Hill Country Natural Area

Rain, Rain, don’t go away

May 27, 2014May 27, 2014 by John L, posted in Hill Country Natural Area, Palo Duro Canyon SP

Some state parks in Texas got some much-needed rain this weekend. The pictures below are all from facebook posts from the parks. The location is in the caption below each picture.

flooded creek — Hill Country SNA (Memorial Day 2014)

flooded road — Palo Duro Canyon SP (Memorial Day 2014)

fishing pier at bastrop state park — Fishing Pier at Copper Breaks State Park (Memorial Day 2014) This is the first time in 5 years that water has been remotely close to this pier. Nice reopening of the pier even if only temporary.

Hopefully the parks get more rain today.

Hill Country Natural Area Pt 2

September 12, 2013September 12, 2013 by John L, posted in Hill Country Natural Area

After the hike at the “falls” (see pt 1 of our trip to HCNA) we headed to the other end of the park.

This is the old ranch house at the park.

The Bar O Ranch House from the late 1800s

You can almost see the parking area off in the distance. That parking is at the Equestrian Camping Area on the map.

This hill is the same height as Enchanted Rock so it’s a pretty good climb, but worth it for the great views.

To get to this spot park at the Equestrian Camp Area. Take path 1 to 5a, to 5b. The trails are marked fairly well, but if in doubt take the path leading up. 6 goes around the hill and 5b looks like a staircase (below) so it’s pretty obvious which is 5b which leads to the top and some amazing views.

Another great park in Texas and I highly recommend a visit. Like I said in my other post on this park take lots of water with you. There’s no fill station or park store to get more water. If you find yourself short on water drive back into town and get more.

September 12, 2013 by John L, posted in Hill Country Natural Area

After a morning hiking at Guadalupe River State Park we headed out to Hill Country Natural Area for the afternoon. If Guadalupe River State Park is dry then there needs to be a new word to describe the conditions at Hill Country Natural Area.

Here are the falls at the NE end of the park.

Here…I’ll zoom in to where the water is supposed to be:

Yes, I said falls as in waterfalls. I was standing where the falls are supposed to…fall. Apparently this used to be a good catfish hole. The park ranger used the words “a couple of weeks ago,” but I think he might have been sippin’ on the hooch. There was no trace of water. Anywhere.

There is no park store and nowhere in the park to get water. You must pack it in. There weren’t many at the park so it was very quiet, but that also means you’re on your own and there may/may not be a cell signal while you’re out on the trail. Keep that in mind and stay safe.