Take a Hike!

Hike, Spot Wildlife, Take Pictures, Recharge!

Do you like to stroll along and soak up the good vibes, or are you looking for something to challenge you a bit? Are you ready to get up close and personal with nature? Balcones Canyonlands NWR is perfect for the day hiker, the trails are relatively short, easily accessible, and offer a variety of terrain and views. It’s time to lace up those hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and hit the trails. 

Doeskin Ranch Trails


For a stroll with the kids, check out the creek and pond trails at Doeskin Ranch. You can take lunch in the shade of the pavilion. Just remember to pack out your trash. For the more experienced hiker, head up the Rimrock trail, take a tour of the Indiangrass trail and then head back down and finish it off along the creek to check out the myriad of dragonflies and birds.

Trails at Doeskin Ranch are accessible every day, from Sunrise to Sunset.

Trail  Distance  Degree of Difficulty  Notes
Pond & Prairie 0.5 mi  Easy  Pond with dragonflies, blackbirds, and lots of native grasses and wildflowers.
Creek 0.6 mi  Easy  Meanders in and out of wooded areas along the creek, lots of native grasses and wildflowers. Riparian area along the creek attracts birds, dragonflies, and other wildlife.
Rimrock 1.6 mi  Difficult        Beautiful views that look out over Lake Travis and the valley.
 Shin Oak 0.5 mi  Easy  A connector trail between Rimrock and Indiangrass trails. A good spot to see the results of prescribed burns.
Indiangrass 1.5 mi  Moderate  This trail makes you feel like you are the only person on the refuge. With sweeping views, this trail takes you through open grassland to oak-juniper forest with wildflowers galore, including wildflowers seldom seen. Bring your camera! 

Warbler Vista Trails

If you’re heading to Warbler Vista, the Ridgeline trail is an easy stroll, lots of shade, and midway, you can take a break at the Sunset Deck to take in the view. For a workout, start at Quarry Canyon Trail parking lot, head up the trail and add the Ridgeline loop, finishing up with the Cactus Rocks and Boulder Trails which will take you back to the first leg of the Quarry Canyon Trail. 

Trails at Warbler Vista are accessible every day, from Sunrise to Sunset.

Trail  Distance  Degree of Difficulty  Notes
Ridgeline 1.2 mi  Moderate  A lovely loop trail through woodlands of ashe juniper, oaks, and native plants, it connects to Sunset deck for amazing views.
Cactus Rocks 1.25 mi  Moderate  This shady trail is a great place to look for golden-cheeked warblers in the spring and early summer. 
Vista Knoll  0.5 mi  Moderate Beautiful views that look out over Lake Travis and the valley.
 Boulder 0.4 mi  Difficult  Good elevation change, interesting ravine with unique ecosystem and plants that you don't normally see. Due to loose rocks, we recommend going down Boulder and up Quarry Canyon.
 Quarry Canyon 0.6 mi  Difficult  Starts at the edge of the new parking lot and skirts the edge of an old quarry. Same elevation change as Boulder but with more switchbacks, interesting grotto with ferns, cedar sage and other interesting plants, and in the wet season, there's even a small waterfall.

Refuge Headquarters Trails

The Refuge Headquarters has a photo blind and two short nature trails.  The Pollinator Path takes you through restored grassland with native plants and grasses and numerous wildflowers blooming according to the season.  The Post Oak path takes you to Post Oak Creek where you can look for turtles, frogs, and wading birds.

Trails at refuge headquarters are accessible Monday through Friday, from 8:00am-4:30pm, except for Federal holidays.

Trail  Distance  Degree of Difficulty  Notes
Pollinator Path 0.2 mi  Easy  Restored grassland with native plants and grasses, and numerous wildflowers blooming according to the season.
Post Oak 0.4 mi  Easy  Loop takes you to the Post Oak creek where you can look for turtles, frogs, and wading birds.

Shin Oak Observation Deck & Nature Trail

From the parking lot, it's a short walk to a covered observation deck, a perfect spot to do a little bird watching. It’s a great place to look for black-capped vireo and other songbirds in the spring and summer.

The Shin Oak Observation Deck is accessible every day, from Sunrise to Sunset.

Note: There are no bathroom facilities at this location. 

Hiking Resources

Interactive Trails Map (Opens in New Window) Download Official NWR Hiking Brochure

LEAVE NO TRACE


The refuge was designed to provide a protected habitat for threatened and endangered species, to restore the land such that it can support the native wildlife and plants, and to protect the watersheds which it encompasses. Public use areas and trails are open 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset. For your protection and the protection of the habitat, please remain on the trails. Pets are not allowed at the refuge. As in any refuge, park, or preserve, "take only pictures and leave only footprints." Leave it for the next hikers and the wildlife to enjoy, and for you to experience next time you hit the trails.


WHAT TO BRING


  • Wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
  • Bring plenty of water for everyone in your party.
  • Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Bring snacks or trail mix.
  • Leave your pets at home.
  • Since some of the trails are steep with loose rocks, considering using your hiking sticks.
  • Binoculars always add fun to a hike.


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