Texas Travel Bucket List

The 5 best Texas state parks to visit in 2017

The new year is a time for self-reflection, renewal, and determining your travel bucket list. After all, there’s no better time to contemplate the places you want to explore in the coming year. And, luckily, there are incredible state parks right in your backyard. Check out our picks for the top Texas state parks to visit in 2017.

Balmorhea State Park
Yes, we adore Austin's beloved Barton Springs, but there’s something special about bathing in a giant pool smack-dab in the middle of the desert. From Dallas, travel six-and-a-half-hours southwest and you can swim or even scuba dive in Balmorhea’s cool blue waters — the world’s largest spring-fed pool, in fact.

Pro tip: Cross two parks off your list by staying at the Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains State Park. The Indian Lodge is truly a West Texas treasure, with its stark white adobe walls and scenic views of the park.

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Sure, Big Bend National Park is glorious, but don’t forego Big Bend Ranch State Park in far West Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border. There are 238 miles of incredible trails and sights to see here. From rocky canyons and breathtaking mountain vistas to otherworldly desert landscapes, this park pretty much has it all.

Pro tip: Go in the springtime, when the area is ablaze with wildflowers and temperatures are comfy.

Caprock Canyons State Park
Caprock Canyons, located about five hours northwest of Dallas near Amarillo, often gets passed up in favor of the showier Palo Duro Canyon, but this is precisely why you should consider going. It’s less developed, more remote, and boasts marvelous views and miles of ruby red canyons.

Pro tip: Come prepared with food and a full gas tank.

Colorado Bend State Park
With its lush green scenery and majestic waterfalls, Colorado Bend, located west of Lampasas and southeast of San Saba, is a unique addition to the scrubby Texas Hill Country. Just a two-hour drive from Austin, this is one of the most special spots in the state. There are plenty of trails here, but don’t skip the hike to Gorman Falls, a gorgeous 65-foot waterfall surrounded by so much bright green vegetation you may think you somehow landed in Oregon.

Pro tip: Avoid the crowds by camping at nearby Sulphur Springs campground, where you can score a spot right on the picturesque Colorado River.

Garner State Park
If you’re seeking the quintessential Texas state park experience, Garner, located near Uvalde, should be your go-to destination. Whether you’re looking to tube down the cold waters of the Frio River, go fishing, or hike some of the most verdant land in the state, this park has a little something for everyone. Don’t forget to trek up Old Baldy Hill for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Pro tip: Head to Garner in the summer when the park hosts its famed old-timey jukebox dance.

Caprock Canyons boasts marvelous views and miles of ruby red canyons.

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New Parks

Texas to open massive new state park in the Hill Country

Photo from property listing by Icon Global

Silver Lake Ranch adds 54,000 acres to Texas' public lands.

Texans will soon have a massive new state park to explore, second only to Big Bend Ranch State Park in size. Silver Lake Ranch, the 54,000-acre plot of land spanning Edwards and Kinney counties, was owned by the Moody Foundation, and now, largely thanks to a major philanthropic gift, it's headed into public hands.

The Moody Foundation gifted its 87.5 percent ownership interest in the ranch to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), with TPWD purchasing the remaining interest for $11.85 million. The funds come from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund and Sporting Goods Sales Tax — both approved by Texas voters.

“The Moody Foundation is proud to help preserve this remarkable stretch of Texas Hill Country and make it accessible for generations to come,” said Ross Moody in a press release. “Silver Lake Ranch represents the natural beauty, history, and spirit of our state, and we are honored to make this gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife to ensure it remains protected and enjoyed by all Texans for years ahead.”

The property will officially become Silver Lake State Park, named for the spring-fed 30-acre lake at its heart. Nestled between Rocksprings and Uvalde, the land is home to some beautiful Hill Country wildlife and nature, about two hours from San Antonio.

Currently the park is in its most rugged and undeveloped form: steep limestone canyons drop into rolling hills lined with live oaks and juniper trees, with miles of river frontage tracing the West Nueces River. Several creeks wind through the property, including Sycamore Creek, Lost Creek, and North Spring Creek, along with Blue Waterhole and Dutch Waterhole.

Caves and other landmarks dot the landscape, and wildlife includes white-tailed deer, turkey, javelina, and dove. Portions of the property have even been identified as a potential habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.

According to the press release, this land, previously used for sheep and cattle ranching, will be developed in phases over the next several years, also using the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. Initially, access to the park might look like guided tours and limited day-use opportunities while planning and infrastructure are underway. Later, trails and basic visitor facilities will be added, and ultimately, the park will include expanded recreational amenities like camping and paddling access.

Now that the acquisition is complete, TPWD staff and private contractors plan to gather feedback from the public and surrounding communities to help map out recreational opportunities. This may take "many months to complete," says the press release. TPWD will communicate any upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date, at TexasStateParks.org

"This is an exciting addition to our state park system, and we are grateful to our partners at the Moody Foundation for their philanthropy and for bringing this slice of the hill country to the people of Texas," TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz says in the press release.

And as folks are pointing out on TPDW's reel announcing the new park: it's "Better than any subdivision."

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