What a neat park so close to home that is manageable in size and interesting in, well, nature…read more Perfect for a quick hike alone to watch birds eat and bathe in a sanctuary built for them. Also great for getting the energy out of the kids with fairy doors to look for, a chimney structure created for a specific feathered friend in mine and other fun rocks and benches and more to crawl on. The path is a mix of mulch and dirt. Dog bags and can provided so it's great for the four legged friends as well. There is a small rustic pavilion and picnic benches scattered. No restrooms. The map at the trailhead definitely needs to be updated but I guess that makes part of the charm in the unknown discoveries. Wish I had more pics to share with you but you should probably see the rest of it for yourself.

This trail is so peaceful and interesting! There was no one else there on a Sunday afternoon,…read moreexcept for a deer and several birds. There are landmarks scattered throughout the trail, spaced every 10 minutes or so to encourage you to keep going. The park feels like someone's backyard instead of a regular hiking trail, but in the best way. I'm not sure how long the trail is; maybe one mile? It took about 30 minutes to complete while stopping to look at the signs and structures along the way. It's definitely worth visiting! There are plentiful directional signs around the park so you never feel lost. A very unique experience.

Such a beautiful tour! Mara was amazing! I booked an 11 AM tour . It was a hot day, but still not…read moretoo bad. Some areas have steep steps. The trail isn't a circle, so you would go back the way you came. There are several beautiful sites to see along the way. The steps headed to the cave can be a bit slippery Stay hydrated and be ready to take beautiful pictures. I had an amazing time, I hope you do too!

What a great nature preserve! I went on the Grotto Tour and our guide was very informational. West…read moreCave Outdoor Center is located in the middle of nature so there's no phone service available. Prior to our tour, they sent us instructions on how to get to the center and they were very clear. They had signs at the entrance and they were very easy to follow. We booked the 11AM tour and the hike was relatively easy with West Cave and the Grotto at the end of the trail. Our guide was very informational and was able to teach us about the different species of trees and the geography of the area.

This is a small park right in the town of Blanco. We had a FHU site in the first / 50amp loop…read more Backing up wasn't a problem except for the tress across from the site. The branches are low and extend into the roadway. I had to pull them back while my husband backed into the site. They could have scratched the side of the coach if we hadn't done that. We asked camp staff to trim those back, but they never came. Pulling out of the site into the road had to be done carefully as well. Just enough room to miss those branches. Maybe we need to start carrying loppers :) Also beware of the fire ants this time of year and lots of mosquitoes. Poor water pressure. We actually didn't even have water at times (mostly during the weekend when the park was full) You can swim/float on the river right in the park. The town is small but you can walk or ride your bike there. If you go left when entering the state park, the roadway will take you to a city park. You can ride into town from there so you don't have to cross busy Hwy 281.

Blanco State Park (@blancostatepark) is a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, offering a peaceful…read moreriverside escape that feels both scenic and relaxing. Nestled along about a mile stretch of the Blanco River, this relatively small park delivers big on charm, making it perfect for a day trip or a quiet weekend outdoors. One of the standout features of the park is the low-water dam and walkway, which creates calm pools on one side and gentle flowing water on the other. Walking across it gives you beautiful panoramic views of the river, just like in your photos--calm water, limestone edges, and plenty of space to take it all in. The setting feels very serene, especially with the surrounding trees and open sky. The river itself is the heart of the park. Whether you're swimming, fishing, or just sitting by the water, it's a relaxing experience. The water is usually calm and shallow in areas, making it great for families, while deeper sections are perfect for swimming or paddling. Wildlife is another highlight--you'll often spot birds, turtles, and even ducks or geese hanging around the shoreline, adding to the natural vibe. The mix of cypress trees, limestone banks, and clear water really gives it that classic Hill Country feel. Beyond the water, the park has easy walking trails and shaded paths, ideal for a casual hike. These aren't intense hikes, but they're perfect for a laid-back stroll through nature. Picnic areas and campsites are scattered throughout, making it easy to spend a full day here or even stay overnight. Blanco State Park is not the biggest or most dramatic park in Texas, but that's exactly its appeal. It's calm, scenic, and easy to enjoy--perfect for relaxing by the water, taking photos, or just disconnecting for a while. If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor spot with beautiful river views and a laid-back atmosphere, this park definitely delivers.

