5 Best Backpacking Trails In Texas
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Are you looking for backpacking areas in Texas? In the last two years, I've visited quite a few of the state's more remote regions, and here are my top 5 favorite backpacking trails for a multiday adventure in the Lone Star State.
When most people think of Texas, backpacking isn't the first thing that comes to mind. For me backpacking in Texas wasn’t even on my radar
While Texas has quite a diversity of landscapes, from the towering pines of East Texas, the sunsets in the Hill Country, the red rock canyons in the Panhandle, or the desert mountains of SW Texas are all exquisite in their own right. Although the mountain region has sweeping, majestic views, the Lone Star State doesn't get the sizeable dedicated following of other areas in the US.
Plus, adding the state's limited number of multiday excursions, water caching/filtering logistics are often challenging to coordinate, and traveling long distances to get to an area to backpack is very time-consuming.
But backpacking in Texas can be incredibly gratifying.
Backpacking Texas - Know Before You Go
1: Unlike a national forest, all state and national parks in Texas require a primitive or wilderness camping permit, respectively. You can obtain a permit either through the state park you're visiting or the national park through Recreation.gov.
Some park systems' backcountry sites fill quickly, like Big Bend NP, so making early reservations is best.
And with most of Texas being on the drier side, it's also essential to have a water strategy. Before hitting the trails into the backcountry, if you are visiting a state or national park, ask the Rangers if water is available along the route or if you must carry it with you.
If you are backpacking within one of the national forests, research water availability online or join a FB group that posts about the area. It's vital always to check before leaving how much water is accessible along the trail.
A general rule is one gallon/person/day in warmer months, while 2.5-3L/day tends to suffice in cooler months.
2: Remember to check the weather forecast carefully. If a storm is rolling in, you should postpone your trip for a few days.
Also, ask or look online whether a specific park or national forest backcountry camping is currently allowed. Some backcountry areas may be closed due to droughts, wildfires, environmental restoration, broken bridges, and rock/mudslides.
3: Lastly, ensure your preparation for the trip by knowing your skill level and hiking pace. Just starting your backpacking journey, begin in state parks in your area where trails to the campsite are short and well-maintained, and the Rangers can answer any questions you have.
Texas Backpacking Trails
While I still have many places to explore, but these are my top backpacking destinations in Texas so far.
Location: Vanderpool, TX
Distance: 1-3.2 miles Out and Back
Difficulty Level: Beginner
This state park is definitely a fall-time favorite, with the Uvalde big-tooth maples' colorful autumnal display, but it is stunning year-round. With abundant wildflowers, steep canyon walls, a small grotto, an overlook perfect for a sunrise/sunset photo, and the scenic Sabinal River, there is plenty to see in this ~2175-acre state park.
During dawn and dusk, it's common to see the deer graze along the trails at the more elevated campsites.
While many tend to stay in the lower primitive campsites near the water, I suggest trekking to the more elevated sites. The views are fantastic, and you'll get a great workout hiking the steep grades to the campsite.
Location: Gordonville, TX
Distance: ~15 miles Point-to-Point
Difficulty level: Advanced Beginner
I recently learned about this trail, and it's definitely become one of my favorites.
The views of the lake are lovely, and the reservations-free, fee-free camping spots make this trail a perfect location for the budget-friendly traveler. And the proximity to the DFW makes it an ideal weekend getaway for those in the area.
Pecan and oak trees border the trail, and fantastic camping opportunities exist in more open sections or along the shore.
But be prepared. This trail has a surprising elevation gain/loss; per Alltrails, it's about 1286' in total.
Location: Georgetown, TX
Distance: 26.6 miles loop
Difficulty level: Beginner-Advanced Beginner
Prickly pear, Savannah grasses, and wildflowers abound along this loop, as well as cedar trees and limestone; plus, it offers a surprising assortment of ecosystems and views.
