Wanderlust World Wanderlust World If you're thinking of exploring the natural beauty of Texas, consider visiting the state's mountains. You can plan a secluded vacation and camp in remote mountains, or instead stay in the closet town and make a day trip out of it. Texas offers a variety of landscapes and terrain, from high desert to hill country. Plan ahead and don't forget your map.
For a West Texas mountain vacation, visit the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park sits in the desert along the Texas/New Mexico border. Climb the state's highest peak at Guadalupe Peak, with its pinnacle at almost 9,000 feet high. Check out the view at McKittrick Canyon or spy "El Capitan," a huge limestone slab. The visit is truly a tranquil getaway-the park only gets 200,000 visitors each year. Note that the park has no lodge, cabins or places to get food. Camping facilities are minimalist and you have to travel 70 miles to Carlsbad for hotel accommodations.
If you're looking for a true western experience, this may be it. For a tame hike, go through McKittrick Canyon. The trip is less than three miles long. You'll get views of desert plants, such as yucca and cacti, and see jackrabbits and wildflowers. If you hike up the Guadalupe Peak, be prepared for challenging terrain and plenty of thorn bushes, but some clear views of the desert around you.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon Road
Salt Flat, TX
915-828-3251
For another desert mountain retreat, visit the Chisos Mountains. The Chisos Basin offers a lodge with free Wi-Fi Internet service. In the basin you get a view of surrounding volcanic peaks with an opening called "the window," where you can glimpse the sunset on the desert horizon. The Chisos Mountains offer plenty of hiking trails and foot paths through its hills and valleys. For a half-day adventure, take the Lost Mine Trail. It leads to a high ridge overlooking the southeastern desert. Though the mine is only a legend, and no evidence of one exists, the hike offers 32 listed, notable plants and animals. For a more rigorous, overnight back-country camping hike, take the South Rim Trail. The round trip is at least 14 miles, so be prepared.
Chisos Mountain Lodge
Basin Rural Station
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
(432) 477-2292
chisosmountainslodge.com
For a tamer mountain vacation, visit the hill country north of Fredricksburg, about two hours from Austin, known as Enchanted Rock. The hill country comes alive during the spring with wildflowers and fields of bluebonnets. Spend time here rock-climbing, hiking, biking, picnicking or back-country camping. If you'd rather not rough it, Fredricksburg is just 18 miles south, with plenty of accommodations, shops and restaurants. Trail highlights include a four-mile loop and a summit trail rising 425 feet in less than a mile.
Enchanted Rock State Park
Llano, Texas 78643
830-685-3636