Top 5 Best Outdoor Activities in Texas – 2022
With almost 81% of people in America living in urban areas, the problem of feeling trapped in the concrete jungle is as relevant as ever. We carry on doing our routine tasks day after day, seeing the same places and doing the same things. It’s only natural that people seek escape from this rhythm of life, even if for just a moment. Some of us dive into fictional worlds through books, movies, or video games, while others explore the countless corners of our planet. Is there anything more liberating than getting out from the skyscraper maze and walking into the realm of the outdoors, where no frames or boundaries restrict you and anything seems possible? Even though we might forget about it sometimes, we are still part of nature, and it is always ready to welcome us back in its warm embrace. Outdoor sports and activities offer a unique opportunity to unwind and keep your body in good shape. The great thing about them is that everyone can find something for themselves, with different levels of physical activity and exploration involved. You don’t even have to leave the city premises if your schedule doesn’t allow it. Some activities can be pursued within the city’s boundaries. You will probably have a hard time finding a great place for rafting, but you can still explore the never-visited neighborhoods astride your bike, and there is probably some park big enough to allow for a small hiking runaway. In this article, our outdoors sport store suggests the five best outdoor activities that the people of Texas can pursue with some tips on picturesque places that you can see in the process.
Biking
We begin with something that doesn’t require you to leave for a weekend to enjoy it. Cycling kills two birds with one stone by simultaneously being a means of transportation and the activity itself. If you spend most of your commuting time being stuck in a traffic jam, switching to a bicycle might also be a coveted respite from restrictions that vehicles impose on you. Biking offers a whole bundle of benefits to its enjoyers, especially those who have made a habit of it. For one thing, cycling lowers the risks of diseases related to a sedentary lifestyle, like heart disease or diabetes, and increases cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. People who cycle regularly also report having mental health improvements, saying that biking reduces stress and anxiety levels and improves vitality. To those who stick to an eco-friendly lifestyle or don’t like the gauge of motor vehicles, bicycles offer zero greenhouse gas emissions (except for those you emit while cycling), easier parking, and higher maneuverability.
Even if your busy schedule doesn’t have a spot for recurring bicycle trips, cycling is still a fun way to spend your weekend or vacation. You don’t even need to own a bicycle – there are plenty of rental services that can equip you with everything you need for your cycling trip. One doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel to find a place for an enjoyable bike tour – you are free to go anywhere your heart desires. Even regular highways appear in a different light when looked at from a bike saddle. However, if you are after mesmerizing sceneries, there are several Texan bike trails that deserve your attention. The backroads of Texas Hill Country will walk you through miles of scenic views. The roads are mostly undisturbed by cars so you will have all the beauty to yourself. San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach has 16 miles of shared hike and bike trail that connects four national historic missions. If you happen to be a capital dweller, the Lost Pines of Bastrop can tell you a story of a forest recuperating from the most hazardous fire in the history of Texas. It’s a 45-minute ride from Austin, but if you want to cycle your soul out and don’t need any biking tours to do so, you have 27 miles to have fun. Just be sure to make breaks lest you should arrive at the sight at the end of your tether.
Camping
For those who seek a change in their sleeping schedule and love falling asleep in the bosom of nature, camping is hands down the best option. Camping is all about the process, the journey you undertake, and the experiences you go through. As usual, the real treasure is the friends you make along the way and the memories you get to share. But camping is not only about soft and fluffy parts. It is not about them at all, to be honest. Camping is a test of skill, determination, and perseverance. However, nobody sends you to survive by foraging in the middle of nowhere, you are not Bear Grylls, after all (unless you are, then we want you to know, Mr. Grills, how much we admire what you do). Camping can be very forgiving if you are accompanied by more experienced outdoor enthusiasts or bring about many hilarious moments if you are a group of first-timers.
