stainless steel pyramid on Guadalupe Peak to honor the 100th anniversary of the route. You can see this unique piece of history firsthand if you're up for the grueling hike to the summit. It's an 8.4-mile round trip with an elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, leading you up to the highest natural point in Texas (8,751 feet!). I have no words for the views from the top.
Visit AllTrails for more information about the Guadalupe Peak Trail, and to see photos of the historic pyramid. I also recommend signing up for AllTrails+ if you're an outdoorsy person.
Have you ever hiked Guadalupe Peak? What are your favorite historic places in Texas that also boast amazing views? Tell us in the comments! Check out our previous article for a nearby scenic drive in Texas that was made for rolling the windows down and turning up the music.
