The Thrill Seekers Guide to The Top Outdoor Adventures in Texas

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Looking for a heart pounding, adrenaline filled, one of a kind outdoor adventure in Texas? Luckily, Texas has it all, despite the unfortunate rumor that the state is “all flat and boring”. The top outdoor adventures in Texas are housed in its diverse mountains, canyons, rivers, and forests, so get ready to fill your calendar these thrilling and unique Texas activities in the outdoors, including:

the best hiking trails in Texas
the best trail running in Texas
the best rock climbing in Texas
the best backpacking trails in Texas
the best mountain biking in Texas
the best rafting and boating in Texas

Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t make any recommendations on this page that I haven’t tested or personally used! Enjoy this guide to the top outdoor adventures in Texas!

Table of Contents

The Top Outdoor Adventures in Texas

This is not your typical breakdown of fun things to do in Texas – this is the ultimate thrill seekers guide to the best outdoor adventures in Texas for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, and diehard explorers!

The Best Hiking in Texas

Texas owes its top hiking trails to its kaleidoscope of terrain and geography. Perhaps most underrated are its mountains – yes, there are actual mountains in Texas – several impressive ranges to be exact! And they contain a handful of rugged, challenging, and rewarding adventures!

Guadalupe Peak – Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The top of the list of Texas hikes, literally and figuratively. Guadalupe Peak is the tallest point in Texas and therefore one of the 50 U.S. state high points. It starts off in high desert shrubbery, before morphing into a ponderosa forest and then the windswept, rocky peaks of Guadalupe Peak. This hike is just tough enough to be one hefty day hike, or you can up the experience by primitive camping at the backcountry site just below the summit, for some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the state! While you’re there, you can check out some of the other underrated gems at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including some of the other top hiking trails. This perfect one day Guadalupe Mountains itinerary will show you just how to make the most of your time.

Lighthouse Trail – Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Wondering where the 2nd largest canyon in the U.S. is? It’s at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is affectionately known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”. While all the hiking trails here are bathed in red rock beauty, the Lighthouse Trail is by far the most beloved hike in the park. When you reach the iconic landmark at the terminus of this trail, you will instantly know why!

Haynes Ridge and the Prong Trails – Caprock Canyons State Park

Next door to Palo Duro Canyon State Park is its smaller sibling, Caprock Canyons State Park. What many locals will tell you though, is that this state park and its canyon are perhaps their favorite, because it is less popular, but no less stunning. You can enjoy a short hike on trails like the gypsum layered Eagle Trail with its small caves, creeks, and natural rock bridge, or weave together a longer and more strenuous hike along trails like Haynes ridge and the North and South Prong Trails, where you can traverse the canyon bottom to the top of the rim, and pass landmarks like “Fern Cave”.

Want more canyon hikes? Check out the top 5 canyons you don’t want to miss in Texas!

South Rim Trail Loop – Big Bend National Park

There’s a lot to love about this National Park in Texas, but if you are looking for one of its most rugged and challenging adventures, then you need to hike the South Rim Trail Loop! This hardcore trail packs in just over 12 roundtrip miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain, with some of the most stunning views in Big Bend! Be sure to bring plenty of water, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day if possible.

Emory Peak – Big Bend National Park

Emory Peak is also a contender for one of the most challenging and rewarding hiking adventures in Big Bend National Park. It’s 9.3 mile roundtrip trail has just shy of 2,500 feet of elevation gain to the top. Be ready, because the last section to the summit is a a short rock scramble, adding just a touch of technicality to this hike. The reward is being able to reach the highest point in Big Bend National Park at 7,832 feet!

You can check out all 10 of the best hikes in Big Bend National Park here.

Gorman Falls – Colorado Bend State Park

If it’s mystical, magical beauty you are after, then this waterfall hike should top your list. You’ll find it hard to believe you’re in the heart of Texas when you stand at the base of one of it’s most mesmerizing waterfalls! With a shorter, gentler trail, it is a little more accessible to a wider range of hikers. It also happens to be one of the most sought after hiking destinations in the area, so advanced booking, especially on weekends, is recommended for entering Colorado Bend State Park.

Lost Maples East and West Loops – Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lost Maples State Natural Area is a top outdoor adventure year round in Texas, but if you want to see it really shine, you need to check it out in the fall! The golds and reds are on full display in this serene park. For a larger sampling of Lost Maples’s top two trails, combine both the East and West Loops for over 12 miles of hiking.

Check out the complete list of the 17 best hikes in Texas HERE.

The Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park — *The Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon State Park*

The Best Trail Running in Texas

What’s not to love about combining a little running and a little hiking in some of the most rugged areas of Texas? That’s basically what you get when you go trail running in Texas. And no, Texas is not all flat, so it’s a true challenge for those that are up for it. But also one of the most rewarding ways to get to know its diverse trails up close and personal.

