Texas Trails. Hiking Gear Reviews. Brutal Honesty.
It was my first foray into Guadalupe Mountains National Park. I’d just ascended to the highest point in the world (or at least in Texas, which is the only thing that really counts. Fuck Everest.). With much moaning and complaining, but that’s besides the point. Sore legs are nothing when nature calls and you’re deep … Read more
Smith Spring Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located near the Frijole Ranch History Museum. Taking 62, you will turn onto Frijole Ranch Road, a gravel road, and take that to a moderately sized parking lot. There you’ll find a small pavilion with several picnic tables and restrooms. But should you bother? Don’t overlook this … Read more
One of the coolest fucking things about Guadalupe Mountains National Park is just how diverse its landscape is and the Salt Basin Dunes drive this home. In fact, these gypsum salt dunes may just be the most unique biosphere within the park. Recommended Supplies What is a Salt Basin? To the West of the Guadalupe … Read more
The Upper North Prong is short, smooth, and totally inaccessible without hiking other trails to get to it. In fact, I almost didn’t give it a standalone article – it’s typically paired with the John Haynes Ridge Trail, and some folks might not even realize that they’re 2 different trails. It can also be confusing … Read more
Staring at a topographical map of Bear Canyon trail I daydreamed about what a scenic route this would be. All that elevation and through a canyon – I love canyons! Surely the views would be incredible! I was sold. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy my first ascent of Bear Canyon Trail because I did not … Read more
The lazy hearted, short on time, injured, small child toting or not so outdoorsy types will love the Big Cave of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. And to be honest, so will all my fellow crazy, outdoorsy, over-ambitious hikers too! This may just be the most fun, easily accessible, family friendly feature of Palo Duro. … Read more
John Haynes Ridge is a good one in my book and it also happens to be the highest point in the park so you just know I had to trot my ridiculous peak-bagging ass up its slopes. You’ll find some lovely views if you can tough out the brutal ascent. Definitely a trail worth hiking … Read more
I like being alive and out of jail and I suspect you do, too. As such, it may behoove you to learn the mysterious meaning behind those purple fence posts you might have seen here in the great state of Texas. You know, so that you can avoid getting shot by over-zealous landowners or jailed … Read more
Givens, Spicer, & Lowry Trail is a fun, relatively easy meander through quintessential Palo Duro. It shows off the magnificent rockery (I think sophisticated people call it geology?) of the cliffs area and, when combined with the Lighthouse & Paseo del Rio Trails, makes a pleasant 9 mile loop. Essential Gear Hiking Givens, Spicer, & … Read more
The trail’s description proudly proclaims that the only way to access the Rylanders Fortress Cliff Trail is via the Rock Garden Trail, which is a somewhat steep jaunt up some canyon cliff sides. Being the masochistic solitude seeker that I am, I instantly wanted to hike Rylanders Fortress Cliff Trail in the hope of finding … Read more