Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
4.5
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
61 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
27
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
tleeEvans
Houston, TX953 contributions
Jul 2022
If you go on a weekend make sure you do not travel to the main gate as it is closed on weekends. You will pick up a map at the gate and drive to the different locations of the hikes. My husband and I choose to go to the creek trail and observation platform. the creek trail has several hikes in the area, the day we were there the creek has not water so the small waterfall is dry. Nice partily paved walking paths and then gravel. Would be very nice if water was in the creek.The Observation platform is not worth the time or gas to get there. You can not see anything really
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
journeyhitherandyon
Denver, CO44 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Enjoyed a winter's afternoon hiking and birding at this national wildlife refuge. Saw several species of birds at the park headquarters, walking along the creek trail. Then drove up the road to Doeskin ranch for a good, solid hike through various Texas Hill Country ecotones. We were there late in the afternoon, too, so we were able to see another round of small-ish birds doing their final foraging for the day. Great day out of the busyness Austin!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingGranny3
Wisconsin73 contributions
Jan 2022
Beautiful hiking area. Serene with a small creek flowing through the Doeskin Ranch area. We heard coyotes but saw no other wildlife, although it was ideal for deer and such. Wonderful area to relax and unwind.
Written January 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trina B
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We hiked a few different paths at Balcones. We started at the visitor center and picked up the junior ranger books for our kids. The rest of the day was spent hiking trails at both Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch. One thing we’ve learned is that the difficulty level trails are ranked in this area of Texas are not the same as other places we’ve hiked, like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, etc.. We hiked the Rimrock Trail which was ranked as difficult at Doeskin Ranch easily with two children ages 10 and 8. They are used to hiking though. It does have a decent elevation change which is why they ranked it as difficult according to the ranger. Hike the trail counterclockwise going right at the beginning. That will take you up the steeper rocky part and down the more gradual path.
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia M
10 contributions
Apr 2023
Our group of three visited early in April and had a great time on the trails. Despite all the vehicles parked, we encountered only two other groups - hikers and hard working volunteers. The vistas were wonderful. The interpretive signs for the historic farm place could have been updated or may be good candidates for an audio tour.
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarracenia
Norman, OK1,688 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
Visited this NWR for the first time a couple of weeks ago in mid June. The place was a bit out of the way, but only a little. What a surprise to arrive and see so many wildflowers. A native Yucca, one of 4 found in the area, was blooming profusely and the hillsides were white due to the yucca blooms.
The place was pretty empty but we arrived very early before 8 am. Good parking lot and nice bathrooms.
We took a 2.2 mile trail that went up the hill. It was very nice with great views once you got to the top. Lots of flowers and birds including painted buntings and lark sparrows.
A peaceful place great for a nice walk. Best done early during the hot time of the year.
There is a short trail that I believe was handicapped accessible as are the restrooms.
Would return if I have a chance.
The place was pretty empty but we arrived very early before 8 am. Good parking lot and nice bathrooms.
We took a 2.2 mile trail that went up the hill. It was very nice with great views once you got to the top. Lots of flowers and birds including painted buntings and lark sparrows.
A peaceful place great for a nice walk. Best done early during the hot time of the year.
There is a short trail that I believe was handicapped accessible as are the restrooms.
Would return if I have a chance.
Written June 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
porter_osborne
Waco, TX793 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Nice refuge in a state with VERY FEW such land set asides. Nice walking trails along meadows or into the "balcones." Make sure you determine which access point you want to visit. There are at least 4 different entrances, and each one is several miles from any other. .No entrance fees so enjoy whatever the day brings..
Written March 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M J
Austin, TX7,884 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
On an April Sunday, my husband and I hiked four trails in the Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge. In the Warbler Vista area (off FM 1431), we hiked the Vista Knoll Trail (1.2 miles round trip) and the Ridgeline Trail (1.5 miles round trip). There is a very nice observation deck at the west end of the Ridgeline trail. Both trails were easy, well-marked, had sitting benches, some shade from trees, and had great views of Lake Travis and the hill country. In the Doeskin Ranch area (off FM 1174), we hiked the Pond and Prairie trail (very easy 0.4 mile) and the Creek trail (.6 mile). Half of the Pond and Prairie trail is paved (handicap access). There are other trails in the Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch areas as well. There is an observation deck in the Shin Oak area (off FM 1869). Shin Oak area is landscape is fairly flat and has scrub bush. Take drinking water. I did not see any drinking water in the Refuge. There were vault toilets in the Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch areas. I suggest that you take Cow Creek Road for your trip between the Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch areas because the drive is beautiful.
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CowboyCamper613
Houston, TX41 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
was a good place to relax and take in nature. Not a place to go during the dead of summer . But it was great in a Texas winter, Lots of Animals to be seen.
Written June 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,402 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
Went out to Balcones Canyonlands looking for some Central Texas hiking that wasn't flat. It did not disappoint. While not a lot of miles the hiking was quite nice. The views were fabulous. I stared at the Doeskin Ranch section where I hiked about 3 miles total. As you start out on the wide road you come to the water crossing and the small but beautiful waterfall. Several large stones have been put solidly across the stream so crossing is easy. You now go up into the hill country to the top of a long ridge that is covered with short trees, prairie grasses and prickly pear cactus. There are occasional views if you pay attention The views are better on your descent. Then I went towards the rimrock trail which takes you up into a small canyon. There is another trail along the creek going the other way through the historic homestead but I declined as it was covered with Prairie Grass bent over by a heavy dew and I didn't want to get wet again as my pants had just dried. Through the prairie near the parking lot is an extensive but rough wheelchair accessible paved path of probably a good mile in length. Restrooms are accessible but are just single stall pit latrines. There was no water so bring your own. But wait there is a bonus here. If you don't mind a little drive between a couple of hikes there is the Warbler Vista unit at Lago Vista Texas. here you can get in another couple of miles on a nice day. The views here were probably just as good as at Doeskin Ranch. Lake Travis can be seen winding into the distanceand to the west a great view back up into the Hill Country.
Written October 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this a toddler and baby friendly area?
We have an all terrain stroller, would it be worth bringing?
Written August 21, 2019
Would not recommend stroller in this refuge. It is mostly undeveloped and trails are rough as well as very hot in Summer
Written August 23, 2019
Hi folks, what's a good place to stay while visiting? Town or hotel motel would do if you have any suggestions. We'd be coming from Albuquerque. Thanks. Jim
Written January 11, 2017
Marble Falls or Cedar Park, no hotel/motel in Lago Vista.
Written January 12, 2017
We would like to get away from Houston and thinking to spend a few days around Balcones Canyonlands... Could you give some insights where can we stay with our mature midsize dog?
Written November 23, 2015
We stayed on the west side of Austin. Many hotels options and not to far from the wildlife area
Written November 25, 2015
We're going to Austin for business in late March. Looks like Balcones Canyonlands is only 1 hour from Austin. Is this true? We enjoy hiking and animals/birds. How many days should we plan to spend there? Are there other nature attractions that are a must see too? We only have 3 days to explore.
Written December 29, 2014
In Austin, the Lady Bird Johnson River Walk is great!
Written June 26, 2015
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