Home › Texas › Bandera › Hill Country State Natural Area
Hill Country State Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 524 Google reviews · Running trail in Bandera, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hill Country State Natural Area'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.
Large park with rugged terrain offering 40 miles of multiuse trails, a campground & primitive sites.
What runners say about Hill Country State Natural Area
“This place is great for hiking until you get run over by the most beautiful woman you have seen in your life on a horse.”
“The park is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves with steep climbing and rugged terrain, but there are trails perfect for running or a nice hike.”
“My dog and baby loved it 🥰 Also I have the Texas state parks pass which I highly recommend if you plan on visiting or camping at more than just one place a year.”
This place blew my mind! And I've been to many many Texas State Parks and hiking areas. This was by far one of the best trips we've taken. It was well-maintained but not overly established. There are 40 or so miles of hiking. The views are so so great!
Great hikes in the hill country. I love the rugged hill country with its rolling hills, rocky paths and dessert plants. It’s unique and breathtaking. The park is sprawling with trails that ranges from easy (prairie type) to challenging (rocky hills through elevations).
Thoroughly enjoyed the entire park to mostly myself (Monday Morning). Came over to rip around on my bike. The others weren’t lying…good luck on the uphill climbs with all the loose rock. No problem though, walked my bike up a few spots that were too loose, the way down was a blast!
Absolutely stunning! Also pretty quiet out on the trails which was nice. Hot as hell so be prepared but thats like every single outdoor area in Texas. My dog and baby loved it 🥰 Also I have the Texas state parks pass which I highly recommend if you plan on visiting or camping at more than just one place a year.
Trail conditions & character
“This place is great for hiking until you get run over by the most beautiful woman you have seen in your life on a horse.”
“The park is perfect for those who want to challenge themselves with steep climbing and rugged terrain, but there are trails perfect for running or a nice hike.”
“It was relatively short, still rocky/steep, and the views from the top were way better than I could've anticipated.”
“Found that some of the trailheads don't have parking, and the park host told us to park at the HQ & walk from there, which would have added quite a bit of distance.”
“My dog and baby loved it 🥰 Also I have the Texas state parks pass which I highly recommend if you plan on visiting or camping at more than just one place a year.”
“If you plan to hike and camp I suggest camping in the equestrian loop, which is extremely close to a couple trailheads that lead you to almost all the other trails.”
Plan your run at Hill Country State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetpwd.texas.gov
- Phone+1 830-796-4413
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
| Thursday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
| Friday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
| Saturday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
| Sunday | 8:15 am–4:45 pm |
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