60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: San Antonio & Austin: Including the Hill Country 5th Edition

Charlie Llewellin moved to Austin in 1991 and soon started exploring the state’s varied landscapes, from woods to desert to prairies and the coast. A writer and photographer, he continues to wander the Hill Country and beyond.

Guadalupe River State Park Loop

• Length: 2.8 miles
• Configuration: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Scenery: Open savanna, woods, and river bluffs
• Exposure: Mostly exposed
• Traffic: Moderate
• Trail Surface: Natural surfaces
• Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
• Driving Distance: 37 miles from the Alamo
• Access: Daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; $7 entrance fee per person over age 12; advance reservations recommended
• Wheelchair Access: No
• Maps & Information: 830-438-2656; tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/ guadaluperiver
• Facilities: Restrooms, water, and picnic tables in the park; none at trailhead

One of the most popular parks in the State Park system, Texans flock here to cool off in the Guadalupe River, but for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, the park offers several pretty multiuse trails that loop through live oak savanna and along the cliffs that overlook the river.

Description

One of the most popular and scenic spots in the state, Guadalupe River State Park has retained its rugged beauty in spite of the large number of visitors it receives. The park includes 4 miles of riverfront opposite tall cliffs, shady campsites, a beach, and large picnic areas. In the summer, it is often full to capacity, and the park recommends reservations even for day visits.

However, most of those people will be down by the water, and this route keeps to the less-visited live oak savanna, though it includes dramatic views of the river from the top of the bluffs. These uplands are typical wooded grassland, where you will see the usual mix of live oak and Ashe juniper, along with persimmon, cedar elm, and mesquite. They are home to a large variety of avian species, including golden-cheeked warbler, robins, and painted buntings, and you can download a bird checklist from the park website. The stony trails are open to mountain bikes and horse-riders, though the latter have their own separate trailhead near the entrance station.

From the parking lot, 0.5 mile beyond the entrance, join the Painted Bunting Trail and head north. This loop takes in a large percentage of this section of the park, and this portion of the trail is a wide doubletrack surrounded by scattered oaks and the occasional stand of cedar. Cacti grow among the grasses. You will soon see the first of many hunting blinds. Public hunts in fall and winter control the native white-tailed deer population and help eliminate exotic species such as wild hogs, sika, and axis deer, an Asian native. Be sure to check the dates if you plan to visit during those seasons.

The trail turns very slightly northeast where it meets the boundary fence, beginning the gentle descent that continues to the farthest point of the hike. Tunnel through a live oak coppice, enjoying the shade of their spreading branches. At 0.4 mile, the path turns east through an open meadow, where you will come to the junction with the Barred Owl Trail, another wide ranch track. Turn left here, winding north toward the river through mottes and stony meadows. A little climb takes you away from a shallow wash.

At 1 mile, you will come to the bluff above the Guadalupe. The rocky track curves right (west) to head downstream. Spur paths lead to dark wooded outcrops from which you can steal perilous views of the river’s bends and the cypresses that line the banks. Boulders and sand banks resist the water’s flow. Hawks and vultures soar over the canyon, and swallows flit across the rock face. Look for the abandoned Bauer House on the north side of the river in the Park’s Bauer Unit.

At 1.3 miles, there is a stock tank and a picnic table under the shade of a gnarled live oak, where you might pause. The Barred Owl Trail goes on to reach the Cedar Sage camping area, but your route turns back here, heading south on the Live Oak Trail. Follow this trail as it climbs gently through grassy glens and woodlands. At 1.5 miles, the trail makes a sharp right turn to head west across the higher savanna. After a gentler curve back south, at 2 miles, benches allow a modest view of the Hill Country.

At 2.1 miles, you will come back to the Painted Bunting Trail. Turn left here, heading east and then south on a rougher path. Another short ascent takes you past a deer blind and back under the telephone line, and then to the Park Road at 2.4 miles.

Complete the loop by walking southwest along the Park Road to the trailhead. Alternatively, you could avoid the tarmac by staying on the Painted Bunting Trail, crossing the road, and then shortly turning right on Persimmon Path, a shortcut that quickly brings you back to the other side of the Painted Bunting Trail loop. Turn right, heading north, and you will soon be back at the Park Road and trailhead.

Nearby Activities

The park offers picnic areas and camping (book in advance), and of course, river access. Look on the park website to sign up for a guided tour of the adjacent Honey Creek State Natural Area and other activities.

GPS Trailhead Coordinates

N29° 51′ 38.5″ W98° 29′ 59.1″

Directions

From US 281 north of San Antonio near Bulverde, take TX 46 west for 7 miles to Park Road 31. Turn right on Park Road 31 and follow it for 3 miles to the park entrance. Continue for 0.6 mile to the parking area at the trailhead on your left.