To get there you’re going to find your first water crossing, and follow its path to a mystical landscape of mini water falls that flow parallel to the parking lot. Like I’ve said now a few times, the landscape and scenery were fantastic all around, and I’m really wanting to drive this home for Lost Maples because this park is one of those Top 10 parks to visit…. Download Birds of Lost Maples State Natural Area: A Field Checklist | PDF to learn more. These areas were thankfully dry, but almost around every corner there was a section of water you needed to get over. The Texas Trailhead : A Texas Hiking Podcast, S3 E15: One Year Anniversary & Goliad State Park, S3 E13: Big Announcement & The San Antonio Mission Trails, S3 E11: A little technical snafu & Matthew from @hikeaustin visits The Narrows. To guarantee entrance, Nearby State Parks, Historic Sites and State Natural Areas, Birds of Lost Maples State Natural Area: A Field Checklist | PDF, Rio Frio Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails, Check current restrictions at all our parks due to COVID-19, National Weather Service forecast for this area, Adult : I suppose whoever built it thought that a cairn would be needed to draw attention to the rock formation. Lost Maples State Natural Area is widely known for its stunning fall colors. Discover bigtooth maples, bald cypress and sycamore trees along the … Free. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas, USA - Current weather, an hourly forecast for today, tomorrow, detailed 10-day weather forecast and long range monthly outlook. Sept 23, 2017 . Events at this location . Is this park beautiful after that too? Lost Maples State Natural Area. That spectacular spectacle makes Lost Maples a crowd favorite right up there with Garner and Palo Duro Canyon state parks. Book now at 11 restaurants near Lost Maples State Natural Area on OpenTable. On the Trail with the Buffalo Soldiers. 187 Accordingly, access and recreational activities may be restricted if the Texas … (And a great place to use the restroom, fill your water bottles). Lost Maples State Natural Area was once one of the best kept secrets in Texas. The majority of the primitive campsites are on this end of the park as well, so be on the lookout for weary travelers at the end of their stay. Although areas in East and Central Texas have changing foliage during fall, Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state. You may know Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. July 07, 2018 . Your email address will not be published. Hundreds of thousands come here each year to camp, fish, explore the area, or conquer the daunting hiking trails. If you’ve seen the Monkey Rock once, you’ve seen it a million times. There aren’t as many specific points of interest on this trail, but I feel that the natural beauty here gets to shine on its own without the distractions of them either. Content of this site copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. It had been exactly one year since the last visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area. Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. Read more to learn about what changed and what didn’t. Yeah, right, and I've got ocean-front property in Lubbock for sale. (I mean… you do you). January average low temperature is 31 degrees. Lost Maples State Natural Area is a large, pristine area of beautiful hills and canyons on the upper Sabinal River in the Edwards Plateau Region of Texas. Secure payments, 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence guarantee Dec 16, 2017 . Lost Maples State Natural Area is a pristine area of hills and canyons on the upper Sabinal River in the Edwards Plateau of Texas, United States. Lost Maples State Natural Area was one of the prettiest parks we’ve visited so far, and one of the more scenic drives as well. Going clockwise on the East trail gives you plenty of fun elevation changes for your legs, but nothing that’s too steep like you’ll experience on the opposite end of the park. Hosted by Troop 226 Yorktown Christian Academy and Troop 356 Yorktown Christian Academy. Dark Sky Star Party. Try parks at different times of the year, and you’ll be surprised how enjoyable they can be because they don’t fall into the expectations you set for them. Find the best places to see wildlife on the Rio Frio Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails. Average rainfall 35.1 inches. 187 Vanderpool, TX 78885, Vanderpool TX 78885, US Absolutely. We reach capacity daily. Country: Texas, USA, City: Lost Maples State Natural Area. There’s a loop that goes atop a cliff that is 2,200 feet high! $6 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Name. Daily, Child 12 Years and Under: View Google Map. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples Postcard From Texas Enjoy some flowing water and fall leaves at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Discover 46 cabins to book online direct from owner in the Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool. Venue: Lost Maples State Natural Area: Address: 37221 F.M. Wet a hook in the Sabinal River or Can Creek. When I was there a sizable rock stack was waiting to ponder its purpose. Back at Lost Maples SNA in 2021 and saw the park in a whole new way. You'll be just minutes from the towns of Utopia and Leakey where you'll find plenty of things to occupy your time. Your email address will not be published. That being said, there are a few things to experience as your walking along; the Mystic canyon takes you a little lower, and you’ll notice a temperature drop as you walk through the trees surround by walls on either side. Check current restrictions at all our parks due to COVID-19. Stop by in November to see the fall foliage in full bloom. More precious in its attention to colors, sounds, and landscapes. But today, most Texans know about Lost Maples, the 2,175-acre preserve along the Sabinal River in the far west end of the … See temporary closures and business changes, October and November are our busiest times. Fast forward exactly one year. DESCRIPTION: Whether you camp at Garner State Park with the HCO gang or drive out on Sunday morning, come out and enjoy the fall color on a 5-mile hike at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Copyright The Texas Trailhead © All rights reserved. The East trail and East-West trail both start at the same trailhead, but will offer different experiences. Not because I’m entitled, but because I want to be able to enjoy it like everyone else with a little less chaos. Dark Sky Star Party. The celebration will start at 1:00 p.m. under the big Pecan trees at the Murphy House, located by the Overflow Parking area. There are also two springs here that add additional waterways to take a break and enjoy. Is this park beautiful in the fall with the changing of the leaves? Right next door is the Lost Maples Country Store, a fully-equipped store where you can get firewood, charcoal, snacks, beer, wine, fuel, and many other items. This is one of the best spots in all of Texas to view fall foliage. You can read that on my original post here. Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is only 5 miles to the north. Yes. When you visit Lost Maples State Natural Area, you gain access to approximately 10 miles of trails. The show varies, depending on weather conditions. Lost Maples, which was opened to the public in 1979, encompasses over 2,000 acres on the Sabinal River and draws over 200,000 visitors annually. clock. Lost Maples … Situated along the Sabinal River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the park is a spectacular mixture of limestone cliffs, dense woodlands, deep canyons and numerous crystal clear streams. You can find trail maps here. I don’t want to be at a park, or in this case a natural area, when a ton of people are there too. As you continue on you’ll come to a fun rock shelf along the trail that’s a great spot to take a break from the sun if it’s getting a little toasty. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas [Official FPV Scooter Tour] The Search For Big Tooth! If that’s something you’re interested in then add some miles and hike into those designated areas to get a feel for the layout, and also to gauge the distance to the nearest pit toilet if that’s something you need. The landscapes here are the draw, and you can just focus on the scenery. That’s when you start seeing things from different perspectives, and start noticing the little details about the park that you may have overlooked from previous visits. in the fall. This is truly a unique place in the great state of Texas! That’s not fun for me. We reach capacity daily. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 2,250 feet. To the day. 830-966-3413. Want to learn how to reserve a day use pass or campsite? Event Schedule. I’m not going to go into a full recap in this post. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Complete tasks to earn a badge. Full details about Lost Maples SNA can be found on the official TPWD site. July average high temperature is 94 degrees. Contact the park or check our Facebook page for updates. Lost Maples State Natural Area is characterized by limestone bedrock canyons, the banks of the Sabinal River, and scenic landscapes filled with mountain cedar, oak, and bigtooth maple. I wanted to explore the rest of Lost Maples, so I opted to hike the West Trail clockwise. October and November are our busiest times. Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. One thing to note is the hike to the canyon is elevated, but the reward is the cooler temps, so bring some trekking poles to help distribute your weight on your climb up. Yes, and since it’s a state natural area, you do not need a fishing license. Explore reviews, photos & menus and find the perfect spot for any occasion. Whether its visiting the Lost Maples State Natural Area, driving one of the state’s most scenic stretches along Ranch Road 337, or visiting a winery- you’ll need a home base in the center of it all. Visit any time to see abundant wildflowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. But the park itself spoke to me in a way that seemed more natural. The only maple forest in Texas, Lost Maples boasts 11 miles of excellent hiking, biking, backpacking, bird-watching, photography, and nature trails. Dark Sky Star Party at Lost Maples State Natural Area (February 25, 2017) February 25, 2017 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm UTC-4 . Bigtooth maples have shallow roots, and you can hurt the trees by walking over their roots. Knocking out a new park in the first two weeks of the month, I was stoked to take my family to this hill country gem. Texas Hiking and Camping News and Reviews. The state natural area (which differs from a state … It takes you into the heart of the Texas hill country and will amaze with rolling hills, lush landscapes, and plenty more. But I do want to talk about some of the fun quirks I picked up that I didn’t really appreciate the first time. We offer programs on the plants and wildlife of Lost Maples. A deadly global pandemic would sweep the entire planet, and people’s lives were being changed day to day. Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool, less than two hours west of San Antonio, offers some of the best leaf-hunting in the region. We need your help! The natural area contains steep and rugged terrain. There are access points to a few trails here, but you’ll make your way to the overflow parking to get started. Each site is complete with a fire ring, water hookup, 30-amp electric hookup and picnic table. 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 | (800) 792-1112 | TTY: (512) 389-8915 Operation Game Thief: (800) 792-GAME Explore over 10 miles of trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. Or backpack to one of our primitive campsites. That being said, there were some landmarks on the first visit that I wasn’t expecting to see on this go-round, including a grotto-like area that resembled the one on the East trail. I was making my way back to celebrate a personal accomplishment, and revisit one of my favorite parks with a new take on life, and maybe see it from a different perspective. Your whole family will find plenty to do here. Please stay on designated trails. We hiked the East Trail and took the short scenic overlook spur, which was well worth it, as were the views from the top of the East Trail. Choose from 30 campsites with water and electricity. Looking at the map and brainstorming where I could drive around and explore was put to a halt when I realized there is really one main parking area (the day use area), and then the overflow parking. The water flowed so perfectly, the birds chirped like they were performing for me, and the leaves were lifted from a painting. Dark Sky Star Party. It is designated a Natural Area, rather than a State Park, and therefore the primary focus is maintenance and protection of the property's natural state. Parking at the day use area surrounds you by rolling hills that reach far into the sky. