Texas is home to plenty of great hiking trails, some challenging and others family-friendly. Soon, there will even be a trail for those who dream of walking across the Lone Star State from Beaumont to El Paso!
The Texas thru-hike 1,500-mile trail or xTx is set to open in the coming months.
“By spring 2025, hikers, bikers, and equestrians will be able to traverse the Lone Star State by trail to see some of the most scenic landscapes and experience its diverse cultures,” reports Gear Junkie.
Some are calling it the “future Pacific Crest Trail of Texas.”
“It will be a trail that will take people from nearly sea level to the top of Texas and everywhere in between,” reported NPR.
The trail is described by NPR as spanning from Quicksand Creek on the Louisiana border, through the pine forest, out into the hill country. The trail then cuts west through the craggy, oak-covered limestone hills. Then it reaches down into Big Bend, and up to Pene Ferguson's ranch, which is just south of Marfa, and then into Marfa, the Soho of western Texas. From there, the trail leads to the highest peak in the state, Guadalupe Peak, and then on over to El Paso.
“xTx is designed to inspire and challenge a wide range of walking, horse, or bike-riding travelers to experience remote, quiet, naturally beautiful Texas,” says the xTx website. “From bayous in the east, through pine forests and hill country, grand rivers, pristine national parks, and finally the drama of the desert, this is a meandering life-affirming adventure through the heart of Texas.”
Granted, walking across Texas, as romantic as it may sound, is a bit ambitious for the average Texan. The good news is there are plenty of great hiking trails in Texas that can be conquered in mere hours.
6 Areas of Texas You Must Hike!
Here is a guide to some of the top hiking trails in Texas:
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas,' Palo Duro Canyon features dramatic 800-foot cliffs and stunning rock formations. The Lighthouse Trail is a highlight, offering a moderate 6-mile round-trip hike to a towering rock pillar. This trail combines breathtaking views and manageable terrain, making it ideal for hikers seeking iconic scenery.
Before You Go: Do take plenty of water, as most heat-related injuries and deaths for people and pets occur on this trail.
Additional Hikes: There are 16 other trails at Palo Duro, from 30-minute easy 0.4-mile loops to 4.4-mile (one-way) difficult trails that take a full day round-trip.
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: This unique pink granite dome in Fredericksburg offers a short but rewarding hike to its summit. The trail provides panoramic views of the Hill Country and is perfect for those looking for a mix of geology and scenery in their outdoor adventures.
Before You Go: You cannot swim here or ride bikes on the trails, but rock climbing is available. At the Summit Trail top, look for rare vernal pools that are home to delicate fairy shrimp and rock quillwort.
Additional Hikes: There are 7 other trails at Enchanted Rock, from a 10-minute scenic view 0.1 trail to a 2.5-hour, 4.6-mile loop trail that is moderate to difficult.
- Big Bend National Park: The South Rim Trail is one of Texas’s most iconic hikes, offering 360-degree views of the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding mountain ranges. Spanning 12.5 miles with significant elevation gain, this trail is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging and awe-inspiring trek.
Before You Go: Elevations at Big Bend range from 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande to 7,832 feet on Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. Elevation changes produce an exceptional variety of plants, animals, and scenic vistas. Keep in mind that daily temperatures in some areas can exceed 110 degrees from April through September.
Additional Hikes: The National Park Service lists 13 desert hikes, 7 mountain hikes, and 5 river hikes.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park: As the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet, the Guadalupe Peak trail offers unparalleled views of the Chihuahuan Desert. This strenuous hike is perfect for adventurers looking to conquer steep switchbacks and enjoy panoramic vistas that stretch into neighboring states.
Before You Go: After nearly three miles, the trail will top out at a false summit. It is still a little more than a mile to the actual summit. The trail will flatten out for a short distance as it passes through a sparse forest of ponderosa pine.
Additional Hikes: There are 20 trails listed by the National Park Service at Guadalupe Mountains, with 80 miles of trails to explore.
- Pedernales Falls State Park: Located in the Hill Country, Pedernales Falls State Park features scenic trails along rivers and waterfalls. With options ranging from short loops to longer hikes, this park is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking tranquil beauty and varied terrain. The Twin Falls Nature Trail is a moderate half-mile trail leading to one of the most beautiful spots in Hill Country.
Before You Go: The water in the river can rise from a placid stream to a raging torrent in a few minutes. If you are in the river area and notice the water rising or getting muddy, leave the river area immediately. Flash flooding is common in the Texas Hill Country.
Additional Hikes: There are 10 trails at Pedernales Falls, including the nearly 10-mile Juniper Ridge with a single-track mountain bike trail and two horse trails, all of which are open to hikers.
- Panther Canyon Nature Trail: Situated in New Braunfels, this easy-to-moderate trail offers serene canyon views and opportunities for birding. Its accessibility makes it a great choice for families or those looking for a leisurely hike in the Hill Country.
Before You Go: Panther Canyon covers 49 acres and hikers should allow at least 90 minutes to explore the 1.8 miles of trails.
Additional Hikes: There are 3 trails available at Panther Canyon.
Other Great Texas Hiking Trails
The above hikes are just a few of the great Texas trails among an estimated 2,900+ according to AllTrails. Included is the 96-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail that winds through the Sam Houston National Forest.
“If you add loop trails, which are great for day hikes, the trail includes about 128 miles of peaceful pine and hardwood forests, meandering creeks, and the occasional bayou,” reports Texas Highways.
Other trails to check out include:
So, lace up your hiking boots, use protection from the sun, and bring plenty of water to tackle a Texas hiking trail near you.