Stretching across the Texas Hill Country is the ever-flowing Guadalupe River. Boerne is just a short distance to the Guadalupe River State Park, and there is always a way to enjoy its beautiful scenery! For those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is an oasis of some of Texas’ most serene hiking trails, sparkling waters, and admirable wildlife. Rediscover the treasures found in time spent alongside Mother Nature!
Traipse through an enchanting trail of cypress, sycamore, pecan, walnut, persimmon, willow, elm, basswood, and hackberry trees adorning the river’s rushing waters. Keep an eye out for a collection of different bird species such as owls, golden-cheeked warblers, and cardinals. If you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of a bobcat, an armadillo, or a white-tailed deer!
Things To Do –
Explore one of the many trails that the park has to offer on a day hike with the whole family, camp under the Texas stars, bike through breathtaking scenic views, or fish at the break of dawn! Among the seemingly endless amount of activities you can plan for your trip to the Guadalupe River State Park, check out their event calendar for the most updated list of things to do each month, or follow them on Facebook!
History –
The Guadalupe River State Park sits on 1,239 acres of land, and opened as a public park in 1983. The state of Texas obtained the property in 1975. The river itself was named after Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, which translates to “Our Lady of Guadalupe”, a Roman Catholic title for the Virgin Mary. You can find more information on the history of the Guadalupe River here.
Mark your calendar for a guided Saturday morning tour at 9:00AM through the Honey Creek State Natural Area! This section of the park is closed during the week, so make sure to make an appointment for the Saturday you’d like to tour it. It is completely free to reserve a spot for this tour, and it is open to the public. You can learn about the cultural and natural history of Honey Creek during your interpretive trail hike, too. Afterward, take the kiddos to the Children’s Discovery Center, a place where hands-on exploration is encouraged!
Bauer Unit –
Tucked away on 670 acres of land lies the Bauer Unit. Located on the north side of the river, you’ll find 6 miles of trails away from the crowds. Fish for bass or catfish in these quieter waters and listen for the golden-cheeked warbler’s song in the oak trees! Adults and children can also apply for exotic hunting. See the Guadalupe River State Park website for more details on how you can apply for hunting activities during the year!
Written by: Erika Yount, Boerne Visitor Center Admin
Blog photos are a complement of Sophia Mattos Photography.