If you have done any amount of exploring in Texas at all, you know we have some astounding spots for hikers of all skill levels. Texas offers some of the best hiking in the nation, and if you love putting your endurance to the test, these trails will give you that challenge you’ve been looking for, with beautiful scenery to boot.
- South Rim Trail (Big Bend National Park)
daveynin/flickr This is easily the most famous, beautiful, and strenuous hike in Texas, with a total distance of 12-16.5 miles, depending what route you take. The views of the Chisos Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert are simply magnificent year-round.
- Guadalupe Peak Trail (Guadalupe Mountains National Park)
daveynin/flickr Another extremely difficult yet rewarding trail, getting to the end grants you wonderful views of the Guadalupe Mountains from the highest point in Texas.
- Lighthouse Trail (Palo Duro Canyon)
cleong/flickr The most beloved trail in Palo Duro Canyon, the lighthouse at the end has become an icon for the park. It’s about 7 miles roundtrip, so bring plenty of water in the summertime!
- Summit Trail (Enchanted Rock State Natural Area)
gil garcia/flickr This trail doesn’t exactly have a path; you just climb to the top of Enchanted Rock in the best way you know how. At the top, you’ll have spectacular views of the hill country below.
- West Trail (Lost Maples State Natural Area)
mlhradio/flickr In the fall, the views from the summit of this trail are especially gorgeous, but the view of Mystic Canyon will take your breath away any time of year.
- Lost Mine Trail (Big Bend National Park)
adam baker/flickr Another popular hike in Big Bend, the Lost Mine Trail is roughly 4.7 miles and grants hikers breathtaking views of Casa Grande Peak.
- The Window Trail (Big Bend National Park)
lhilyer_libr/flickr You can’t miss this trail in Big Bend, especially if you get a chance to see it around sunset. It’s 5.6 miles roundtrip, passing through Oak Creek Canyon.
- Wolf Mountain Trail (Pedernales Falls State Park)
mlhradio/flickr This 7 mile loop trail might not offer as much of a challenge as those in Big Bend, but you will have beautiful views of the hill country when you make it to the summit.
- McKittrick Canyon Trail (Guudalupe Mountains National Park)
clinton steeds/flickr Probably the second most popular trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this has been called “the most beautiful spot in Texas” for a reason. Stunning views of the canyon below, plus strikingly beautiful foliage awaits you, especially in the fall season.
- North Mount Franklin Trail (Franklin Mountains State Park)
jaime loya/flickr This 8 mile trail offers beautiful views of the Franklin Mountains, plus it caters to hikers of all skill levels.
- Bush Mountain Trail (Guadalupe Mountains National Park)
jb10okie/flickr The highest elevation along this trail is 8631 feet, making it the second highest peak in Texas, after Guadalupe Peak. You’ll have great views of Pine Spring Canyon below.
- Rock Garden Trail (Palo Duro Canyon State Park)
tnkntx/flickr This 2.39 mile trail is one of the most difficult in the park, but the views of the canyon from the summit can’t be beat.
What are your favorite hiking, biking or equestrian trails in Texas? Let us know in the comments!
daveynin/flickr
This is easily the most famous, beautiful, and strenuous hike in Texas, with a total distance of 12-16.5 miles, depending what route you take. The views of the Chisos Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert are simply magnificent year-round.
Another extremely difficult yet rewarding trail, getting to the end grants you wonderful views of the Guadalupe Mountains from the highest point in Texas.
cleong/flickr
The most beloved trail in Palo Duro Canyon, the lighthouse at the end has become an icon for the park. It’s about 7 miles roundtrip, so bring plenty of water in the summertime!
gil garcia/flickr
This trail doesn’t exactly have a path; you just climb to the top of Enchanted Rock in the best way you know how. At the top, you’ll have spectacular views of the hill country below.
mlhradio/flickr
In the fall, the views from the summit of this trail are especially gorgeous, but the view of Mystic Canyon will take your breath away any time of year.
adam baker/flickr
Another popular hike in Big Bend, the Lost Mine Trail is roughly 4.7 miles and grants hikers breathtaking views of Casa Grande Peak.
lhilyer_libr/flickr
You can’t miss this trail in Big Bend, especially if you get a chance to see it around sunset. It’s 5.6 miles roundtrip, passing through Oak Creek Canyon.
This 7 mile loop trail might not offer as much of a challenge as those in Big Bend, but you will have beautiful views of the hill country when you make it to the summit.
clinton steeds/flickr
Probably the second most popular trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this has been called “the most beautiful spot in Texas” for a reason. Stunning views of the canyon below, plus strikingly beautiful foliage awaits you, especially in the fall season.
jaime loya/flickr
This 8 mile trail offers beautiful views of the Franklin Mountains, plus it caters to hikers of all skill levels.
jb10okie/flickr
The highest elevation along this trail is 8631 feet, making it the second highest peak in Texas, after Guadalupe Peak. You’ll have great views of Pine Spring Canyon below.
tnkntx/flickr
This 2.39 mile trail is one of the most difficult in the park, but the views of the canyon from the summit can’t be beat.
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