Regardless of your skill level, camping will surely create many a memory for you to recall once you are back. Those can be not only stories and events but also fascinating images of nature, your prominent companion on this journey. The state of Texas lavishes its residents with opulent views and places that deserve to be seen at least once. The variety of biomes will leave even the pickiest travelers speechless, as you have valleys and canyons, forests and deserts, mountains, and swamps to choose from. Various Texan terrains house entirely different species of flora and fauna, so you can also consider local wildlife when choosing a region for camping in Texas. If you live in the western part of the state and want to see some lush greenery for a change, the area around Sam Rayburn Reservoir is abundant in spots for camp settings. In case you hear the call of the ocean (or the Gulf of Mexico in this case), Padre Island National Seashore can offer you the solitude of warm nights and the view of the never-ending water expanse. Should you want to see the Great Canyon but be unwilling to leave your state, Texas has the Great Canyon of its own! In Palo Duro Canyon State Park you can set up a tent facing the magnificent canyons, buttes, and spires of all shades of orange. Be sure to come prepared, as primitive camping is not a cakewalk. And if you don’t want to deprive yourself of the comforts of civilization, hiking is also absolutely worth it. All of those places provide accommodations of all price ranges.
Paddling
If you have always been drawn to water and want to try something else than swimming, paddling is the way to go. We don’t want to incline you to choose between kayaking, canoeing, or rafting since, even though all of those activities are technically different, they have the same idea at their core. Texas is blessed with waterways, lakes, and reservoirs that make for perfect paddling spots. And if you don’t own a canoe or kayak (why would you if you don’t live near water), you can always gather a group of friends and rent several. Or you can set off on a self-exploring journey alone, where there is nothing but nature and yourself.
There are plenty of places for canoeing and kayaking in Texas. The Guadalupe River State Park, as you can guess from its name, has the Guadalupe River as its main sight. The park even introduced a paddling trail so that you would have a clear route to stick to. If you want to get the experience of paddling amidst the bald cypresses of Louisiana, you can actually do so without leaving the state. Caddo Lake State Park rests on the border of two states and combines natural elements of both of them. You may have to share waterways with alligators, so make sure to check out alligator safety tips. They don’t swim in the water of this lake to hunt people, but better safe than sorry, right? In case you prefer habitats with more familiar fauna, the Frio River is an absolute must. The sights are fabulous, the nature is vibrant, and the spring-fed river is always cool and startlingly transparent. The most popular state park in Texas, Garner State Park, is located on the river and offers tons of other activities and places to enjoy.
Horseback Riding
Those who live with pets by their side know how healing and soothing the contact with animals is. Horses have been keeping us company for quite some time already, and it’s hard to imagine our life without them. Horseback riding is a unique outdoor activity that allows you to have a very personal connection with another creature while admiring the beautiful sights of the world around you. You can make a new hooved friend and have a great time – what else one might want from a vacation?
There are dozens of places to do horseback riding in Texas, but we list only three of them. Most of us don’t have a horse and can’t take one to hit the road, so we are looking for places where you can rent a horse on site. Brazos Bluffs Ranch is one of those places. A gem hidden between bluffs in between Dallas and Austin, this ranch provides top-notch horseback riding tours. If you are looking for places for horseback riding near Houston, Cypress Trails Ranch is a 25-minute drive from the city. Here you can enjoy guided trail rides along Cypress and Spring Creeks. In case you are interested in horseback riding near San Antonio, only one hour separates you from Juniper Hill Stables. They offer more than 50 miles of trails that allow one to truly admire the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Rock Climbing
The last and probably the most extreme outdoor activity on the list, rock climbing is a feat worthy of the boldest of the outdoor enthusiasts. For those who enjoy overcoming obstacles and conquering places other people even dread to think about, rock climbing is one of the most suitable means to prove themselves. Most big cities have at least one rock climbing gym where you can hone your skills, but nothing can compare to conquering an actual mountain. However, we strongly suggest you never go climbing mountains alone or with a group of friends without telling anyone. Watch The Descent if you still think there is an element of thrill in going in the middle of nowhere without anyone knowing. To more responsible climbers, we can offer the following destinations.
If you are determined to experience every single aspect of the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers yet another way to explore this marvelous land. Getting atop its pink granite dome is a must for every climber, yet there are also plenty of sights for those who enjoy slab and crack climbing. All Austin rock-climbing enthusiasts who have no time to travel far are welcome in Barton Creek Greenbelt. More than 30 climbing routes of limestone rock are waiting to be explored. Those staying at or passing by the city of El Paso might also want to drop by Hueco Tanks State Park. The park staff does a lot to preserve its fragile beauty, so there are several guidelines for you to follow. But once you see and experience this place first hand, you will definitely understand why they do all they can to keep it alive.