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/texas/lost-maples-state-natural-area Right off the bat your natural journey begins. In the first place, not too many people believed it could even exist. Take a hike or a photo, go fishing, look for birds and other wildlife, camp, backpack, stargaze and hunt for geocaches. Colorful fall foliage in Texas? Can I Fish at Lost Maples State Natural Area? Located just a short drive from San Antonio, the Lost Maples Region serves as a destination for those who love nature, local cuisine, Texas wine and wonderful accommodations. We’re just two hours northwest of San Antonio. Not much had changed with the park in terms of layout, but a lot had changed in terms of the world. That detail that was lost on me the first time, so the accommodations, especially the parking area, were much smaller to me now. Creeks were a plenty, and the pleasantries that came with hopping rocks over the water just added to the hiking experience. There were times on the trail where I felt like I had gone down the incorrect path because you’re basically walking on an empty creek bed. In January 2020 I was energized about visiting as many of the parks in our area. If you’re unfamiliar with poles learn more in this post. There’s really two loops, and a few off-shoots from there, so I knew that my day was really going to be headed in one direction. If you want to go, beware of the awful Texas State Parks reservation system. Back at Lost Maples SNA in 2021 and saw the park in a whole new way. January 12, 2021. Jan 19, 2019 . Edit Blog Post Delete Blog Post American Museum of Natural History Presents 3D Digital Film Mysteries of the Unseen World ... Curtis Vaughn Observatory Staff & Lost Maples SNA Staff for a Cosmic Event. Home of the Big Tooth Maple trees The unique hilly terrain and... Added: 12/6/2017. Climate information with charts. These 6 State Parks are a Must Visit for the Holidays, Why You Should be Wearing Trail Runners for Hiking. Dark Sky Star Party at Lost Maples State Natural Area (October 1, 2016) October 1, 2016 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm UTC-4 American Museum of Natural History Presents 3D Digital Film Mysteries of the Unseen World » Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. Vacation rentals available for short and long term stay on Vrbo. Take a hike or a photo, go fishing, look for birds and other wildlife, camp, backpack, stargaze and hunt for geocaches. I was at the park a few days after a Texas snow event, and there was more water than I remember at the park, but thankfully not where I didn’t want it. Check our Fall Foliage report (starting mid-October). 78885. This area is home to a wide variety of birds, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the recently de-listed black-capped vireo. You can read more about the journey here. From maple trees? Lost Maples offers great views. Lost Maples has 2,174.2 scenic acres in Bandera and Real Counties, and is located north of Vanderpool on the Sabinal River on Ranch Road 187. Located in Vanderpool, about 2.5 hours to the northwest of San Antonio, the area offers fun for the whole family year-round. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, it is home to the state's largest stand of big tooth maples east of the Guadalupe … First- Lost Maples is a natural area, not a state park. 1 of 6 Lost Maples State Natural Area has 30 standard campsites available per night. Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. Something else that slipped through the cracks was the limited trail system that’s here when you think about how grand the park is. Trails may be closed due to poor conditions or weather. October through November and March through May. But the park has spectacular sights and plenty to do outside all year-round. Note: Cell phone service is not available in the Natural Area. Do not climb on rocks or hillsides. | If you’re unfamiliar with poles learn more in this post. Become a Junior Ranger! It is designated a Natural Area, rather than a State Park, which means the primary focus is the maintenance and protection of the property's natural state. Read more to learn about what changed and what didn't. And I was totally fine with it. The site gets its namesake from the trees that brilliantly change color in the fall. That was the last time I had a drink of alcohol. Part of Lost Maples appeal is their year round … You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a state park or natural area. Don’t worry claustrophobics, it’s not that narrow. Vanderpool, TX Check the Events page for upcoming events. Come join Lost Maples State Natural area staff, volunteers and friends as we celebrate 40 years of life outside! To guarantee entrance reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit. One is located in Primitive Campsite G along the West Loop trail, and once you pass that the second spring the other is along the trail about .5 miles from there. Check out my recap here. I was in the middle of dry-January in 2020, but after a long day of hiking on the trails I decided that we were going to celebrate on the way home. Find out how on our Volunteer page. On our Nov 2017 RV trip we paid a visit to The Lost Maples State Natural Area. The show varies, depending on weather conditions. Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. The Texas Trailhead is your #1 Texas Hiking Website! Required fields are marked *. 37221 F.M. Many Hill Country veterans are familiar with Lost Maples State Natural Area. REI Presents: Is Photography Ruining the Outdoors? 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