Trails Information
Discover the quiet wilderness of Colorado Bend State Park.
- Painted buntings
Rugged beauty and hidden gems await as you hike or bike miles of spectacular trails. From gorgeous views to pristine waters, and deep canyons to riverside trails, there are options for everyone!
Trails
All trails hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spicewood Springs Trail | 1.3 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate / Difficult | Enjoy a trail along breathtaking pools and waterfalls fed by Spicewood Springs. Watch your footing as you meander back and forth across the creek and hike up the canyon to take in gorgeous views. |
| Spicewood Canyon Trail | 3.0 mi. | 2.5 hrs. | Moderate | The trail follows the ridge overlooking Spicewood Springs Creek featuring spectacular overlooks of the pools and waterfalls as well as the Colorado River canyon. |
| River Trail | 3.4 mi. | 2 hrs. | Easy | Enjoy the dense canopy and river access on this easily navigable trail. |
| Lemons Ridge Pass | 5.0 mi. | 3 hrs. | Moderate | This trail climbs from the river canyon near the River Backpack Camping Area to the uplands following Lemons Ridge west to the Windmill Area. |
| Cedar Chopper Loop | 2.3 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate | This loop winds through cedar brakes on relatively flat terrain. Several rocky sections keep it interesting. |
| Gorman Spring Trail | 0.5 mi. | .5 hr. | Easy | Lush vegetation frames the trail as it meanders through Gorman Canyon; be prepared for creek crossings. |
| Gorman Falls Trail | 1.5 mi. (one-way) | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate / Difficult | Our most popular trail is very rocky, has little shade, and includes a steep and slippery descent near the falls. Bring more water than you think you need, and know your own limits. |
| Lively Loop | 4.8 mi. | 3 hrs. | Easy | Enjoy views of the rolling hills. |
| Windmill Trail | 1.6 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate | This upland prairie has rolling hills with native grasses and wildflowers, and the trail leads to an old windmill that once provided water for cattle |
| Dry Creek Junction | 0.3 mi. | 15 min. | Easy | Hike through beautiful prairie grasslands with occasional rock outcroppings. |
| Dogleg Canyon Trail | 1.3 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Difficult | Enjoy views of this hidden gem’s cliff walls and canyon rim. |
| Old Gorman Road Trail | 1.0 mi. | .5 hr. | Moderate | Enjoy a scenic hike with panoramic views along this historic pasture road. |
| Tie Slide Trail | 2.3 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate | While hiking this trail, take notice of the curious rock features. Then, savor the Tie Slide Overlook where you can see spectacular views of the Colorado River. |
| Tinaja Trail | 2.8 mi. | 2.5 hrs. | Difficult | Our most difficult trail leads you through a canyon with switchbacks and elevation changes, and then on to breathtaking views! |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° View | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spicewood Springs Creek | 31.0144° | -98.4572° | No photo | The inviting area of pools and waterfalls is a great place to cool off in the clear, spring-fed waters. Swim at your own risk, and help us protect this area by Leaving No Trace. |
| Gorman Cave | 31.0497° | -98.4696° | No photo | You can see part of this amazing cave from the River Trail. Access is limited by a bat-friendly gate that protects the roosting site of a large group of cave myotis bats. |
| Dogleg Canyon | 31.0474° | -98.4690° | No photo | Enjoy this hidden canyon that feeds the Colorado River. Cliff walls and interesting rock outcroppings make this a unique destination. Include this stop in a hike to Gorman Falls. |
| Tinaja | 31.0501° | -98.4975° | No photo | This bedrock depression, carved by springs and seeps, is an important ecological feature as it supports unique plant communities and wildlife. |
| Gorman Spring | 31.0519° | -98.4858° | No photo | Subterranean waters from miles of contributing drainage are forced to the surface, feeding Gorman Creek and providing the mineral compounds that have built Gorman Falls. Living within the creek is one of the purest strains of our state fish, the Guadalupe bass. |
| Gorman Falls | 31.0584° | -98.4821° | View of Gorman Falls | Rising 70 feet above the river, Gorman Falls is a unique geologic formation. The mineral-rich spring water deposits layers of calcite, slowly building formations called travertine. Help protect this sensitive ecosystem by viewing it from a distance. |
| Tie Slide Overlook | 31.0649° | -98.4856° | No photo | You can see for miles at this overlook which sits more than 200 feet above the Colorado River. Look for Gorman Falls to the south. |
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Be sure you have proper gear
and knowledge for your trip. Stay within your abilities
and learn the rough terrain here. - Drink plenty of water. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring salty snacks and a quart (32 oz.) of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. Avoid exploring alone and buddy up! If exploring nature alone, tell someone or leave a note with your route and timeline.
- Bike safely. When mountain biking, wear a helmet and other protective gear. Ask a ranger about the technical features on each trail segment and match your riding ability to the appropriate trail.
- Watch for hazards along the trails. Trails are rugged and there are inherent risks associated with trail use. Pay attention to changing weather, ledges, exposed cliffs, slippery surfaces, rocks, stumps and more.
- Check for trail closures. Trails may be closed for resource and trail management. Check with a ranger for trail updates and conditions, and respect posted closures.
- Cave access is restricted. Caves are closed except by guided tour or special permit. Caves contain hazards that could cause injury or death.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash, including dog waste bags, and Leave No Trace!
- Keep Wildlife Wild. Be alert for wildlife and avoid wildlife encounters. You might see gray fox, snakes, squirrels, raccoons, deer and more, but do not approach or feed them. Take photos only from a distance.
- Keep pets on leashes and under control for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Take only memories and pictures. Help preserve Texas heritage. Don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals, rocks or artifacts.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated rings. No campfires are allowed in backcountry camping areas due to potential for ground scarring and wildfires.
