Hiking • mountain biking • horseback riding

Hill Country Trails

Hill Country State Natural Area’s limestone ridges, grassy valleys and shared trails make this former ranch a wild counterpoint to Bandera’s Main Street.

Illustration: horseback riders on a Hill Country trail; not a depiction of a specific park trail.

Before you go: As of October 29, 2026, TPWD reported all trails closed. Check the park’s trail status and call 830-796-4413 before visiting. Trail access can change after rain. Check the park’s current alerts, including scheduled whole-park closures, and bring water and a trail map. A reservation is recommended for day use and camping.

A former ranch, now open country

Ridges above the creek valleys

Southwest of Bandera, Hill Country State Natural Area preserves rugged limestone hills and wooded creek bottoms on land once known as the Bar-O Ranch. The landscape rewards a slower look: juniper and oak cover the slopes, while open ridges give way to long views across the Hill Country.

This is a natural area rather than a manicured city park. Trails can be rocky and steep, and the same route may be used by hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Pick a distance that leaves time for the return and check the map at every junction.

Illustration of a winding road through rocky Hill Country hills — Illustration: a Hill Country road, not the park entrance.

Three ways to experience the trails

Use the park map to build a route from individual trail segments. Distances below are for the named segments, not complete out-and-back trips.

A shorter overlook

West Peak Overlook

The 1.2-mile West Peak Overlook Trail climbs steeply to views across the surrounding hills. TPWD rates it challenging; check the map for the approach and return before setting out.

A longer ridge outing

Medina Loop

The 2.6-mile Medina Loop crosses limestone outcrops, passes an old goat shed and leads to Comanche Bluff Overlook. TPWD rates this rugged route moderate to challenging; check the map for the approach and return.

Ranch history

Heritage Loop

The 1.1-mile Heritage Loop passes mill remnants, views of the Bar-O Ranch House and historic Kitselman fencing before ending at the Heritage Garden. TPWD rates it easy, offering a ranch-history contrast to the steep overlooks.

Illustration of a tree-lined Hill Country river — Illustration: a Hill Country river, not a view of a park creek.

Share the trail with horses

Horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers share the park’s trail network. Slow down when approaching a horse, speak to the rider and give them room; cyclists should yield to hikers and horses, and hikers should yield to horses. Ask the rider how best to pass and avoid sudden movements.

Bring your own horse or arrange a ride with an approved guide service. Bring a completed VS Form 10-11 showing a negative EIA (Coggins) test within the previous 12 months for each horse; contact the park about facilities and current requirements. The natural area is not the same experience as a guided guest-ranch ride. For those, see the Bandera dude ranch guide.

Arriving and staying safe

Allow time for the approach

From Bandera, take State Highway 173 south across the Medina River, then turn right on Ranch Road 1077. Follow it about 10 miles to the end of the pavement, then continue on the caliche road and follow park signs to headquarters. Check the official directions and maps and road conditions before traveling. Download or carry a trail map; do not rely on cell service. Tell someone your route and expected return time.

Heat, water and trail conditions

TPWD recommends 32 ounces of water per hour; bring water for pets too. Carry sun protection and wear sturdy footwear and a helmet when biking or riding a horse. Turn back before heat or fatigue makes the return difficult. Avoid muddy trails and check for weather-related closures; camping and overnight use require the appropriate reservation and permit.

Official resources

Texas Parks and Wildlife is the authority for current access, trail conditions and reservations.