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Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
4.6 ★★★★★ 760 Google reviews · Running trail in Marble Falls, Texas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 2.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Huge wildlife preserve featuring a canyon, river & fields inhabited by migratory birds.
What runners say about Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
“Trails are well maintained and not that difficult.”
“Balcones Canyonlands is expansive and beautiful with trails appropriate for all skill level and abilities.”
“I started at the Warbler Vista area and those trails were pretty easy, but it offered more shade.”
“Trails are well marked, and there's a basic bathroom facility.”
“It’s so quiet, peaceful, and tranquil out here I take the kids nature hiking we have a special spot that we’ve been taking photos of them since they were little bitty babies.”
Balcones Canyonlands is expansive and beautiful with trails appropriate for all skill level and abilities. NOTE: Google Maps will send you to an address in Marble Falls that is at least 15 miles from any of the Refuge’s trailheads. My suggestion is to locate the trailhead where you want to start (e.g.
My review concerns the Doeskin Ranch location...there are others.Be careful that Google maps doesn't send you to those...This large natural area is set aside in the central Texas Hill Country.
Gorgeous spring morning hike! We did the trail system located at Doeskin Ranch. Lots of varied landscape and some pretty nice views. We started around 9 and the trail was pretty deserted so it was quite peaceful. Lots of birds too!
On our road trip to Austin, we entered through NW Austin and made a point to stop by Balcones on the way South. We planned on hiking the Rimrock Trail which was rated difficult. My wife and are fairly routine hikers.
Trail conditions & character
“Whether we're out riding motorcycle and we stop in at the lookout to take in the view, or when we're hiking and getting some fresh air, Balcones always is a great destination.”
“For those with kids or do jot routinely hike and keep in shape, I can see this being a difficult trail given the climb.”
“My suggestion is to locate the trailhead where you want to start (e.”
“It’s so quiet, peaceful, and tranquil out here I take the kids nature hiking we have a special spot that we’ve been taking photos of them since they were little bitty babies.”
“We spent our morning on the south side and made a big loop of the Cactus Rocks, Vista Knoll, and Ridgeline trails.”
“I started at the Warbler Vista area and those trails were pretty easy, but it offered more shade.”
“There are bathrooms (pit toilets, no water, with hand sanitizer) at most of the parking areas.”
“Trails are well marked, and there's a basic bathroom facility.”
“Bring water and good walking shoes, as all trails are hilly and rocky.”
Plan your run at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance2.2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone+1 512-339-9432
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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