Texas is home to otherworldly beauty. And while we all know this as fact, our state’s spectacular natural views often catch us by surprise. If you want to be blown away by gorgeous mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and jaw-dropping sunsets, we know just where you should go: Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Salt Flat. This magnificent destination is home to more than 80 miles of hiking trails, but nothing beats this short-and-sweet walking path. Everyone should explore the Pinery Trail, one of the best hikes in Texas.

Though only .75 miles long, the Pinery Trail is full of incredible sights.

JC Carlyle/AllTrails

This walkway is just one of many hiking trails you’ll find at the Headquarters Visitor Center Trailhead. But the best part about this particular path? It’s super easy, and it’s completely wheelchair accessible.

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Marvel at the exquisite Chihuahuan desert vegetation. In the spring, you’ll be greeted with colorful wildflowers.

Jean-Claude Linossi/AllTrails

In the winter, you may even see ice on the trees.

JC Carlyle/AllTrails

While continuing on your journey, you’ll soon arrive at the Pinery Station ruins.

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This once-bustling building was a popular stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. Now, it’s been left for nature to reclaim.

Scott Jensen/AllTrails

When the sun dips behind the mountain, the views are even more magnificent.

Luis Pieraldi/AllTrails

You just can’t beat a Texas sunset.

Luis Pieraldi/AllTrails

Everyone in Texas should experience this breezy and beautiful trail.

Jesus Magana/AllTrails To learn more about the hiking trails inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park, you’ll want to visit the National Park Service’s website.

Have you ever hiked the Pinery Trail? If so, we want to hear all about your adventure. Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below. If you happen to know another exceptional trail in Texas, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

JC Carlyle/AllTrails

Jesus Magana/AllTrails

Jean-Claude Linossi/AllTrails

Scott Jensen/AllTrails

Luis Pieraldi/AllTrails

To learn more about the hiking trails inside Guadalupe Mountains National Park, you’ll want to visit the National Park Service’s website.

Craving more stunning Texas views? Check out these 15 out-of-this-world hiking trails in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat, TX 79847, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in texas March 02, 2022 Jennifer Young What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes in Texas? There are several trails in Texas that are great for all ages. The following are three of the best kid-friendly trails in Texas that are also accessible year-round.

  1. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail Texas’ Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, which is part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, is a 3.2-mile, out-and-back trail near Austin. It’s great for all skill levels and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running.
  2. Lady Bird Lake Trail Lady Bird Lake Trail, which features a river, is a 10-mile loop trail that’s located at Butler Park in Austin, Texas. Most people use this kid-friendly trail for walking, running, and road biking.
  3. White Rock Lake Trail Texas’ White Rock Lake Trail is a 9.2-mile loop trail that’s located within White Rock Trail Park near Dallas. It surrounds a lake and is great for all skill levels. What are five of the most scenic hikes in Texas that belong on everyone’s outdoor bucket list? Some of the most scenic hikes are located right here in Texas, including the five listed below. They’re also some of the shortest and most easy hikes in Texas.
  4. Bluebonnet Trail Texas’ Bluebonnet Trail is a 0.9-mile loop trail that’s located in Cedar Ridge Preserve. People from near and far love the trail’s forest setting and the fact that it’s accessible year-round. It’s also a great trail for all skill levels.
  5. Tuff Canyon Trail Tuff Canyon Trail, which is located in Texas’ Big Bend National Park, is a 1-mile, out-and-back trail that features thousands of beautiful wild flowers. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking and walking. It’s also great for all skill levels and is accessible year-round.
  6. Kirby Nature trail Texas’ Kirby Nature Trail, which is located within Big Thicket National Preserve, is a 4-mile loop trail that features a river. In addition to hiking, most people also use this trail for walking, running, and bird watching.
  7. Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail is a 2.7-mile loop trail that’s located in Texas’ Cedar Ridge Preserve. It features a lake and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. It’s also accessible year-round.
  8. Santa Elena Canyon Trail Texas’ Santa Elena Canyon Trail, a 1.4-mile, out-and-back trail, is located in Big Bend National Park and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. The best time of year to explore this scenic trail is from September to May.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in texas

March 02, 2022

Jennifer Young

What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes in Texas? There are several trails in Texas that are great for all ages. The following are three of the best kid-friendly trails in Texas that are also accessible year-round.

