Trails Information | Dan A. Hughes Unit
Immerse yourself in a nearly untouched environment.
As one of the most preserved ecosystems in Texas, Devils River State Natural Area invites unparalleled experiences in the outdoors. Hiking offers stunning views of the river, cliffs, and canyons. Listen for the subtle sounds of nature in the abundant silence. Consider the parallels between your presence and those who came before.
- Dan A. Hughes Unit Trails Map
- Del Norte Unit Trails Information
- Use the trails maps anytime, anywhere by downloading a comprehensive map to your phone or GIS-compatible device.
Trails
Trails are hiking and biking.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennard Canyon Trail | 2.0 mi. | Challenging | From the Devils Back Campground, this rolling out-and-back trail takes you deep into the heart of Kennard Canyon. Don’t miss the Devils Tower, a geologic monolith, capturing the setting sun each summer evening. |
| Little Satan Trail | 3.8 mi. | Challenging | Slowly descend into Little Satan Canyon, the second largest named canyon of the unit. Squat upland thornscrub gives way to oaks and juniper. Cool off at the river under towering sycamore trees. |
| Little Satan Spur | 0.9 mi. | Moderate | This spur is the best place for backpackers to park before hiking into Little Satan Canyon. Be cautious, the trail is quite steep. |
| Overlook Trail | 2.1 mi. | Moderate | A hike along this rolling ridgeline leads to a stunning view of the Devils River. Karst springs give this river its aquamarine colors. Thousands of years have scoured the river bottom into deep furrows of unique habitat. |
| Gage Canyon Trail | 2.7 mi. | Challenging | This rambling hike crisscrosses the canyon several times. Take a break at the Gage Tinajas. |
| Gage Canyon Spur | 0.4 mi. | Moderate | Hikers looking to turn the Gage Canyon Trail into a loop may take this spur to return on the main park road. Watch for bobwhite and scaled quail along the ridge. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
| Garden of the Tri-ecoregions | 29.7295° | -100.9612° | Take a stroll through our tri-ecoregion garden where you will find native plants from the Edwards Plateau, the Chihuahuan Desert and the Tamaulipan thornscrub. |
| Gage Canyon Tinajas | 29.6831° | -100.9875° | Take a quick detour off Gage Canyon Trail to see these large eroded pools, or tinajas (pronounced "tin-AH-ha"), that hold precious water for wildlife. |
| Devils River Overlook | 29.6959° | -101.0045° | Reward yourself after a four-mile hike with iconic views of the Devils River, accented by limestone bluffs and the deep blue hues of the furrowed river below. |
| Devils Tower | 29.7277° | -101.0085° | This limestone monolith towers above Kennard Canyon Trail, showing the powerful forces of weathering and erosion over thousands of years. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
Staying Safe
- Know your limits. Prepare for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. Your body quickly loses fluids when you’re on the trail. Bring a quart of water per hour of activity.
- Tell others where you’ll be. If possible, avoid exploring alone. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Wear a helmet when biking. Check with park HQ to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
- Weather changes quickly. Check forecasts before you leave and prepare for changes in the weather.
- You may not be able to connect. It’s a good idea to take along a cell phone and GPS unit, but don’t count on them.
- Family-friendly fun. Public consumption or display of alcoholic beverages is prohibited and NO glass is permitted at the river.
- Save wildlife habitat. No ground fires or gathering of firewood.
Trail Etiquette
- Take only memories and pictures. Disturbing or removing any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts is a violation of state law.
- Don’t Pocket the Past. Help preserve Texas heritage. Leave artifacts where you find them and report their location to a ranger.
- Protect your pets and wildlife. Keep pets on leashes and clean up and dispose of pet waste.
- Pack it in, pack it out. We’re a remote park with no garbage service, so pack out all your trash and Leave No Trace.
