Rugged Hill Country State Natural Area, 3/07/2018

Wanting to spend some time hiking, we visited the Hill Country State Natural Area. We have learned that in addition to the great state parks in Texas, they also have designated State Natural Areas with lots of hiking trails. About 60 miles from Admiralty RV in San Antonio, Hill Country it is located southwest of Bandera. 

Our first stop, as always, was the Visitor Center. 

A park ranger provided good information about the trails we were interested in hiking. And, we picked up a park map that illustrates points of interest in the area.

There is a large picnic area next to the Visitor Center. And, because, there are multi-use trails here for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, we saw lots of horse trailers.

Primitive camping is available for equestrian and non-equestrian campers. All supplies here have to be carried in and out by campers. A group lodge is available for rent by equestrians (14 units and 12 accommodated in the lodge). 

We drove to the parking area near the West Peak Overlook trailhead. It is only 1.2 miles to the peak, but it is a steep climb to the top. Initially, the trail was well defined, but we found it to be very poorly marked as we ascended to the peak. 

We walked around the peak enjoying the fantastic views (but never finding a definitive trail). 

Check out the colorful lichen on the rocks. And I had never seen this tiny barrel cactus, but they were all over the peak. 

Once we found our way back down to the parking area, we drove back to the parking lot near the Visitor Center. After a picnic lunch, we took the Heritage Loop Trail to the Ranch Complex. Sadie really liked this equestrian trail because there was lots of horse dung to sniff! The trees growing out of the limestone rocks were pretty interesting, too.

We passed by the Bar-O-Ranch House (1892)and the remnants of a working ranch. Leashed pets are permitted in this area, which was great for us. We were able to spend time wandering around the remaining structures (barn, cattle chute, fenced corrals, etc.)

Some trees are starting to show signs of spring. I know this area is beautiful when the hill country wildflowers and trees are in full bloom. 

This park is fantastic for its multi-use trails (equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers). We only saw about 5 miles of the 40 miles of trails. There are many ranches near the Hill Country State Natural Area that provide trail ride adventures and accommodations. 

We are really enjoying these Texas State Parks! For additional information about the Natural Area, go to tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hill-country