Trails Information
Lose yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Enjoy spectacular views and breathtaking scenery along many miles of trails. Experience a different side of Garner State Park as you get a bird’s-eye view of the Frio River and stunning geological features.
Trails
All trails are hiking only unless noted differently.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Old Entrance Road | 0.8 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Open to hikers and bikers, this paved road is a good place to look for endangered golden-cheeked warblers in spring. |
Donovan Trail | 0.7 mi. | 30 min. | Moderate | This trail provides access to some of the best examples of habitats found in the Hill Country. |
Bridges Trail | 0.7 mi. | 45 min. | Challenging | Use caution on the loose rocks and steep terrain. Your reward for the hard work is a great view of Old Baldy at Painted Rock Overlook and the shade of the giant Ashe juniper tree. |
Crystal Cave Trail | 0.6 mi. | 45 min. | Challenging | Challenging in several places, the trail provides access to one of the park’s natural wonders. |
Blinn River Trail | 0.5 mi. | 20 min. | Easy | Take a nice stroll along the Frio River, and keep your eyes open for wildlife that make their homes here. This trail is frequently closed due to erosion - check with park staff before you hike. |
Old Baldy Trail | 0.5 mi. | 45 min. | Challenging | This is a short trail to get a bird’s-eye view of the Frio River canyon, but it’s very steep and rocky. Watch where you step! |
Foshee Trail | 1.7 mi. | 1 hr. | Moderate | Many trails intersect the Foshee Trail, giving hikers access to most of the back country area of the park. This trail transects the mountains of Garner State Park. |
Ashe Juniper Trail | 2.5 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Moderate | This trail provides vistas of the backside of Old Baldy. |
Old Horse Trail | 0.5 mi. | 30 min. | Moderate | A narrow old horse trail takes you through the trees, traversing the steep slope of the mountain several hundred feet above the Old Entrance Road. |
Frio Canyon Trail | 2.9 mi. | 1.5 hrs. | Easy | Experience the vastness of the Frio Canyon while hiking or biking this relatively flat trail with mountains in view from all vantage points. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
Point | Latitude | Longitude | 360° Views | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Old Entrance Road Overlook | 29.5865° | -99.7426° | View from the Old Entrance Road Overlook | Enjoy a beautiful view of the Frio Canyon! This paved road was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of the original park entrance. |
Shady Oak | 29.5845° | -99.7420° | View of the Shady Oak | Take a rest as you hike along the ridge and enjoy the shade from this large live oak. |
Crystal Cave | 29.5837° | -99.7404° | View of the Crystal Cave entrance View inside Crystal Cave |
Don't forget a flashlight as you enter this 30-foot deep cave. Enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures, and help us protect the cave's namesake. |
Painted Rock Overlook | 29.5826° | -99.7358° | View from Painted Rock Overlook | Check out the great view of Old Baldy from the top of the ridge. |
Old Rock Fence | 29.5796° | -99.7395° | View of the Old Rock Fence | A .75-mile long man-made wonder whose origin is clouded in mystery, built more than a century ago! |
Old Baldy Summit | 29.5755° | -99.7299° | No Photo Available | You'll be rewarded for your hard work on this short but steep hike with amazing views for miles around. |
CCC Horseshoe Footprint Bollards | 29.5784° | -99.7486° | View of the CCC Horseshoe Footprint Bollards | Built by the CCC, these have directed Garner State Park hikers for more than 70 years! |
Campos Trail Overlook | 29.5791° | -99.7508° | View from the Campos Trail Overlook | Enjoy the vastness of the Hill Country from this awe-inspiring overlook. |
Old CCC Entrance | 29.5834° | -99.7495° | View of the Old CCC Entrance | This original park entrance was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Notice the beautiful stonework that was laid by hand. The park entrance was relocated to better manage increased vehicle traffic. |
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 (32 oz.) 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.
- Potentially harmful plants and animals live here. You’ll see them more easily if you stay on 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.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep the park natural. Pack out all of your trash and 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. Please don’t disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals or artifacts.
- Keep pets on leashes for their safety, and to protect wildlife.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated rings due to potential for ground scarring and wildfires.