Retreat from the heat. Take a dip in the crystal clear, spring-fed waters of the Frio River. Find comfort and tranquility under the towering cypress trees as you soak up the summer sunshine. The Texas Hill Country offers a reprieve for the weary, as well as enticing adventures for the curious traveler.
As you begin your journey, consider planting some temporary roots in Concan, Texas. Nestled along the Frio River, this small but sprawling community is known for its rolling hills and picturesque limestone bluffs, and is rumored to be named after the rummy-style Mexican card game, “Conquian.” With several drop-off points located along the Frio, it is a tuber’s paradise. The Frio is also desirable for kayaking and canoeing, and of course fishing.
Not looking to get wet? Concan is a sanctuary for several bird species that come to the Hill Country from all directions. During the spring and summer months only, you will have the opportunity to see beautiful birds that nest within Central Texas flora, including the Golden-cheeked warbler and Bell’s, Yellow-throated, White-eyed, and Black-capped Vireo species, many which are endangered due to a loss of nesting habitat. Then take advantage of a rare opportunity to view the second largest bat population in the world, as 10-12 million Mexican Free-tailed Bats take flight into the evening sky at Frio Cave.
Golfers will definitely want to check out the popular Golf Clubs of Texas/Concan course. The Club also offers accommodations at Outlaw View, Outlaw Getaway or Caddy Shack. This exclusive getaway will allow you and 16 plus guests to explore the surrounding sights, golf, party, relax, and enjoy all of the luxurious amenities that these properties have to offer. The golf club and properties are family-owned. Go to https://www.gctconcan.com/ and http://outlawview.com/ for more information and to make reservations.
When you are ready, continue on your journey to our next stop. Located off of U.S. Highway 83 and roughly 60 miles west of San Antonio, is the highly sought-after 1,774 acres known as Garner State Park. If you have not been, or even if you have visited many times before, this spectacular Hill Country gem does not disappoint. You do not have to be a geologist to appreciate the millions of years that it took to create the area, formed when a section of land was lifted 2,000 feet along a curving fault. Now located on the southwestern edge of the Edwards Plateau, in the sub-region Balcones Canyonlands, gaze out upon these “Balcones,” Spanish for balconies, as they materialize into jutting cliffs and deep canyons. Spend a full day hiking miles of trails within Garner State Park, including Mount Ol’ Baldy, challenging yourself as you work your way up this short but steep 400-foot bluff. Of course, the views will be worth the trek. There are plenty of hikes to choose from, for all different experience levels, which you can find on the Texas Parks and Wild Life Department website, along with other pertinent information on park accessibility and reservations.
Campers may also enjoy a longer stay at the park. For those planning to stay awhile, check out “The Dance,” which takes place on a large dance floor (shaped with stones gathered from the surrounding area) located in front of the Concessions Building on the banks of the Frio River. Since the 1940s, families and friends have packed the dance floor, with as many as 300 people on any given night.
Whether you plan to take a day trip or stay for a while, you will want to arrive early, as the park closes for day visitors once it reaches maximum capacity.
With so many destinations within a short drive’s distance, Leakey, Texas, is a must-see on our list of road trip stops. First inhabited by the Apaches, Comanches, and Tonkawa Texas natives, John Leakey, his wife Nancy, and five others arrived in 1856, and settled along Leakey Springs, which is how Leakey got its name. Today, the Leakey ranching economy remains prevalent. Animals that dominate this area include cattle, sheep, and Angora goats, which produce a soft, silky fabric.
Elevations in the area range from 1,500 to 2,400 feet, with deep-cutting dramatic canyons surrounding the Frio and Nueces Rivers. Relaxing swimming holes, whitewater rapids, fishing, boating, camping, tubing, horseback riding, cycling, and scenic driving are among some of the activities travelers can enjoy. There are a plethora of unique dining and shopping options, including riverfront restaurants and antique shops, as well as local art galleries. Hunting is also extremely popular among visitors wishing to hunt white-tailed deer, wild turkey, mourning dove, quail, squirrel, javelina, rabbits, and racoons.
Experienced motorcyclists will want to visit the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop. From here, riders can hit the pavement as they venture out on the infamous Twisted Sisters, a 100-mile loop which is among the most challenging motorcycle roads in the states, with its twisty curves and drop-offs. Caution: this one is not recommended for novices.
Cyclists of all levels can also seek out a Hill Country bike tour, with a myriad of companies offering custom tours. These range from tours suited for those who are eager to stretch their legs as they experience the great outdoors to rides aimed at those who want to push themselves physically and mentally. There are tours for all levels, from out-and-back rides for weekend visitors and longer tours that must be booked in advance.
Other worthwhile attractions in the area include the Lost Maples State Natural Area, with 11 miles of hiking, biking, and nature trails to explore.
Unwind from a long hike by touring Devil’s Sinkhole, a spectacular geological feat and natural bat habitat. Over the period of thousands of years, acidic water caused delicate limestone of the Edwards Plateau to erode, creating a vast hole in the rock. The sinkhole itself is the third deepest in the state, reaching a total depth of 350-400 feet. This was a secret spot for indigenous natives, and later became a popular gathering spot for cowboys and cavers. You, too, can find your own sense of peace and wonder as you experience this natural phenomenon. Reservations can be booked advance, as this is a popular tourist destination.
Wherever you go on your own summer road trip, whatever your own unique destination, we encourage you to find your sense of wanderlust. Get outdoors. Experience the beauty of nature. Discover what inspires you.
This may be just the trip to do all of that for you. So grab your loved ones, or escape solo, and take a ride to the Texas Hill Country. With opportunities to cool off, de-stress, unplug, and explore the endless beauty of Mother Nature, the opportunities are limitless. Take a trip and retreat.