It's hard to believe this place is not saturated with people. It seems like everyone is searching for an escape and yearning for a return to basics. The Hill Country State Natural Area (HCSNA) gives visitors just that.
Purposely primitive, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department focuses on safeguarding the area's natural state. You won't find a lot of frills here.
Hill Country State Natural Area
10600 Bandera Creek Road
Bandera, TX 78003
Trails for Every Adventurer
There are 40 miles of multi-use trails, ranging from easy to advanced. All trails can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can find all the trails online here. The most popular is the West Peak Overlook Trail (see description below). If you're looking for a challenge, you should also try the Ice Cream Hill Trail. I also enjoyed the Madrone trail.
The area is intersected by the intermittent West Verde Creek, providing opportunities for fishing when the water levels are high enough.
HCSNA is expansive and a must-see for some true hill country views. However, you'll want to visit in the Fall or Spring. I visited in March and could already feel that insane sun. We saw some overcast skies, and my photographer's mind would have been frustrated, but I welcomed the cloud coverage with open arms.
Camping at HCSNA
A few weekends ago, Andrew and I loaded up the car with our tents, and our little pup Gus, and headed for the HCSNA in Bandera, Texas. We packed light, with food for a light lunch and easy chicken fajita dinner. We only had plans to stay for one night.
We took the scenic route from Austin through Dripping Springs, Blanco, Kendalia, Boerne and Bandera via 290. It takes a little longer than traveling on I-35, but worth it.
We stopped for breakfast at the Deutch Apple Bakery in Blanco and wow! Just wow! Best kolaches I've ever had. They served a wide variety of beautiful-looking baked goods, from apple pies to lemon bars and mini-blueberry pies. You won't find another bakery like this.
When we arrived at HCSNA, we set up camp. We booked the Comanche Bluff primitive campsite, which was a lot more spacious and private than I imagined. We had campsite 121, which was the last one on the road. The spot had ample tree coverage, which served as a nice reprieve from the hot, Texas sun.
HCSNA offers primitive walk-in or hike-in campsites. They also have a nearby lodge that can accommodate a group of 9.
West Peak Overlook Trail
Probably the most popular of the trails, West Peak Overlook Trail, is a must-see. If you know me, I'm kind of a pessimist. Most things don't blow my mind. However, the view at the top of the trail did not disappoint.
Despite the trail not being too challenging, with just a few uphills and very rocky terrain, I was surprised at how beautiful and expansive the view was. I could have taken in the landscape for hours. It is a quintessential hill country beauty.
Pure Serenity
As night fell, we gathered around the campfire, marveling at the blanket of stars above. It was a moment of pure serenity, a reminder of the simple joys of life untethered from the chaos of the world.
If you're in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, go camp at the Hill Country State Natural Area. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Comments