Stone Bluffs Loop

From Lampasas, head west on FM 580 for 23 miles, across the Colorado River, to stop sign at CR 442. Turn left and follow the signs 0.8 mile to park entrance. Turn right on CR 444 to the office.

The 3 miles of river frontage are unimproved and provide spectacular views of the bluffs on the opposing side of the river. Oak and hardwood thickets along the riverbanks provide excellent habitat for a variety of passerines including White-eyed Vireo, Prothonotary Warbler and Summer Tanager. Waterfowl winter on the river, egrets and herons are easily seen fishing in the shallows and the bluffs provide habitat for Canyon Wren.

(325) 628-3395
http://barefootcamp.com/

In Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend. In Bend you will come to a T-intersection where you will take a left. Follow the signs along the main road to Sulphur Springs Camp.

This full-service camp provides RV hookups, cabins and primitive campsites along 3 miles of Colorado River frontage. The habitat is excellent for a variety of birds that include Belted Kingfisher, Nashville Warbler, Canyon Wren, egrets and herons. The road that follows the river makes a memorable nature hike. Look for swallow nests attached to the cliff faces. The most dominant feature of the campground is the natural sulphur spring that comes out of a rock face and maintains a constant temperature of 68 degrees.

(325) 628-3252
www.bendtexas.com

In Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance.

This 5,300-acre state park offers the outdoor enthusiast access to primitive camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, birding, wildlife viewing and guided tours. The park has over 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. When Lake Buchanan is near normal levels, the river is navigable from the park's boat ramp all the way to the lake, approximately 10 miles. The park also offers guided tours to Gorman Falls and guided cave tours, both walking and crawling. Birders can enjoy viewing some of 155 species of birds found in the park, including specialties such as Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo and Bald Eagle. Gorman Falls is an impressive, 60-ft.-high waterfall. The waterfall's travertine formations and associated lush vegetation make it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Texas. Small travertine dams have formed quiet pools of clear water which support a variety of aquatic communities.

(325) 628-3240
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

At US 281 and TX 29 West in Burnet, drive west 3.3 miles to FM 2341. Go north on FM 2341 for 15.1 miles to the entrance.

This 940-acre nature resort and LCRA park sits on the edge of Lake Buchanan with 3 miles of private lake access, 14 miles of groomed walking trails and beautiful Hill Country vistas.  Wildflower meadows, dense oak-juniper woodlands and open shrub communities support Black-capped Vireo, Golden-cheeked Warbler, Greater Roadrunner, Osprey, Painted Bunting, Wild Turkey, bobcat, deer, gray fox, raccoon, and Ringtail. The resort is named after the American Bald Eagles who winter (October – March) in the towering cliffs.  Registered guests can reserve a two-hour sighting seeing cruise past Fall Creek’s waterfall and geological formations on Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River.  Along the way, Hawks, Blue Heron, White Pelican, Egret, White Spanish Goats and Turtles can be encountered. Other activities include nature-based activities, guided nature hikes, reptile education, and astronomy experiences at the Eagle Eye Observatory. Lodging options include guestrooms, RV sites and tent campsites.  An award-winning restaurant and lounge are on-site. Other offerings are outdoor movies and music, as well as banquet/meeting facilities with catering.

(800) 977-0081
(512) 334-2070
www.canyonoftheeagles.com

From the intersection of US 281 and State Highway 29 in Burnet, travel west on Hwy 29 for 9.1 miles. Turn left/south onto PR 4 for 3.4 miles to the signed entrance on the right/west.

This 1,200-acre state park provides excellent lakeshore, grassland and woodland habitat. The park is a panorama of juniper and oak woodlands, wildflowers and gneiss outcroppings. A wide variety of cacti, from the prickly pear to the tasajillo (Christmas cactus), barrel and lace cactus grow in the park.

White-tailed Deer, Wild Turkey, a variety of songbirds and other wildlife are abundant in the park. Gray fox, ringtail and coyote may be seen occasionally. Around the lake there are red-eared sliders, snapping turtles and soft-shell turtles.

Golden-fronted and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers are common residents, and 22 species of sparrow have been seen at the park. Guided wildlife watching canoe trips and nearly 8 miles of hiking and backpacking trails add to the wide range of available activities, which include swimming, fishing and canoe/paddleboat rental. Camping (tent and RV) and cabins are available. A bird blind (limited access December through January due to public hunts) is in place that boasts a water feature and feeders which attract numerous bird species at any given time. 

(512) 793-2223
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake
eBird Hotspot - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L169375

From the intersection of TX FM 2342 and PR 4, go southeast on PR 4 2.5 miles to the signed entrance.

The dominant feature of the park is Longhorn Cavern, a cave bored out of the limestone by the powerful water flows of millennia.  The downward drainage continued until great underground stream beds were cut out of solid rock.  The cave has been used by man since prehistoric times.  Regularly scheduled walking tours featuring the rich history and natural features of the cave are available.  Special crawling tours are also available.  Check park website for more details. The park includes 1.25 miles of hiking trails with trail signs through juniper-oak woodland that provides nesting habitat for Golden-cheek Warblers.  A small population of Tri-colored Bats inhabits the cave. Learn about the impressive structures in the park that were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conversation Corps from the exhibit in the original administration building. Site has picnic tables, a gift and snack shop. About 1.8 miles west of the park on PR 4 is a scenic overlook of the valley and Colorado River.

(512) 715-9000
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/longhorn-cavern

From TX 29 and US 281 in Burnet, head south on US 281/Water St. 0.2 mile to League St. The guest house is located at 108 East League.

This B&B in Burnet, _The Bluebonnet Capital,' has a wonderful flower garden and pond that include butterfly bush, antique roses, rosemary, cardinal flower, wisteria, esperanza, Turk's cap, trumpet vine, cenizo, desert willow, verbena, lantana, salvia and bluebonnets. The garden attracts Monarchs and other butterflies from spring through fall, and the pond is a favorite watering spot for a variety of bird species year-round. Visits may be arranged by appointment or reservation.

(512) 588-0088
www.verandasburnet.com