  1. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail Texas’ Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, which is part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, is a 3.2-mile, out-and-back trail near Austin. It’s great for all skill levels and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running.
  2. Lady Bird Lake Trail Lady Bird Lake Trail, which features a river, is a 10-mile loop trail that’s located at Butler Park in Austin, Texas. Most people use this kid-friendly trail for walking, running, and road biking.
  3. White Rock Lake Trail Texas’ White Rock Lake Trail is a 9.2-mile loop trail that’s located within White Rock Trail Park near Dallas. It surrounds a lake and is great for all skill levels. What are five of the most scenic hikes in Texas that belong on everyone’s outdoor bucket list? Some of the most scenic hikes are located right here in Texas, including the five listed below. They’re also some of the shortest and most easy hikes in Texas.
  4. Bluebonnet Trail Texas’ Bluebonnet Trail is a 0.9-mile loop trail that’s located in Cedar Ridge Preserve. People from near and far love the trail’s forest setting and the fact that it’s accessible year-round. It’s also a great trail for all skill levels.
  5. Tuff Canyon Trail Tuff Canyon Trail, which is located in Texas’ Big Bend National Park, is a 1-mile, out-and-back trail that features thousands of beautiful wild flowers. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking and walking. It’s also great for all skill levels and is accessible year-round.
  6. Kirby Nature trail Texas’ Kirby Nature Trail, which is located within Big Thicket National Preserve, is a 4-mile loop trail that features a river. In addition to hiking, most people also use this trail for walking, running, and bird watching.
  7. Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail is a 2.7-mile loop trail that’s located in Texas’ Cedar Ridge Preserve. It features a lake and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. It’s also accessible year-round.
  8. Santa Elena Canyon Trail Texas’ Santa Elena Canyon Trail, a 1.4-mile, out-and-back trail, is located in Big Bend National Park and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. The best time of year to explore this scenic trail is from September to May.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are several trails in Texas that are great for all ages. The following are three of the best kid-friendly trails in Texas that are also accessible year-round.

  1. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Texas’ Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, which is part of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, is a 3.2-mile, out-and-back trail near Austin. It’s great for all skill levels and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running.

  1. Lady Bird Lake Trail

Lady Bird Lake Trail, which features a river, is a 10-mile loop trail that’s located at Butler Park in Austin, Texas. Most people use this kid-friendly trail for walking, running, and road biking.

  1. White Rock Lake Trail

Texas’ White Rock Lake Trail is a 9.2-mile loop trail that’s located within White Rock Trail Park near Dallas. It surrounds a lake and is great for all skill levels.

What are five of the most scenic hikes in Texas that belong on everyone’s outdoor bucket list?

Some of the most scenic hikes are located right here in Texas, including the five listed below. They’re also some of the shortest and most easy hikes in Texas.

  1. Bluebonnet Trail

Texas’ Bluebonnet Trail is a 0.9-mile loop trail that’s located in Cedar Ridge Preserve. People from near and far love the trail’s forest setting and the fact that it’s accessible year-round. It’s also a great trail for all skill levels.

  1. Tuff Canyon Trail

Tuff Canyon Trail, which is located in Texas’ Big Bend National Park, is a 1-mile, out-and-back trail that features thousands of beautiful wild flowers. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking and walking. It’s also great for all skill levels and is accessible year-round.

  1. Kirby Nature trail

Texas’ Kirby Nature Trail, which is located within Big Thicket National Preserve, is a 4-mile loop trail that features a river. In addition to hiking, most people also use this trail for walking, running, and bird watching.

  1. Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail

Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail is a 2.7-mile loop trail that’s located in Texas’ Cedar Ridge Preserve. It features a lake and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. It’s also accessible year-round.

  1. Santa Elena Canyon Trail

Texas’ Santa Elena Canyon Trail, a 1.4-mile, out-and-back trail, is located in Big Bend National Park and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and running. The best time of year to explore this scenic trail is from September to May.