There are a lot of trails here. It's a great hike if you're in the area and want to hike. There's…read morenot much of a view but it's still nice. We saw a lot of mountain bikers when we were hiking. Parking was very easy.

Canyonlands or Mount Lakeway Trails is a nice location near Lake Travis Schools in Lakeway. There…read moreare several different trailheads. I'd say this is moderate as some areas are very rocky, you get your heart rate going but can still keep a conversation. Some areas are heavily wooded and hilly, and other areas are flat with gravel. Little areas of water and tiny waterfalls are pleasant. There is construction going on and you can head that in the distance, but you can still hear the the bears and wildlife area. I definitely want to come back and check out the other trailheads here. Wear some good shoes as it can be slick.

This is a long review. Trust is not easily given when it comes to the safety of your children. I…read morehad read the reviews and spoke directly to Adam, the owner operator of Rock-About Climbing. Adam set my mind at ease with his years of experience and the training program of his instructors. One of the key elements is you know your child best. Do they listen and follow instructions, are the respectfully to themselves and to others? This will have a huge impact on the child's camp experience. I have twin boys who are good listeners and eager for challenges, yet are comfortable to say I'm not ready to take it to the next level without shame. My sons attended camp twice this year. They had amazing experience both times. They were full of stories to share with us at dinner. Adam and Chris (Lead guide instructor) are wonderful working with kids and teaching them skills and techniques for climbing. They have a strong emphasis on safety and listening to instructions. Be prepared to hear stories of push ups or jumping jacks if you step on a rope, walk underneath a climber or don't follow instructions. This IS NOT a drop your child off and pick up at the end of the day and whatever happens-happens camp. You know your child best so please make sure they're emotionally mature enough to listen, be respectful and want to learn. It's your child and our child safety and experience on the line. Our boys had a fantastic time despite a few challenging students. I give Chris so much respect and gratitude how he handled a challenging participant. On the last day they take the students to Enchanted Rock for their final climbs. One of my boys, whom I thought it would have been his twin brother who did this climb, made it to the TOP of the 70 foot rock face. His eyes literally sparkled as he told us about the view from the top and the lake he saw. He admitted he was scared at times, he would take a deep breath and tell himself, I've got this. My other son was fatigued from the heat and listened to his body. He made it 1/2 up the epic wall. He was not shamed by the instructor. He was congratulated on listening to what felt appropriate for him during that moment. The highlight of the day was the Snow Cones at EnchantedRock after a hot day of baking in the sun. I highly recommend this camp for their expertise, attention to safety and passion for teaching. Prepare your child with proper hydration. Most importantly be respectfully to other campers not to send your child if their not emotionally or mature enough to listen and be respectful. This is not a boot camp or drop off & pickup kinda camp. My sons are hooked and look forward to climbing with Chris and Adam again. They asked me if they could climb with them again next week?!?!

AWESOME EXPERIENCE A friend and I went rappelling with Rock-About at Enchanted Rock. Adam was very…read morepatient with us both being beginners! I was a little nervous at the start of the day, but Adam's experience and kindness quickly made it a fantastic excursion. He answered all of my questions and explained technique and gear. We hiked, rappelled, and short roped, and we had plenty of time to rest in the shade and take in the views. Lots of variety with the rappelling and each with great instruction. We had SO much fun. Absolutely would do it again and would recommend Adam and Rock-About!

