Lone Star Travelers Blog » hiking

Eisenhower State Park, Denison Texas

joanie7 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:36:42 +0000

We just returned from a short trip to Eisenhower State Park, named for the 34th President of the United States who was born nearby. Located northwest of Denison Texas and approximately 100 miles north of Dallas Texas this nice size park of 423.1 acres is set on the shores of Lake Texoma, a huge reservoir on the Texas/Oklahoma border. The Tex and oma in the name of this Red River impoundment represents both states. 580 miles of shoreline sprawl across the borders of Texas and Oklahoma with 2/3 of the lake actually in Oklahoma.

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Back Country Camping Petrified Forest National Park

joanie7 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:16:41 +0000

There are no campgrounds in Petrified Forest National Park. If you want to camp in the back country wilderness you must obtain a free permit (for up to 14 days) at Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn or Rainbow Forest Museum at least one hour before the park closes. At the north side of the park the entrance to the 43,000 acres of wilderness area is at Kachina Point adjacent to the Painted Desert Inn. 300 ft of steep switch back trail will take you to the desert floor. You may set up camp once you have crossed the Lithodendrom Wash approximately one mile in a westerly direction. On the south side of the park the wilderness area is located at mile marker 24 known as The Flats. Head west into the 7,000 acres for at least one mile before you set up camp. You must pack in everything you need and pack it all out. There is no water in the wilderness areas. Carry all the water you will need. Recommended is one gallon per person per day.

Petrified Forest National Park Hiking Tips

joanie7 — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:23:05 +0000

The next pull out is not named and so of course we call it No Name Point. This is a good spot to pause, look at your map and plan your remaining stops and perhaps some hikes. You may hike anywhere in Petrified Forest National Park within the following guidelines. If there is a designated walkway or path you must stay on it. You may not walk into any areas with signs indicating closed area or authorized vehicles or personnel only. (these are few) Otherwise you may strike out into the Painted Desert or the Petrified Forest on your own. You must park your vehicle in an overlook parking lot or if you pull off on the side of the road you must be completely off the roadway and on the other side of the designated white line. The park closes at 7PM in the summer and 6PM at other times of the year. At closing time you must be in your vehicle heading for an exit.

Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Trail

joanie7 — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:42:34 +0000

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The Paria Rimrocks hike near the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a pleasant 1.5 mile round trip jaunt taking you to the hoodoos and balanced rocks. Actually located in the Grand Staircase Escalante this is a fairly easy hike that the whole family can enjoy. To find the trailhead from the Glen Canyon Dam drive 30 minutes north on highway 89. Just after you pass Utah mile marker 19 turn off the highway in to the dirt parking area. Be sure to sign the register before you head up the wash. About halfway out there is an area that requires a little rock scrambling. You may require a boost if your hiking skills are rusty however most people make it without difficulty. When you arrive the sight of various balanced rocks jogs your sense of logic as the hoodoo gardens fill your imagination with mystical wonderings as only nature can. If you have the time continue beyond the hoodoos, scramble down into another wash and follow it back out to your car. There are no designated trails so you want to check your compass and make sure you are headed in a westerly direction towards the highway and the parking lot. As with any hike in Canyon Country be sure you bring enough water, wear sturdy shoes, apply sunscreen frequently and don’t forget your hat. Tip: Maps are available at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Big Water which you will pass on the way to the trailhead.

Lake Arrowhead State Park

joanie7 — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:23:15 +0000

Lake Arrowhead State Park in Clay County is just 18 miles south of Wichita Falls, Texas. At 524 acres this is a small park on a very large (16,200 acres) reservoir with 106 miles of shoreline. Fishermen are drawn to the large abandoned steel oil derricks that dot the lake and yield the fish. Lake Arrowhead State Park participates in “Loan A Tackle Program” where the park lends fishing tackle to the visitors. A Kids Fishing Contest and an Adult Rough Fish Contest are held in June. Check the park calendar for current schedule. When not fishing there are 5 miles of mostly flat and grassy trails shared by hikers and equestrians to enjoy. If you bring your horse there are 4 equestrian campsites. 48 campsites with water and electric as well as 19 sites with water only are spacious and partially shaded. We stopped at this park on our way home from Utah in the summer of 2008. Close to Hwy 287 it is a welcome respite from the roadside highway campgrounds. Tip: Lake Arrowhead State Park is home to an active black-tailed prairie dog “town.”

