Top 8 Backpacking Trails in Texas

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Texas? Probably flat scrubland or prairies, right? And, while the Lone Star State does have these things, it also offers high and coastal plains, hills, mountains, marshes, and swamps. Don't forget the thousands of lakes and a dozen plus major rivers, including the Rio Grande and Sabine.

Texas is the second largest state by area in the U.S. For hikers and backpackers, that means there are a lot of places to explore! It's reported there are nearly 1,500 miles worth of trails. Some of these lie in the 89 state parks and other natural areas and historic sites. And, while there are only two national parks in this large state, there are twelve more areas under the jurisdiction of the NPS.

With so many biomes and trails to choose from, we've compiled a list of the Lone Star State's best backpacking trips. So, get reading and start planning your next adventure!

Featured Photo: Toledo Bend Sunset (photo by Robert and Talbot Trudeau)

McKittrick Ridge Trail

The Guadalupe Mountains NP is one of the premier backpacking destinations in the state. You'll find it at the top of many “Best of” trail lists for Texas. For something a little less busy than climbing to the top of Guadalupe Mountain itself, check out the 14-mile McKittrick Ridge Trail. This out-and-back route will give you a workout and take you through a surprisingly diverse cross-section of terrain. The trail wanders from desert to forest, with some canyons and meadows thrown in. The trail is strenuous, gaining over 2,500ft of elevation, and many areas are exposed. Make sure to take plenty of water!

For more details on this hike, head over to our full write-up.

Cross Timbers Trail

If you're looking for something similar in length, but not quite as exhausting, look into the Cross Timbers Trail. Located near the Texas-Oklahoma border, this route travels along and near Lake Texoma. At almost 14 miles in length, you'll still encounter over 1,200ft of elevation gain.

The Cross Timbers Trail passes through several resort areas. Don't let that fool you, though. It's pretty rugged. But, the shoreline forests make for nice, shaded hiking. Plus, there are campsites along it as well. Who doesn't love lake views? If you want to extend your trip, you can add on the Lost Loop. It's worth noting that you'll be sharing this trail with mountain bikers.

Colorado Bend State Park Loop

Located in the Texas Hill Country, this 23-mile loop is a great overnight trip option. It gains about 1,300ft of elevation and is suitable for intermediate and above hikers. The trail is usually well-marked as it passes through open grasslands and thickets to the much greener river areas.

Spring is a particularly good time to visit with a variety of wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush and bluebonnets. You'll find the typical species of animals in this area, such as armadillos and painted buntings. Summer is also an excellent time to visit. The Spicewood Springs area offers spring-fed pools that make excellent places to take a dip on a hot, summer day. The real highlight of the trail, though, is 70-ft tall Gorman Falls.

Caprock Canyons Trailway

West Texas can be a pretty remote, desolate place. That said, you can find more seclusion on the trails out there! This 64-mile long route can be considered moderate with its 2,500ft+ of elevation gain so spread out. You'll pass through a mix of scrubby farmland and red dirt canyons. There are several bridges along the way and, you'll pass through one of the last remaining railway tunnels in the state. (Hopefully, you're not afraid of bats!) Keep your eye out for lizards, snakes, badgers, and more along the way too.

Be sure to plan accordingly. The trail is not well-maintained in some sections. Be sure to have good navigational skills and maps. And, definitely be sure to bring plenty of water as sources can sometimes be dry.

Outer Mountain Loop

Big Bend is probably the more well-known of Texas's two national parks. And, the Outer Mountain Loop is an excellent option for a remote, 3-day trip.

This 30-mile loop takes you through the Chihuahuan Desert. But, you'll also get to see grasslands, canyons, and juniper and pinon woodlands along the way. As you can probably imagine, winter is the best time to visit for safety reasons. There is a hefty amount of elevation gain at 5,700ft. That said, only experienced hikers should attempt it. You'll want to cache water in advance too. But, the diverse plant and animal life will make your trip worthwhile!

For more info on this loop, check out our full article.

LBJ Grasslands Orange Trail

Looking for somewhere to backpack that's a lot less strenuous than the other hikes on our list? Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands is a great option! The Orange Trail loop has a doable 1,200ft of elevation gain over roughly 26 miles. Located near the DFW area, you'll wander through open meadows, alongside ponds, and shady deciduous and evergreen forests. You may want to take your backcountry fishing poles and try to catch some of the catfish and bass known to be in the lakes. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many songbirds that call LBJ home as well as white-tailed deer, bobcats, and foxes. Keep in mind that this trail is shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Lone Star Hiking Trail

If you're wondering, yes, Texas does have long-distance trails! This one in particular is 96 miles in length...not including the five loop trails, which brings the total up to 128! Needless to say, this gives you a lot of options. Even if you can't complete it in one go, it's broken up into 10 sections. So, you can choose to do one at a time, pick the closest ones, or look the most interesting!

Much of this route is located in the Sam Houston National Forest. This is in the Piney Woods region of Texas, so you can expect swampy areas and pine forests more reminiscent of parts in the south and southeastern U.S. It's pretty flat hiking, which is nice for beginners or even families. Bridges make easy-going of creek crossings. And, part of the trail follows an old tramway, which might be interesting to look up if you're into history.

Trail Between the Lakes

For a moderate hike, look into this 28-mile out-and-back in east Texas. Located near the Louisiana border in the Sabine National Forest, you'll trek between Sam Rayburn Lake and Toledo Bend. It's fairly flat with some rolling hills. You'll also seamlessly pass through hardwood forests, pine savannahs, and the lesser-known beech-magnolia canyons.

This trail is open year-round, but be sure to wear your orange during the fall hunting season. There are creeks along the way, but don't depend on them for water. Also, they are numerous and can be tricky to cross due to the terrain. If you don't care for dual-use trails, you'll be happy to know this one is hiking-only! It's also an excellent trail for bird-watching. Keep an eye out for signs of deer and wild pigs, too!

Location Map

The following map shows the location of each trailhead for your reference. Click the "Load Interactive Map" button to load the correct map. Once loaded, you can navigate to each trailhead and see the various trails.

For even more detailed mapping, including being able to print a copy for yourself, click the "Open in CalTopo" button at the top of the map once it's loaded into view.

Conclusion

There are backpacking adventures all over the state of Texas. Whether you're looking for something beginner-friendly or challenging, you're sure to find a trail you'll enjoy! Have you done any of the hikes on our list? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section below!