Just a three hour drive from Dallas, or two hours from Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is a hidden paradise in the Texas Hill Country.
The park contains swimming holes straight out of a Mark Twain novel. You can hike an arid trail, past flowering cacti, to a waterfall oasis that looks more like Costa Rica than Texas.
There is camping along the Colorado River bank, and the fishing is good. You can even explore caves filled with spiders! Here is what you need to know.
Camping
If you want to camp along the water, make sure to choose a site in the River Area, not the Windmill Area. There are both drive up and hike in sites. You will need a reservation on busy weekends. Camping sites are limited and the park can fill up quickly. You should know the park does not have showers. Visit the Texas State Parks website for more information on Colorado Bend camping reservations
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the river, as well as in the swimming holes at Spicewood Springs. The hike to the deepest pool is a flat and easy walk. You can also hike upstream and explore the various streams and pools that ultimately feed into the Colorado River. Tip: Keep your socks on for better traction while getting in and out of the water, algae makes some of the rock around the pools slick.
Beartooth Cooling off in Spicewood Springs
Hiking in Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend has over 20 miles of multi-use trails, and around four miles dedicated solely to hiking. Virtually all of the trails have outstanding views and unique attributes that make them with exploring. I’ll give you the highlights on the more popular hikes, but don’t overlook the other trails. There is an abundance of wildlife. You are all but guaranteed to see armadillos. You may also find lizards, turtles and deer.
This buck near the river campsites was not interested in her attention.
Gorman Falls
Easily the most popular attraction in the park, this waterfall actually grew itself! While most waterfalls will get smaller over time, Gorman Falls continues to grow. Carbon dioxide in the water dissolves minerals in the rock. Over time, these dissolved minerals accumulated at Gorman Falls, growing into what we see today.
Round trip this hike is around 3 miles. In the warmer months, make sure you take water and try to start your hike in the morning.
The trail leading to the falls is rocky, with little shade and with one steep decent near the end. However, there are cables to hold on to. Any able-bodied person should be able to navigate the decent without much trouble. Just take your time.
Near the Trail head to Gorman Falls
Due to the delicate nature of the falls, swimming is prohibited. You can head back to the river or Spicewood Springs to cool off after your hike. The caves in the area are also a nice break from the summer heat.
Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park
River Trail
As the name implies, this trail follows the river bank. It provides access to the hike in camp sites and it is well shaded. If you’re car camping, but considering a hike in site for next time, taking a relaxing stroll on this trail is a good opportunity to see what you would be getting into. These hike in sites are great for testing new equipment or first time backcountry campers.
Cedar Chopper Loop
In the spring this trail is great for wildflowers. It connects to many other trails in the park.
View from the Cliffs on Cedar Chopper Loop
Tinaja Trail
One of the most difficult trails in the park, Tinaja Trail includes some technical areas as well as climbing. It offers excellent views and a Tinaja, or rock bowl, for which the trail is named.
The Caves
You will likely see cave adapted crickets, and if your luck cave adapted pink spiders!
You’ll have to go with a guide and there are three tour options. For all tours, you’ll need a flashlight and clothes you are not afraid to get dirty.
The discovery tour is recommended for beginners ages four and up, the cost is $12/person. You’ll explore Dynamite Cave. Crawling is not required, but there are areas for you to try if you are interested. The opening of this cave was created by one of the parks previous owners, in search of gold on his property. He never found the gold he was searching for, but this cave does contain other treasures, like cave adapted pink spiders!
The intermediate option, recommended for ages 8 and up, will take you deeper into the caves. Some crawling may be required, but it isn’t too difficult to get around. The cost is $25/person. The tour will take around 1.5 hours.
For the truly adventurous, there is a climbing tour. This option is for those 12 and up, confident they have the strength to climb down a 30 food crevice. There are plenty of crawl-ways to explore. This tour costs $55 and will take 2-3 hours.
For up to date information and booking tours, cbcaves.com.
Fishing
Colorado Bend State Park has some of the best bass fishing in Texas. The best part is that fishing in any Texas state park does not require a fishing license. It is totally free! Just bring your fishing pole and get to work.
If you catch something you intend to eat, the park has a designated fish cleaning station where you can prepare your catch for the grill.
Boating
The current is slow in this area of the Colorado River. It is ideal for floating and paddling. Bring a tube or rent a kayak near the park headquarters.
View of the Colrado River off of Spicewood Springs Trail
Mountain Biking
The park offers over 2o miles of bike trails, mostly single track. The terrain is rocky, but there are options for all experience levels.
Pets
Pets are allowed in most Texas state parks, provided you keep them on a leash. There are certain protected areas where dogs are not allowed, so be sure to check with the park rangers before you go.
Colorado Bend State Park allows camping and hiking with your dogs, as long as they are on a leash and you clean up after them.
Conclusion
For a park that you can easily visit over the weekend, Colorado Bend has it all.
The diversity packed into this 5,328 acre park is makes for an enjoyable visit, and some of the best camping near Dallas.
The most gratifying aspect about this park is the varied scenery and wealth of activities packed into a relatively small area within easy driving distance of Dallas or Austin.
Cactus Flower on Spicewood Canyon Trail
Is the Texas heat more than you can bear? Enjoy your time indoors and read something on this list of Outdoor Adventure Books.