You don’t have to run a specific race to enjoy trail running in Texas. Many state parks and recreational areas, plus multi-use local trails, provide plenty of fantastic trail running opportunities. Some of my favorite local spots in Texas that I personally trail run at are:

Cleburne State Park – Cleburne
Possum Kingdom State Park – Graham
Cameron Park – Waco
Quanah Hill – Weatherford
Reveille Peak Ranch – Burnet
Palo Duro and Caprock Canyon State Parks – West Texas
Franklin Mountains State Park – El Paso
Davis Mountains State Park – Fort Davis

But if you are looking for some of the top trail races in Texas, here are some of my own personal top contenders!

Bandera Trail Race – Hill Country State Natural Area
Franklin Mountains Trail Runs – Franklin Mountains State Park
Running the Rose – Tyler State Park
Rocky Raccoon Trail Race – Huntsville State Park
Cross Timbers Trail Run – Lake Texoma (Gordonville) – the oldest trail run in Texas!
Grasslands Trail Run – LBJ National Grasslands
Southwest 100 – Fort Davis
Brazos Bend 50 and 100 – Brazos Bend State Park
Wild Canyon Ultra – Caprock Canyons State Park
Pandora’s Box of Rox – Burnet
Possum’s Revenge – Possum Kingdom Lake (Graford)
Rockledge Rumble – Northshore Trail (Grapevine)

Check out the complete list of all the best trail races in Texas HERE, plus the top trail racing organizations and groups in Texas.

Trail running at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet — *Trail running the Pandora’s Box of Rox race at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet*

Best Rock Climbing in Texas

Don’t miss out on the fantastic rock climbing opportunities in Texas. You might be surprised at just how many exist in the Lone Star State.

Hueco Tanks State Park

Arguably the top rock climbing destination in the state, as well as one of the best in the entire country. You can choose self guided or guided climbs here, which range from beginner to advanced. There is something for everyone at Hueco Tanks State Park, but keep in mind that certain rock climbing areas are only accessible by guided tours.

Hueco Tanks State Park is divided into 4 mountain areas: North, East, East Spur, and West. North Mountain requires reservations through the state park!

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

This “enchanting” pink granite dome is home to some scenic and unique rock climbing experiences, that include routes for all skill levels. There are also local operators that provided guided climbing tours and programs.

Reimers Ranch – Austin

This area is known for its limestone climbing opportunities, which happen to overlook the scenic Pedernales River. There are climbing opportunities for all skill levels here.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Sandstone rock climbing is available at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, particularly in the area of the park known as “Penitentiary Hollow”. With cliffs ranging from 20-40 feet high, this is a good place to practice for all skill levels, and there are guide services that operate with groups as well. One bonus to climbing at Lake Mineral Wells State Park? There are lots of shaded climbing routes – perfect for those warmer North Texas days.

Best Backpacking Trails in Texas

Texas may not have the big names like the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, but you can still easily spend several days backpacking the diverse geography of Texas.

Guadalupe Ridge Trail

This relative newcomer technically connects areas in two states: Texas and New Mexico. This 100 mile long trail runs from the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Peak, to New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Along this remote and rugged trail, hikers will pass through the highest peaks in Texas, the vast Chihuahuan Desert, and mixed forests and woodlands.

Water is scare along this trail, so it is arguably the most important planning part of hiking the Guadalupe Ridge Trail. It is highly recommended to take advantage of cache boxes along the trail for water resupplies. Another important factor to figure out is transportation, as there is no public transportation system or shuttle option between the two trailheads.

Outer Mountain Loop – Big Bend National Park

A remote and rugged option that is for experienced backpackers! This 30 mile trek (with optional add ons such as Emory Peak), is primitive, strenuous, and steep. Caching water is also critical to success and safety, as there is limited water sources along the way. But the payoff is a staggering amount of variety in terms of terrain, views, and ecosystems that hikers pass through.

It is not recommended to complete this hike in the warmer summer months, where temperatures and exposure can be lethal.

Lost Maples East and West Trail Loop – Lost Maples State Natural Area

A great way to immerse yourself into backpacking, without as much of the risk. Do this loop in the fall and you won’t regret it!

Backpacking Lost Maples is a great beginner friendly backpacking option, with shorter, gentler distances, some shaded portions, great views, and more easily accessible resources like established campgrounds.

Caprock Canyons Trailway

While the Caprock Canyons Trailway is a mostly flat and open trail, it still allows for a true multi-day backpacking experience through the heartland of west Texas and its 64 total miles, with a few additional perks.

