balcones canyonlands national wildlife refuge

913jd

A pretty typical hiking experience. Vault restroom = pit toilet. Lovely views and nice drive from Leander. Good for your visiting outdoorsy relatives. Trails a bit rough for running unless you have good eyes and fast feet, but nice for walking and photography.

693megans

Great hike and wonderful views. A good visit for the outdoorsy type who find themselves in the Texas Hill Country.

Cory_Driver

I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this hike. It's nice to get out into the hill country and be beneath the trees where the world is grey and brown and then see through a break in the canopy the riotous green of the next hill over. The trails were wonderful and afforded some stunning views. Make sure you come out here if you're spending any time in Austin!

Annielu

We flew into Austin this past weekend for a family reunion in Marble Falls. On our way back to Austin, we decided to take a different route and drive through the Canyonlands. Great decision! The road followed a little stream, which we crossed several times, and everything was so green and there were wildflowers everywhere. There was hardly any traffic and a much prettier drive than the one we usually do - just wish we had had more time to stop and explore more than we were able to.

UncleGonzo

We spent several hours here. First, exploring the grounds, then a cave tour, then some time on the trails. If possible, take a cave tour with Cliff. He was excellent - funny and knowledgeable.

amorrison22

Visiting to specifically find a Golden-cheeked Warbler. Very surprised that a national wildlife refuge with such high visitation would have the main office closed on the weekends in April especially during spring break which is a peak time to look for spring migratory birds. Trails were not well marked and we only had maps because I had downloaded them to my phone before leaving NJ. Cell phone reception is poor to non existent in the area. A nice surprise was the Travis Bend Road which was very long but a beautiful spot along the Colorado River and was covered with Texas Blue Bonnet flowers.

bj623

There are great places to see here, but we did not plan adequately. There are no maps at Doe Skin Ranch to figure out what to do if you just drive there. We tried to get good viewing along "cow path road" just be for sunset hoping to get to the HQ area, but never found the Refuge HQ... poorly marked but great country road.... pull off were you can to listen to silence and a cow or two! :) We did get our sunset..

Sarracenia

Visited this NWR for the first time a couple of weeks ago in mid June. The place was a bit out of the way, but only a little. What a surprise to arrive and see so many wildflowers. A native Yucca, one of 4 found in the area, was blooming profusely and the hillsides were white due to the yucca blooms.The place was pretty empty but we arrived very early before 8 am. Good parking lot and nice bathrooms.We took a 2.2 mile trail that went up the hill. It was very nice with great views once you got to the top. Lots of flowers and birds including painted buntings and lark sparrows.A peaceful place great for a nice walk. Best done early during the hot time of the year.There is a short trail that I believe was handicapped accessible as are the restrooms. Would return if I have a chance.

CowboyCamper613

was a good place to relax and take in nature. Not a place to go during the dead of summer . But it was great in a Texas winter, Lots of Animals to be seen.

ChuckF788

Once you go there, you will appreciate that places like this are preserved for our children and grandchildren. This is a remarkable area in the Hill Country, worthy of a couple of days exploring. The staff is helpful, but not nearly as much as the docents.