Backpacking in Texas
Freedom is carrying everything you need on your back. Put these classic Texas backpacking trips on the calendar to unplug and reconnect with your wildside.
Easy Options for Beginners or a Last Minute Adventure
Pedernales Falls State Park - While the park’s primitive campsites are just two miles down the flat, wide, Wolf Mountain Trail, this backpacking destination gives you the off the grid experience you’re looking for. With the short distance, it’s easy to pack in your water for the trip, or filter from a local spring if you’re out for a few nights. Two miles in feel too short? Take the Juniper Ridge or Equestrian trail to add some miles before setting-up camp. Choose between setting-up between mature junipers, or grab a spot with a view into the Pedernales Canyon below.
Enchanted Rock - Okay, these sites are popular, but they’re a great option for a little getaway if you can snag them. For backpacking you can choose between the Walnut Springs or Moss Lake campsites with 1-3 mile approaches. All primitive sites at E-Rock offer a good place to base-camp while you summit Main Dome or scramble around other trails during the day. You can leave no trace by camping on durable surfaces, or sites that have clearly already been used by previous backpackers. These sites are also more likely to be available on otherwise crowded weekends in the Spring and Fall. Peek out your tent at night for one of the darkest skies in Central Texas
Intermediate Backpacking Trips for a Little More Spice
Dinosaur Valley State Park - The Primitive “Hike-in” sites at Dino Valley offer a little more challenge. For starters, you have to cross the Paluxy River (home to the Park’s namesake Dino Tracks) to get to these sites. The approach to these sites can be as little as mile in a straight shot, or close to ten if you’re linking other trails on the approach. At just 7 sites, there’s not many to choose from, but each is isolated to give a sense of solitude you’re looking for. Each site offers different landscape and approach routes, review the park’s topo map to know what you’re booking before making the reservation. Oh, and no toilets, so make sure you know how to poop in the woods.
