Trails Information
An oasis of fun, relaxation and wildlife.
Just a quick trip from the busy city life, you can set your own pace at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Recharge mentally and physically by enjoying a day fishing or paddling the lake, or by mountain-biking or hiking the trails. Whatever you decide to do, you'll discover wildlife on the land, in the lake, and flying above you in the sky. [en Espanol]
Trails
All trails hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated.
This list may not include all trails in the park.
Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Description |
Roadrunner Trail | 1.0 mi. | 30 min. | Easy | Take an easy walk or bike ride on top of the Lake Casa Blanca Dam. Go at dusk, settle in and celebrate the emergence of a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats from under the bridge on the Bob Bullock Loop. |
Mesquite Bend Trail | 1.5 mi. | 1.5 hr. | Easy-Moderate | Switchbacks make this trail a great workout and will get you up close to the mesquite trees for which it's named. Look for jackrabbits and white-tailed deer resting in the shade. |
Osprey Hill Loop | 0.8 mi. | 30 min. | Moderate | Climb this single track trail to the top of the earthen water tank to get great views of the surrounding area. Steep hills and loose material make this a moderate single track for mountain bikes. Look for osprey flying by with a fresh catch from the lake. |
White-tail Loop | 1.0 mi. | 30 min. | Easy | Walk or ride this loop around the spillway that offers a look at some of the animals like savannah sparrows that prefer grassier habitats. The trees on the perimeter offer hiding places for others, like the javelina. |
Points of Interest
GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees.
Point | Latitude | Longitude | Description |
Fishing Pier | 27.5385° | -99.4349° | Visit the park's fishing pier to catch a wide variety of freshwater species. |
El Ranchito Pavilion | 27.5454° | -99.4408° | Bring your family or group out for a beautiful day at this group hall, complete with kitchen and indoor/outdoor dining facility. |
Old Museum | 27.5345° | -99.4354° | This old building gives you a look at some unique architecture. Look for cactus wrens patrolling the area. |
Earthen Water Tank | 27.5348° | -99.4342° | Once used for holding water to fight fires in the area, this earthen water tank gives you spectacular views of the lake as well as the surrounding community. |
Spillway | 27.5339° | -99.4296° | The spillway offers a very different habitat of flat grassland. |
Lake Casa Blanca Dam | 27.5324° | -99.4452° | The Lake Casa Blanca dam was built in 1951 to create a lake for recreational purposes. |
Staying Safe
- Javelinas and other potentially harmful plants and animals live here. Do not feed or approach wildlife, always keep your pets with you and on a leash, secure your food, and dispose of trash in the designated trash bins or take with you.
- 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 mountain biking, check with park headquarters to match the trail to your skill level. Wear a helmet to protect yourself in case of a crash.
Trail Etiquette
- Trash your trash. Keep your park looking 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.
- Use only your muscles. To protect park resources, no motor vehicles are allowed on the trails.