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

joanie7 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:22:25 +0000

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is truly a magical place. If you are in the process of making your summer vacation plans and are heading west to tour the Grand Circle of National Parks and Monuments including Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Mesa Verde and more you definitely should put Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on your “must visit” list. It is the 6th largest National Park Unit in the lower 48 states. It is one of 18 National Recreation Areas under jurisdiction of the National Park Service. (Lake Mead was the first.) During the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960′s it was agreed that the National Park Service would administer the reservoir (Lake Powell) for public use thus Congress established Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. I invite all of you to read my blog and link into our website for in depth and inside information on things to do in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area including where to camp or find lodging, good hiking choices and a couple of restaurants that the locals frequent. Trust me on this one. My husband and I spent four months last summer in Glen Canyon National Recreation area volunteering with the National Park Service. Time and time again we heard visitors comment “How come I didn’t know about this place?” ”If I would have known I would have allowed more time to visit here.” ”You mean I can actually join a smooth water float trip here down the Colorado River through the canyons for a half day and later swim or boat in Lake Powell!” ”I had no idea I can hike anywhere in the back country and find my own adventure without the crowds.” If you have questions please leave me a comment and I may have the answer, if not I can probably find out and get back to you. Happy Travels!

Easy Day Hikes in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

joanie7 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:02:30 +0000

If you only have a few hours in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and would like to enjoy a few short easy hikes there are several to choose from.

The Agua Tierra Loop Trail is a nature trail beginning at the Lake Powell Resort Lodge. Ask for a free guide at the Wahweap Ranger Station or the Carl Hayden Visitor Center. This is an easy fun and informative nature walk for the whole family. The 11 stops in 0.6 mile (1 km) explore the relationship of Agua-Tierra (Water-Earth) illustrating the effects of water and erosion.
Another great hike is The Hanging Garden Hike. The free hiking guide describes the Hanging Garden Hike like this “leads you to a luxuriant Hanging Garden: A desert oasis on the mesa top high above the Colorado River and Lake Powell.” Request the guide at Carl Hayden Visitor Center 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Once you have the guide head east, cross the Glen Canyon Bridge on Hwy 89. A left turn will access the parking area. This is a one mile (1.6 km) round trip fairly easy enjoyable hike.
Next get back on Hwy 89 heading towards Page. The Glen Canyon Dam Overlook is located on Scenic View Drive off Hwy 89 approximately 2 miles South of the dam. Again there is a free viewing guide available. Spend 10 minutes walking downhill, there are some stone steps and a partial handrail leading to a viewpoint allowing a long view of the Glen Canyon Bridge and the Glen Canyon Dam. Watch your step as you climb the rocks for a vantage point looking directly down at the green moving waters of the Colorado River.
Once back on Hwy 89 continue heading south approximately 5 miles to highway marker 545. Access to the parking area will be on your right hand side (west) This is the Horseshoe Bend trail, a 1.5 mile roundtrip slug through soft sand to a spectacular view point 1,000 feet high above the Colorado River. This 270 degree turn or bend in the Colorado River is one of the most photographed by day trippers. Use caution approaching the soft sandstone edge and keep a sharp eye on your children as there are no guard rails.
Your final choice may be the Rimview Trail maintained by the City of Page. You may hike or bike (no motorized vehicles of any type) the 8 mile trail circling the city offering scenic lookouts along the way. Depending on your level of experience and how many times you stop to enjoy the view bikers may spend 1-3 hours total on the trail.
Now if you want to enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area but do not feel like hiking at all head back up Highway 89 North past Page. A short drive past the dam will take you to the Wahweap Scenic Overlook. Have your camera ready to capture this sweeping view of Lake Powell. Parking is easy even if you drive up in your RV and there are shade shelters for your comfort.

Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City Texas

joanie7 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:40:26 +0000

Visit our Pedernales Falls State Park Photo Gallery

Pedernales Falls State Park in Blanco County is a great Texas Hill Country family destination. Just 35 miles West of Austin Texas it truly feels a world away. The park at 5,211.7 acres is spacious and spread out along the banks of the Pedernales River. The main attraction at Pedernales Falls State Park is Pedernales Falls. The river eroded through the rock canyon and drops 50 feet over a distance of 300 feet through the layered limestone. This area is set on the southwest flank of the Llano uplift (see Inks Lake State Park) The falls backdropped by sweeping hills can be viewed from a scenic overlook at the North end of the park. If you want to float the river or tube head to the parking lot 3 miles down the river. Steep stone steps and a 1/4 mile walk will take you to the swimming area. Be careful as you wade on the slick river bottom stone. Try your luck fishing for catfish after a river rise. And if you do see the river start to rise leave the area for higher ground immediately. Flash floods, swift and fierce are common in Hill Country. When you are done playing in the water there is plenty of hiking and wildlife viewing to keep you busy. Pedernales Falls State Park boasts 19.8 miles of tree shaded hiking and mountain biking trails, 10 miles of equestrian trails (you cannot keep your horse in the park overnight) and 14 miles of backpacking trails. Typical wildlife frequenting the park include white-tailed deer and coyotes. 150 species of birds have been identified in the park and of these 1/3 are permanent residents. A covered bird blind for viewing and photography is popular especially during the morning feedings. In the Spring the endangered golden-cheeked warbler nests in the park. Camping choices include remote back-pack or mountain bike in (2 1/2 miles) sites or 69 spacious water and electric sites with some privacy but very little shade.

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Huntsville State Park, Huntsville Texas

joanie7 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:05:52 +0000

Visit our Huntsville State Park Photo Gallery

Huntsville State Park located in Walker County is in the piney woods of Sam Houston National Forest. A large park (2,083 acres) it offers many activities. Boating in the small (210 acre) Lake Raven is limited to idle speed although motor size is not restricted. Canoes, kayaks and row boats are rented seasonally. Fishing for largemouth bass is catch and release only, however you may keep any catfish or crappie you catch. You may not bring your own horse but there are guided horseback rides available at Lake Raven Stables. (call them at 936-295-1985) An extensive trail system includes 18 miles of beginner to intermediate biking trails mostly under the canopy of the tall pine trees, there are also nature trails and many hiking only trails. Park Headquarters has a good map of the trails to hand out. You may swim in an unsupervised swimming area but be aware that occasionally alligators are spotted. The Texas State Park Store is named “Gator Junction!” There are large camping areas. 125 tent sites, each two sharing a water spigot, another 58 sites have water and electricity, 25 of these are pull-thru in the Raven Hill Trailer Area with another 36 back-in at the Prairie Branch Camping Area. We camped at the Raven Hill Area and enjoyed views of the lake. Several sites in the three loops that comprise Raven Hill Camping Area are lakeside. The historic town of Huntsville, one of Texas’ oldest towns, founded in 1836 as a trading post is 6 miles from the park. The 66 feet high Sam Houston Statue dominating the view of motorists on I-45 and the Huntsville Visitor Center are also nearby. The statue has been described as possibly the world’s largest statue of an American hero. Sam Houston was the President of the Republic of Texas, a statesman and a General who led the Texas Army in the battle of San Jacinto the decisive victory in the Texas Revolution. Huntsville Texas is approximately 70 miles North of Houston, Texas and 170 miles South of Dallas, Texas.

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