Lost Maples State Natural Area
Changing Beauty
You may know Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. Visit any time to see abundant wildflowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. We’re just two hours northwest of San Antonio.
Things to Do
Your whole family will find plenty to do here. Take a hike or a photo, go fishing, look for birds and other wildlife, camp, backpack, stargaze and hunt for geocaches.
Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. The show varies, depending on weather conditions. Check our Fall Foliage report (starting mid-October).
Please stay on designated trails. The natural area contains steep and rugged terrain. Do not climb on rocks or hillsides. Bigtooth maples have shallow roots, and you can hurt the trees by walking over their roots.
Note: Cell phone service is not available in the Natural Area.
Hiking
Explore over 10 miles of trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff.
Camping
Choose from 30 campsites with water and electricity. Or backpack to one of our primitive campsites.
Fishing
Wet a hook in the Sabinal River or Can Creek. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a state park or natural area.
Birding
This area is home to a wide variety of birds, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the
Download Birds of Lost Maples State Natural Area: A Field Checklist | PDF to learn more.
Get involved
We need your help! Find out how on our Volunteer page.
Join the Friends of Lost Maples.
Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Ranger Programs
We offer programs on the plants and wildlife of Lost Maples. Check the Events page for upcoming events.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
Area Attractions
Nearby towns include Utopia and Bandera.
Medina Lake offers swimming and fishing.
Find the best places to see wildlife on the Rio Frio Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails.
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