This trail is a fan favorite for those that live near Austin. You'll see plenty of day hikers enjoying a few hours in nature.
Along the Goodwater Loop, there are several free options for primitive camping, including picnic tables and fire rings, and three paid campgrounds with more amenities. And although most of the trail is secluded, there will be times when you're hiking through busy campgrounds, the backside of neighborhoods, and over the Dam.
Location: Big Bend National Park, TX
Distance: Varies By Trail
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner to Advanced
I'm a mountain gal at heart, and when I visited Big Bend NP for the first time, the diverse landscape scenery took my breath away.
From dark skies with the glitter of thousands of stars to rivers carving spectacular canyons to breathtaking vistas in the Chisos Mountains, there is no short of adventure here.
With over 800,000+ acres of vast undeveloped land in this park, Big Bend NP provides an incredible backcountry adventure and is definitely a backpacker's paradise.
The more remote areas within the park are for experienced backpackers, but shorter, more well-trafficked trails are perfect for an intermediate backpacker.
One of my favorite primitive camping spots resides along the Emory Peak Trail. And the sunrise and sunset Alpenglow of the mountain is absolutely incredible.
Location: Sam Houston National Forest - Richards, TX to Cleveland, TX
Distance: 96.4 miles Point-to-Point
Difficulty Level: Beginner-Advance Beginner-Intermediate
The longest continuous trail in Texas, 96.4 miles point-to-point, is excellent for a beginner who wants to try thru-hiking but has limited time.
Since I currently reside in Houston, The Lone Star Hiking Trail is my go-to when I yearn to jump on a trail for a few days but need to stay close to home.
And if you crave solitude, this is the trail for you. It's possible to go a day or more without seeing or talking to a single person.
Although there are no sweeping vistas or wide-open meadows along the trail, it does have its charm, from the towering pine trees that have a meditative quality as you're walking along to a hidden lake perfect for an overnight.
And with so many access points, water cache locations, maps, and a guidebook, this trail is easy to traverse. Plus, there are plenty of designated campsites along the trail, and some include a bench and a fire ring.
If you want to extend your time on the trail, add the Grand Loop for an additional 31 miles.
Bonus - Guadalupe Ridge Trail
Location: Carlsbad Caverns NP (New Mexico) through the Lincoln National Forest to Guadalupe Mountains NP (Texas)
Length: ~102 miles point-to-point (mileage includes Sitting Bull Falls Loop)
Difficulty: Advanced
This trail was by far the most difficult but one of my most rewarding Texas treks.
A lot of this trail needs maintenance and is overgrown, including areas within the national park, and only those experienced with off-trail navigation should take on this hike.
There are plenty of times you'll bushwack while the thorny plants grab and scratch your legs, lose the trail from missing cairns or through the dense foliage that has taken over the footpath, and wonder if you really have to carry all your water.
And although there are a few cow water tanks along the route in New Mexico, don't assume they will have water. Of my time on the trail, only one had water available.
While I did have to carry over 15 lbs of water with me while trekking some of the trail, the views made all that water weight worth it.
Catching a sunrise from the Dark Canyon lookout is surreal as well as the one along McKittrick Canyon.
Finally, there's no better way to end this incredible long-distance trek than at Texas's highest point, Guadalupe Peak. Be sure to grab a backcountry campsite a mile from the peak to enjoy one last sunrise before heading back to Pine Springs Campground.
Looking for more inspiration to hit the trails? Check out my book, Wander, Wonder, and Wellness: Hiking Your Way to Health and Happiness, available now on Amazon—it’s packed with tips, stories, and motivation to make every hike a transformative experience!
wrapping Up
Even though backpacking in Texas wasn't even on my radar until moving to Houston a couple of years ago, the mountain region with sweeping, majestic views to the towering pines reaching towards the sky, the diversity of the landscape makes for quite an adventure.
Have you been to any of these areas? Let me know in the comments your favorites.
See y’all on the trails.
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