Guaranteed unobstructed sunrises and sunsets!
Passing through Clarity Tunnel
Trekking the scenic Caprock Escarpment
Clarity Tunnel, the summer home of a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats

Keep in mind that there is no water on the Trailway. There are primitive camping opportunities along the trail.

Lone Star Hiking Trail

A favorite long distance backpacking trail among Texans, and the one that is arguably the most reminiscent of other well known, long distance trails like the AT. This is Texas’s version – 129 miles on a National Recreation Trail. Plus, you get to hike through some of the best forests in Texas in Sam Houston National Forest. The Lone Star Trail is relatively flat, with occasional creek crossings.

McKittrick Canyon – Guadalupe Mountains National Park

This trail can technically be hiked in one day, but it is more fun as a two day / overnight backpacking trip. This is another trail that is absolutely gorgeous to undertake in the fall, as McKittrick Canyon is a perennial participant in the best fall hikes in Texas. But there is more to this trail than its fall colors – there’s the challenging climb of 4000 + feet up to the backcountry site on McKittrick Ridge. There’s the sense of isolation and remote surroundings on the 21 miles of backcountry trails. There’s the early Texas history that’s packed into this trail, including the early frontier cabins Pratt Cabin and Hunter Line Cabin. Finally, there’s iconic landmarks like “the Grotto” and “the Notch” to enjoy along the way, and help keep your mind off of the challenging climb!

Guadalupe Peak Trail – Guadalupe Mountains National Park

I’m letting the Guadalupe Peak Trail have a 2nd appearance because technically it can easily be an overnight hike if you so choose. There is a small backcountry site just below the summit, which many people take advantage of to enjoy a sunset and sunrise from the tallest point in Texas. Just make sure to bring all your backpacking essentials, and the required permit.

Best Mountain Biking in Texas

While Texas may not be what most people think of when they think of mountain biking, the scene is alive and thriving in Texas! Here’s some of the best mountain biking trails in the state:

Reveille Peak Ranch – Burnet

A near perfect blend of challenging trails and one of a kind scenery set amongst rugged granite slopes.

Big Bend Ranch State Park

This state park has a whopping 200 miles of mountain biking trails, including something for just about every skill level and terrain preference!

Spider Mountain – Burnet

Texas’s only lift served bike park! Everything from smooth beginner friendly options to steep expert only options. Plus there are rentals, lessons, a bike shop, and even food available. Spider Mountain may not be huge, but it is loved as a top mountain biking destination in the state. It totals 7 miles, 16 trails, and 350 feet of vertical drop. A lot is packed into this one mountain.

Northshore Trail – Lake Grapevine

22 miles of trail that combine water views, rocky shorelines, shaded forest, terrain including rock, sand, dirt, and creek crossings, and a good handful of technical features. There’s an east and west side, with the east side considered to be easier than the west side. Northshore Trail is beloved as one of the best North Texas mountain biking trails.

Cameron Park – Waco

This underrated multi use trail does a good job of hiding inconspicuously in the small town of Waco, but it has an impressive amount of mountain biking potential. There’s over 20 miles of trails here, including easy flats and challenging uphills, with some stunning views overlooking the Brazos River thrown in as well.

Views of the Brazos River from Cameron Park in Waco — *Views of the Brazos River from the trails at Cameron Park in Waco*

Best Kayaking and Canoeing in Texas

It wouldn’t be a complete list without the top outdoor adventures in Texas for boaters, rafters, and canoers!

Santa Elena Canyon – Big Bend National Park

The great thing about Santa Elena Canyon is that you can enjoy it multiple ways – by foot or by water. But I would argue that by water is the most exciting and adventurous way. You can use your own vessel to launch and boat Santa Elena Canyon, or you can book a guided tour out of nearby Terlingua. Make it a day adventure by venturing a couple miles into the canyon, or make it a multi-day excursion! Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park in general are good destinations for beginners and novices alike.

Guadalupe River – New Braunfels

You can enjoy everything from a leisurely float to a venture on Class 2 and 3 rapids on the Guadalupe River. Lots of options to choose from depending on your skill level and time allotment.

Devil’s River – Devil’s River State Natural Area

The Devil’s River in far south Texas is a great location for more adrenaline filled rafting. The full trip is just shy of 48 miles, and requires a special permit and reservations due to the protected nature of the area. There are also guided tours and shuttle services offered as well.

There are Class I and II rapids, and when water levels are high, Class III. There is the Class IV waterfall at Dolan Falls, which is recommended to portage around. There are notoriously submerged rocks as well as rough limestone riverbeds. This is a river trip that requires experience as well as advanced preparation and planning, but is hugely rewarding!

*Kayaking Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park*

There you have it – the top outdoor adventures in Texas, including hiking, trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking, and boating! You can check out more of my favorite local Texan adventures and destinations below:

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