The Top of Texas
Guadalupe Peak Trail
- 6/27/2004
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Distance: 8.40 Miles
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This was my second time hiking the Guadalupe Peak Trail. I thought that maybe this time around the hike would seem easier, but I was wrong; it is definitely one of the hardest hikes in Texas. There were many more people on the trail this time, though most were near the beginning of the trail. As can be expected, the views from the top are stunning; the world just seems to drop away from the mountaintop to the desert below. As for the temperature, it's hot at the beginning, but becomes very pleasant by the time you reach the first trees. I would suggest a very early start. We began at 8:30 and didn't finish until 4:15, though we took many breaks and sat on the peak for about an hour. Enjoy!
A Diamond in the Rough.
McKinney Roughs
- 4/4/2004
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Distance: 5.00 Miles
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Hey Y''all,
Mckinney Roughs is a really nice park! We did a loop hike along the following trails: Riverside to Pine Ridge to Cypress to Riverside to Bluestem to Bluff Trail Loop (West) to the Ridge trail. Sounds like a lot, but it was probably about five miles in length (I forgot my pedometer). Overall, I would have to say the Pine Ridge trail was the nicest. It is very similar to The Lost Pines Trail at Bastrop State Park, but it is much more hilly. Plus, it has much nicer vistas than Bastrop. Further, the pines are occasionally punctuated by Oak/Juniper Savannah. Leaving the Pine Ridge trail and heading down the Cypress trail, the trail begins to descend into the bottomlands of the Colorado River. It became much cooler. Once we were on the Riverside trail we found a spot that allowed us to access the river. We waded out to a small island, took off our shirts and started swimming. I can think of no better way to bring in the Springtime than to enjoy a Texas river. After a while, and with some reluctance, we continued our hike. The Bluestem to Bluff Loop trails ascend a small set of hills, which lead to the Ridge trail. Once again, there were very nice vistas and plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. Overall, it was a really enjoyable hike. We didn''t see anyone until we reached the river, then once again on the Ridge trail; and that''s because there were probably 100 or 150 people at the visitor center. So, if you''re in the vicinity of Austin, you should definitely check this park out.
Always a Great Hike!
Good Water Trail
- 2/9/2004
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Distance: 16.60 Miles
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I did the entire Goodwater Trail with a group of backpackers this weekend. We dropped a car off at Cedar Breaks Park and drove around to Russell Park, on the other side of the lake. From there, we hiked to Tejas Camp, were we met up with another member of the trip. We continued hiking to Sawyer Camp, were we met up with another group member, and stayed for the night. It was great! We had a nice camp fire and good conversation into the night. Sunday morning we woke up to a chilly morning, but still very nice. Later, we hiked the remaining 6 1/2 miles to Cedar Breaks Park, where our car was waiting. A must try. Enjoy!
Dodson Trail
Dodson Trail
- 1/12/2004
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Distance: 21.50 Miles
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I did most of the Outer Mountain Loop at Big Bend in December. There was a group of five of us. While overnight backpacking we hiked the Laguna Meadows, Colima, Juniper Canyon, and Dodson trails. As well as day hikes at the Window, Santa Elena Canyon, and Terlingua Abaja. Check out this site one of the group members made. Enjoy!
http://www.swt.edu/~pl1004/bigbendtripreport/mainpages/bigbendtripreport2003home.htm
A South Austin Favorite!
Barton Creek - Lower
- 11/13/2003
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Distance: 4.00 Miles
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The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a refreshing retreat from the rush of the city. Though it is surrounded on all sides by major roadways, and development is constantly encroaching, the Greenbelt is always enjoyable. Something that is extra pleasing this time of year is the maple leaves changing color along the creek. It seems likely they have been brought down stream from another location, due to the fact that they are concentrated on the edge of the creekbed. Regardless, one should enjoy them while you can.