From Amarillo to Big Bend, the Gulf Coast to El Paso, the vast Texas State Park system traverses the many unique geographies and ecosystems that this state has to offer. The best way to explore them? On two wheels!
Luscious green Texas Hill Country. A sweeping multicolored canyon stretching far beyond the horizon. Forests of towering pine trees dotted with tranquil lakes. Untouched desert mountain ranges silhouetted by fiery sunsets and infinite starry skies. These are just a handful of the 11 distinct ecological regions Texas has to offer. What better way to experience this beauty than by bike?
Bastrop State Park
A great jumping-off point for casual cyclists and families, as well as road cyclists looking for a challenge. Take the kids on an afternoon ride through the gorgeous Lost Pines on the park’s smooth, paved paths before getting cozy around a campfire in the evening. In the morning, strike out early a more strenuous stretch of hilly riding to nearby Buescher State Park. This 12-mile one-way route makes up one section of the famous annual fundraising ride known as the MS 150!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park should be on the bucket list for every visitor to Texas. For mountain bikers, move it to the top! This is the second-largest canyon in the United States and it is stunning. Trails like Baby Grand, an extensive 26-mile loop of intermediate single-track riding, offer the best, most adventurous way to truly grasp the immensity of this geological phenomenon. Make sure to check out The Lighthouse, the park’s famous towering rock formation.
The park also offers plenty of great campsites. But if you’re looking for something more comfortable that still offers gorgeous views, check out nearby Comanche at Doves Rest Cabins. Jacuzzi soak after a long day riding, anyone?
Franklin Mountains State Park
At the westernmost point in Texas, the Franklin Mountains State Park, incredibly, lies fully within the city limits of the city of El Paso. These high-desert mountains offer memorable vistas in addition to the 100-plus miles of scenic bike trails available to explore. The Franklin Mountains offer phenomenal outdoor rock climbing, with plentiful bouldering routes and sport climbing options, too. Take a day trip or spend the night at one of the many camping sites.
Longhorn Cavern State Park/Inks Lake State Park
Road cyclists, we hear you. The beautiful (paved) Park Road 4 offers up to 40 miles of smooth, rolling Texas Hill Country pavement connecting Longhorn Cavern State Park and Inks Lake State Park. Make sure to take a tour of the spectacular underground caves (the National Cave of Texas). After a great long ride, snag a campsite along beautiful Inks Lake and take a cool dip to refresh those weary legs.
Big Bend National Park
Neighboring the well-known Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers gorgeous high-desert mountain landscapes and jaw-dropping starry night skies, as well as popular trails for dedicated mountain bikers. The state park’s 57-mile Fresno-Sauceda Loop holds an official “Epic” designation by the International Mountain Biking Association, one of only two such trails in the whole state.
Galveston Island State Park
If desert mountains aren’t your thing, strike off in the opposite direction for the coastal wetlands of Galveston Island State Park. Perfect for the whole family, this park’s easy, flat bike trails wind their way along the shore among freshwater ponds and tall sea grass, a thriving habitat for many different species of unique wading birds.
Reserve a primitive or RV site at the Bayside Campsite and take a sunset stroll to the highly-rated Waterman’s Restaurant nearby for great seafood and sea views.
McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls is a beautiful Texas Hill Country state park. This Austin area state park is the perfect backdrop for a day-trip cycling adventure. The beautiful limestone falls and wooded areas connect winding hike and bike trails. Whether you're swimming, cycling or hiking, this state park has something for everyone.
