The Best State Parks to Visit in Texas
The Lone Star State of Texas is home to an impressive 95 state parks, offering outdoor lovers an extensive list of summits, landmarks, and wildlife. Despite their rugged appearance, these parks are nothing short of geological gems, gifting rock climbers a variety of formations to test their skills, photographers the landscape to capture calendar-worthy photos, and stargazers the clear sky to marvel at the universe—without the light pollution of cities. This article will explore the eight best state parks to visit in Texas.
Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon is often called the "Grand Canyon of Texas," as it ranks as the second biggest canyon in the nation. This fascinating canyon is 800 feet deep but towers over 1,000 feet in other areas. Additionally, the park offers miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The formations and colors here are magical, with bright orange structures at every corner, harboring a diverse ecosystem and wildlife, including golden eagles, bobcats, wild turkeys, and the Texas horned lizard. A must-see landmark is the Lighthouse Rock formation, the park's prized jewel, and most well-known hiking route: The Lighthouse Trail takes 5.7 miles to trek, with an elevation gain of 492 feet—and is reportedly not too challenging to complete. Based on anecdotes, the best time to visit is spring and fall, as summers can be sweltering and sticky unless you can wake up early during cooler hours to enjoy the picturesque landscape.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Ever wonder what the tracks of gigantic reptiles that roamed our planet look like? Look no further—their footprints are right here, in this park. The enormous tracks considered some of the most well-preserved on the planet, are visible in five primary zones. They belonged to the sauropod dinosaur, known for its extremely long necks and lengthy tails and supported by four pillar-like legs. Other prints in the area are believed to have come from enormous meat-eating theropods, apex predators that sometimes reached lengths of more than 40 feet—four times the size of a basketball net. The latter's tracks can be identified based on their three-toed shape. Other attractions in the park include kayaking in the Paluxy River or exploring the best scenes on a horse tour through the Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Not to be confused with Big Bend National Park, this Big Bend takes the prize as the state's largest state park and the best park for stargazing. The non-profit DarkSky International, an organization founded by astronomers to "preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies...", has designated this park under the list of International Dark Sky Parks for its conducive environment to spectate the stars as it's among the darkest areas in North America. According to experts, it is estimated individuals here can observe 2,000 stars on a cloudless night, compared to a few hundred in a typical city. Aside from being an excellent spot to stargaze, Big Bend National Park spans over 800,000 acres and is laden with mesmerizing canyons, mountains, and rivers—making it ideal for hiking, canoeing, biking, and camping underneath the galaxy.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park Falls State Park caters to a broad audience but is especially notable among birdwatchers. Over 150 species have been documented here, with 66% being migratory birds and the rest being permanent. The endangered golden-cheeked warblers and more common birds such as quails, owls, and herons are among them. And if you love scenic rivers, you're in luck! The Pedernales River flows through this park—serving kayakers, fishers, and swimmers with endless avenues to partake in water-based activities. The river has been known to rise rapidly, so always take precautions to have a safe and memorable experience. Last but not least, several cascading waterfalls throughout the area provide myriad photo opportunities, so don't forget to bring your camera.
Garner State Park
Garner State Park sits on the banks of the pristine Frio River, a refreshing stream famous for summer getaways. Unlike other parks mentioned so far, Garner is the only one that features an annual summer dance, and it's not just a one-time fad—it's been ongoing since the 1940s. Around 80 years ago, the Civilian Conservation Corps created hiking trails, campsites, and a stone pavilion. Out of their whim, they brought out a jukebox to play music in hopes of finding a dance partner and accidentally started what is now considered one of the oldest traditions in Texas. Locals call this tradition "The Dance," which lasts from early June until mid-August. After a fun day of dancing and swimming in the Frio River, consider Frio River Cabins, The Inn Between, and Lost Canyon Retreat to stay the night.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
The folklore and myths surrounding Enchanted Rock State Natural Area are as abundant as its scenery and natural beauty. It harbors a gigantic granite mountain that towers 425 feet—equivalent to a 40-story building. The massive geological wonder is famous among locals and tourists for hiking and offers breathtaking 360-degree views once you ascend to the summit. As aforementioned, the area is laden with tales, including folklore of the mountain and rocks speaking. In reality, it's simply granite shrinking and expanding due to temperature changes, but nonetheless, enriches the experience given these tales held for tens of thousands of years. Aside from the more than 8.4 miles of hiking paths, the park also features a nature trail, caves, and even yoga classes on top of the granite dome.
Brazos Bend State Park
With over seven lakes, five thousand acres of land, and an observatory for stargazing, visiting Brazos Bend State Park is an unparalleled experience. Visitors here can trek the landscape for wildlife viewing, fish at its many idyllic lakes, and explore 16 hiking trails—out of the many options to choose from, Elm Lake Trail offers access to a stunning lake nestled between the trees. It takes a little over an hour to complete. While the park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, armadillos, and 300+ species of birds, it houses around 250 alligators, so always remember to keep a safe distance and be conscious of park guidelines. For a calmer adventure, head over to the George Observatory, one of the main attractions in the park—and gaze into the vast universe; the observatory is open to the public on Saturday evenings and features the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the biggest in the US; it allows once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe planets, our moon, and other wonders in space. Moreover, George Observatory hosts exhibitions and events, including Friday Night Lights, Moonlight Madness, Starry Night, and Saturday Stargazing.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Contrary to the perception people have of Texas being just an arid land, Lost Maples State Natural Area is a vast park spanning over 2,900 acres and flaunts some of the most stunning fall foliage imaginable. You may even get lost and think you're in New England, given all the greenery in summer and a wide array of colors amidst fall. Apart from its captivating colors, the park offers 11 miles of hiking trails and 30 campsites, in addition to fishing trouts, bass, and other fish in the Sabinal River. Also worth noting, there is wildlife that live here, such as the venomous broad-banded copperhead snake and coral snake, in addition to endangered avians, such as the black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. Finally, check out Monkey Rock, one of the park's main attractions. While it looks like a sculpted monkey, the rock is entirely natural.
In summary, these Texas state parks provide visitors plenty of outdoor space to explore. Whether you want to encounter wildlife up close, test your cardio skills on miles of scenic hiking routes, or be filled with wonder amidst the cosmic clear skies, these parks have something for everyone.
