Trails Information
An Oasis for Wildlife
Welcome to Estero Llano Grande State Park! The park provides life-giving habitat to resident and migrating wildlife. Take the time to explore and your stress will melt away as beautiful birds and butterflies flutter around you.
Make sure to stop by the Visitor's Center to check out the gift shop and the beautiful views from the deck.
We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park. Contact us to reserve the chair for your visit.
Trails
All trails are hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. Biking is not allowed on Green Jay Trail, Alligator Lake Trail, and all boardwalks and decks for safety reasons.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator Lake Trail | 0.1 mi. | 15 min. | Easy | Visit Alligator Lake to search for our resident American alligators or resident herons and egrets, like the Yellow-crowned Night-heron. The trail starts along the south fork of the Camino de Aves. |
| Llano Grande Hiking Trail | 1.46 mi. | 1 hr. | Easy | Walk atop a levee that is part of the Rio Grande floodway and overlooks Llano Grande Lake, a naturally occurring lake that is part of the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Look for Roseate Spoonbills and White-tailed Kites here. Hop on this trail from Wader's Trail, Camino de Aves or Orchard Trail. |
| Tropical Area Trails | 0.74 mi. | 1 hr. | Easy | Previously Lakeview RV Park, here you'll travel a network of paved trails, surrounded by a mix of native brush and non-native trees that create a lush canopy for resident and migratory birds. Get off the pavement and onto Green Jay Trail for a walk through some special, old-growth habitat. |
| Wader's Trail | 1.16 mi. | 1 hr. | Easy | Take these trails for great looks at the park's main wetland areas. Birds and animals of all kinds come from far and wide to these sources of water and food. The wetlands and surrounding brush and grasslands were once agricultural fields. |
| Camino de Aves | 0.94 mi. | 1 hr. | Easy | Take time to explore this dryer area of the park. Honey mesquite, prickly pear cactus and amargosa bushes thrive in this area. Get started at northeastern side of Wader's Trail. |
| Orchard Trail | 0.42 mi. | 30 min. | Easy | Accessible from the Camino de Aves or the Llano Grande Hiking Trail, Orchard Trail goes under several large honey mesquite trees that attract a variety of migratory birds. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
| Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alligator Lake | 26.1256° | -97.9525° | View of Alligator Lake | Stop by this large deep pond for a chance to see our resident American alligators. |
| Indigo Blind | 26.1236° | -97.9581° | View of Indigo Blind | Quietly enter this viewing blind for a chance to see Green Jays, White-tipped Doves and other wildlife. |
| Green Jay Trail | 26.1266° | -97.9579° | View of Green Jay Trail | Surround yourself with large trees and tangled vines in this area of old growth native habitat. |
| Llano Grande Lake | 26.1228° | -97.9529° | View of Llano Grande Lake | Once an important source of water for residents of this area, this historic, 2-mile-long lake is now a hotspot for migratory birds. |
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. Biking is only permitted on park roads. Always wear a helmet and watch for traffic.
- Hazards exist along the trails. Many trails are rugged. Watch for uneven trail surfaces, loose gravel, and muddy or slippery trails.
- 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.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on trails.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash, including dog poo bags. Leave No Trace.
- Leave feeding to nature. Feeding wild animals will make them sick and more likely to harm people.
- Take only memories and pictures. Help preserve nature. Leave all plants and animals in the park.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Don't pocket the past. Help preserve Texas heritage. Leave artifacts where you find them and report their location to a ranger.
- Use only your muscles. To protect park resources, no motor vehicles are allowed on the trails or tram loop.