Nick D Park is a great little 'pocket park' located on a quiet street in Bouldin Creek. Aside from…read moreit's new swing set, it's rather undeveloped and in some areas, unkept- but I think that's the MO of this 'hood. I know because I live there. It has a fantastic creek fed from a few springs which attracts birds of all types and during wetter months one can find families swimming and fishing in the large "bowl" on the north end. No parking, but if you're coming to this park, you should be close enough to walk or bike anyway. Bring your dog - lots of trails and things to discover is this hidden jewel of South Austin.

I love this park! Small but really unique and cute. It has a great location but not great parking…read more Discovering that there was water there was such a treat! I wouldn't use it for swimming but it's nice to see or photograph!

When you're feeling blue, go for a drive, and see the Bluebonnets. Best therapy…read more About an hour drive from N. Austin is Spicewood, TX, and Muleshoe Bend. A gorgeous park with a lake, picnic areas, and RV set ups with grills, but most of all, the star of the park, Texas Bluebonnets. There is a park fee, of $5.00 per person. You are given a pass for the day. And a map of the park. To see the Bluebonnets from the entrance, you're just going to follow the road. Very easy to find. It's a bit of a drive to the Bluebonnets and lake. And it's a dirt road, lots of dust and small rocks. The park is absolutely beautiful. Well worth the drive and the pictures, well, speak for themselves. God Bless Texas. So grateful for the Bluebonnets today.

This campground and recreation area in Hill Country is a lovely way to spend a few hours in nature…read more We were hoping to see the bluebonnets they're known for but alas, late blooming this year. That didn't stop us from seeing a few starting to spring to life. We walked along the water and throughout the property just consuming as much of the beauty as we could. Found some seashells along the way.

Wild Basin is Austin's first wildlife preserve and it was established in 1976. It is part of the…read moreBalcones Canyonlands Preserve system and co-managed by the City of Austin and St. Edward's University. While it is only about 270 acres it is packed with all kinds of features to satisfy any Texas outdoor enthusiast. Today (August 7) I attended the First Friday Walk and Talk led by their research director, Dr. Gabriella Pardee. While August can be brutally hot here in Austin, the walk started early enough to avoid the blazing sun plus the lower trails were mostly shaded. Inside the research center Gabby talked about the history of the preserve, how it is managed and some of the programs offered to the public as well as students at St. Edward's. Then we hit the trails which are well-maintained and have signage so you can easily find your way. During the hike, many topics were touched on like bumble identification, the diversity of animals/birds and stream ecology. Bee Creek runs through the preserve. I highly recommend signing up for one of these "First Friday" of the month hikes led by Wild Basin staff. You will learn a lot. Diving deeper into the natural history of this preserve builds a feeling of community and connection to the wildness so close at hand.

Wild Basin Writing Workshop -- A Hidden Gem!…read more A friend told me about a writing workshop happening at Wild Basin, so I decided to check it out -- and I'm so glad I did! Wild Basin offers an Artist in Residence program featuring creatives in photography, writing, pottery, and more. From what I learned, residents spend about three months sharing their craft by offering a few workshops, and at the end, there's a celebration showcasing their work. One special piece even becomes part of Wild Basin's permanent collection -- how cool is that? Our workshop was led by Sarah Cypher, and it was absolutely lovely. We sat in a circle on the deck on a perfect, "almost-fall" morning. Most attendees seemed to already have their own writing practice, but Sarah made everyone feel welcome and at ease. She's a wonderful facilitator and presenter. We read a few poems, discussed what resonated with us, and then took some time to wander the trails for reflection and writing. It's been years since I've been in that kind of creative space (probably since college!), and it felt so refreshing to tap into that part of myself again. As a teacher, I spend my days helping kids become writers -- but this time, I got to write just for me. My favorite part? Honestly -- all of it. Huge thanks to Sarah, Paul, Wild Basin, and my friend Laura for sharing this experience with me. Funny enough, I drive past here all the time but had never stopped in -- that won't be the case anymore!