Hiking, Lakes, and Wildlife: My North Texas Adventure

If you’re seeking a holiday destination filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique adventures, North Texas is calling your name. Last week, I traveled on an unforgettable journey through some of the region’s most iconic national parks and recreation areas. I would like to share with you.

Big Bend National Park

• • Santa Elena Canyon: A Scenic Trail Adventure

Big Bend is one of Texas’s crown jewels, renowned for its dramatic canyons and desert landscapes. Please note that this park is huge…so please make plan what you do in this park.

The Santa Elena Canyon trail which we went is a perfect balance of accessibility and beauty. With towering rock formations and a tranquil river at the trail’s end, this 3-hour trek rewards you with panoramic views. The hiking time was a bit longer than we expected but it was not difficult for us.

• • Hot Springs by the Border

Also part of Big Bend National Park, the historic Hot Springs lie at the edge of the border with Mexico. As a one of Japanese who loves hot springs so much, I really wanted to go and see this.

This park blends rugged terrain with cultural history, making it an adventurous destination. Though the drive to this secluded spot is narrow and best suited for a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, the journey is worth it. The natural pool along the Rio Grande offers warm waters for a relaxing soak. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time, so we just touch the water but we could feel warm enough for enjoy the hot springs. There was no wonder that so many people were enjoying it.

Guadalupe Mountain National Park

• • The Devil’s Hall Trail

Guadalupe Mountain National Park is home to some of Texas’s most challenging hikes and unique desert flora. The Devil’s Hall Trail is a test of endurance and strength, featuring rocky obstacles and a steep climb to the iconic “hall.” We had to go over many small and big rocks to reach the “hall” See the picture above. We need to go on this kind of rock road. It was so hard for me… and.. unfortunately, in order to see the hall after we arrived to the goal area, we must climb the high rock wall…My husband can see the hall because he took the side route (but you should stand in high place..) , but I gave up because I am Acrophobia. If you don’t have Acrophobia, you don’t have to worry the wall because many hikers climbed easily.

• • Frijole Ranch Area

Another gem in this park is the Frijole Ranch Area, where a short 10-minute walk reveals a tranquil pond—perfect for a peaceful moment in nature. We enjoyed this trail after the trail of the Devil Hall.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Situated in the Panhandle region, Lake Meredith offers a refreshing escape for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. For those who enjoy lakeside serenity, this spot provides moderate trekking routes with beautiful up-and-down trails (Not so hard.) Though we turned back in the middle of the route (round trip just an hour), the landscapes around the lake were stunning, making it an ideal stop for a relaxing hike.

Palo Duro Canyon: The Grand Canyon of Texas

Known as the second-largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon is a breathtaking destination for hikers and photographers alike. The Lighthouse Trail is famous for its 2.8-mile trek leading to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation. Two third of this trail is very flat and easy to go, but last one third was horrific for me. My acrophobia held me back from reaching the final stretch ( even though everyone could hike even some small kids..), but the vibrant scenery and photo opportunities along the way made this hike unforgettable. FYI, this picture above is the place where my legs were stoped.

Caprock Canyons State Park: Wildlife Wonders

Caprock Canyons is not just about trails—it’s home to free-roaming wildlife, including bison and prairie dogs. While the rugged trails here appeared hard for us, we opted for a leisurely drive through the park instead. Sometimes, the best adventures come when you least expect them.

Conclusion

North Texas offers something for everyone, from avid hikers to casual explorers. Each park I visited had its own charm and unique experiences, leaving me with memories I’ll treasure forever. So, whether you’re looking for your next big adventure or a quiet retreat, consider adding North Texas to your travel bucket list. You won’t be disappointed!