Backpacking Trails in Texas

Backpacking Trails in Texas

Among the different things to do outdoors, there are so many backpacking trails in Texas just waiting to be explored! Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a giant, round rock that stands tall above the surrounding area. It’s a popular place for hiking and climbing, and it offers stunning views of the countryside. Lost Maples State Natural Area is famous for its beautiful fall colors. There are many trails to explore, and you can hike through forests and along rivers. Government Canyon State National Area has deep canyons, rocky cliffs, and lots of animals. It’s a perfect place to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Also, check out our posts on Outdoor Activities San Antonio, Treehouses in San Antonio, and Places to Take Pictures in San Antonio!

Backpacking Trails in Texas by Region

Texas Backpacking Trails – Central Texas

Backpacking Trails Texas – West Texas

Best Backpacking Trails in Texas – South Texas

Texas Backpacking Trails – Central Texas

Inks Lake State Park

backpacking trails in texas

Image credit: Inks Lake State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

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.

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $7 per adult
  • Trail difficulty: Moderate
  • Features: Waterfalls
  • Where: 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
  • Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

One of the famous backpacking trails in Texas 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!

Dinosaur Valley State Park

texas backpacking trails

Image credit: Dinosaur Valley State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

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 one of the Texas backpacking trails you should head out to.

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $8 per adult
  • Trail difficulty: Moderate
  • Features: Dinosaur tracks
  • Where: Glen Rose, TX 76043
  • Hours: Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

Colorado Bend State Park

Another one of the great backpacking trails Texas has is at this state park where you can experience overnight backpacking alongside the Colorado River. If you make it far enough, you can even see the 65-foot waterfall!

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $5 per adult
  • Trail difficulty: Moderate
  • Features: Waterfalls
  • Where: 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824
  • Hours: Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

Backpacking Trails Texas – West Texas

Big Bend National Park

backpacking trails in texas

Image credit: Big Bend National Park

This is one of the best backpacking trails in Texas that’s perfect for those looking for options when it comes to trails in Big Bend. Big Bend has high-elevation mountains and low, deserted desert trails.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

This is one of the hiking and backpacking trails of Texas that’s also known as “Texas’ largest beach without an ocean.” It’s a stretch of powdery dune that makes for a unique experience. It’s a great way to get on a different type of hiking trail!

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $4 per adult
  • Trail difficulty: Challenging
  • Features: Sand dunes
  • Where: Park Rd #41, Monahans, TX 79756
  • Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Best Backpacking Trails in Texas – South Texas

Choke Canyon State Park

backpacking trails in texas

Image credit: Chock Canyon State Park – Texas Parks and Wildlife

Choke Canyon is one of the backpacking trails in Texas that’s the perfect mix of land and water. Its reservoir is home to many wildlife and has paved and unpaved backpacking trails.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Hike under the shade of bigtooth maples in this Natural Area. Between the hills, canyons, and rivers, this is perfect for those on the hunt for cool backpacking trails in Texas.

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $6 per adult
  • Trail difficulty: Challenging
  • Features: Canyons
  • Where: 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
  • Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Medina River

While most of the Medina River Natural Area is a body of water, there are also 7 miles of trails that intertwine with the water, one of the Texas backpacking trails you should check out.

  • Cost: FREE
  • Trail difficulty: Easy
  • Features: Reservoir
  • Where: Medina, TX 78055
  • Hours: Daily Sunrise to Sunset

Government Canyon State National Area

Just outside of San Antonio is Canyon State, home to some of the beginner-friendly backpacking trails in Texas. At this park, you can explore 5 easy hiking trails that are great for quick backpacking trips.

  • Cost: FREE for children (12 years old and younger) | $6 per adult
  • Trail difficulty: Easy
  • Features: Canyons
  • Where: 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254
  • Hours: Tuesday – Thursday CLOSED | Friday – Monday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

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Mirella Gonzales
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