Where to Hike: February 2020
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
WINDOW VIEW TRAIL • 0.3 MILE LOOP
One of the most dramatic, popular and accessible iconic landscapes is available to everyone — wheelchair-bound explorers too — via the sidewalk that makes up the 0.3 mile loop Window View Trail. The Window View is a must see for everyone and the National Park Service has done a terrific job of making it accessible to everyone. Park in the Chisos Basin parking lot and follow the sidewalk just to the left of the General Store. Park yourself on the best bench in Texas and peer down the canyon through the V-shaped notch in the mountains that creates the window to the desert below. Some of the best sunsets in Texas happen here!
ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA
INTERPRETIVE LOOP • 0.5 MILES (ROUND TRIP)
Enchanted Rock is very popular and if you’re a Texan who hasn’t been to the top, can you really call yourself a Texan? But maybe you’re knees and back ain’t as good as they once was or you’ve got a little one who makes it impossible to go up the stairs let alone a giant rock. So how about this - take the small loop hike that gives you grand views of Little Rock and Enchanted Rock without all the sweating, panting and climbing! And as an added bonus, you won’t be sweaty for that wine tour you have in the afternoon!
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
CCC TRAIL • 2.8 MILES (ROUND TRIP)
This fantastic trail is challenging to trek if you go the full 1.4 miles (one way), but if you park your car at the top parking lot you will be greeted with amazing views into the canyon and easy walking around the top part of the trail. From here, you can see the Lighthouse and other geological features that the canyon is famous for. Come for sunrise, sunset or watch a storm roll across the landscape from the comfort of your car — there’s no bad option from this vivid vantage point!
ANGELINA NATIONAL FOREST
BOYKIN SPRINGS • 0 MILES
Hidden down a long and winding backroad through the Angelina National Forest is Boykin Springs recreational area. This quite corner of tall pines and babbling brooks is the perfect place for a nice picnic or afternoon outside. With a large lawn, restrooms and multiple picnic tables, there is plenty of opportunity to listen to the wind swirl through the Texas pines. For those looking to stretch their legs, try the first mile of the Sawmill Trail to get a peak behind the pine curtain.