If you want to go, beware of the awful Texas State Parks reservation system. It takes you into the heart of the Texas hill country and will amaze with rolling hills, lush landscapes, and plenty more. Yeah, right, and I've got ocean-front property in Lubbock for sale. Not much had changed with the park in terms of layout, but a lot had changed in terms of the world. Average rainfall 35.1 inches. Lost Maples State Natural Area was once one of the best kept secrets in Texas. Can I Fish at Lost Maples State Natural Area? Come join Lost Maples State Natural area staff, volunteers and friends as we celebrate 40 years of life outside! 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. Full details about Lost Maples SNA can be found on the official TPWD site. 187 Vanderpool, TX 78885, Vanderpool TX 78885, US The celebration will start at 1:00 p.m. under the big Pecan trees at the Murphy House, located by the Overflow Parking area. 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…. I wanted to explore the rest of Lost Maples, so I opted to hike the West Trail clockwise. Your email address will not be published. Accordingly, access and recreational activities may be restricted if the Texas … That was the last time I had a drink of alcohol. To guarantee entrance reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit. 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. Become a Junior Ranger! Hundreds of thousands come here each year to camp, fish, explore the area, or conquer the daunting hiking trails. January average low temperature is 31 degrees. 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. Vanderpool, TX Bigtooth maples have shallow roots, and you can hurt the trees by walking over their roots. Edit Blog Post Delete Blog Post Colorful fall foliage in Texas? Choose from 30 campsites with water and electricity. Those are the things you notice when you go into a park prepared, but not quite sure what to expect. 187 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. Lost Maples State Natural Area. The show varies, depending on weather conditions. Your email address will not be published. Wet a hook in the Sabinal River or Can Creek. 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. Venue: Lost Maples State Natural Area: Address: 37221 F.M. 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. Check our Fall Foliage report (starting mid-October). This is one of the best spots in all of Texas to view fall foliage. These areas were thankfully dry, but almost around every corner there was a section of water you needed to get over. I’m not going to go into a full recap in this post. Explore reviews, photos & menus and find the perfect spot for any occasion. Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. In the first place, not too many people believed it could even exist. 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. Lost Maples State Natural Area: November trip - See 280 traveler reviews, 406 candid photos, and great deals for Vanderpool, TX, at Tripadvisor. Something else that slipped through the cracks was the limited trail system that’s here when you think about how grand the park is. 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 : Designated as a National Natural Landmark, it is home to the state's largest stand of big tooth maples east of the Guadalupe … Check the Events page for upcoming events. We need your help! It had been exactly one year since the last visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area. These 6 State Parks are a Must Visit for the Holidays, Why You Should be Wearing Trail Runners for Hiking. 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. Home of the Big Tooth Maple trees The unique hilly terrain and... Added: 12/6/2017. 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. Content of this site copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. 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. The only maple forest in Texas, Lost Maples boasts 11 miles of excellent hiking, biking, backpacking, bird-watching, photography, and nature trails. October through November and March through May. 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. Is this park beautiful in the fall with the changing of the leaves? Check out my recap here. Texas Hiking and Camping News and Reviews. 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. When I was there a sizable rock stack was waiting to ponder its purpose. That detail that was lost on me the first time, so the accommodations, especially the parking area, were much smaller to me now. More precious in its attention to colors, sounds, and landscapes. 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. Each site is complete with a fire ring, water hookup, 30-amp electric hookup and picnic table. Want to learn how to reserve a day use pass or campsite? We reach capacity daily. Dark Sky Star Party at Lost Maples State Natural Area (February 25, 2017) February 25, 2017 @ 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm UTC-4 . Explore over 10 miles of trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. July average high temperature is 94 degrees. 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. That spectacular spectacle makes Lost Maples a crowd favorite right up there with Garner and Palo Duro Canyon state parks. Dark Sky Star Party. Secure payments, 24/7 support and a Book with Confidence guarantee View Google Map. (I mean… you do you). January 12, 2021. REI Presents: Is Photography Ruining the Outdoors? Find out how on our Volunteer page. Event Schedule. You may know Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. If you’re unfamiliar with poles learn more in this post. Complete tasks to earn a badge. Discover bigtooth maples, bald cypress and sycamore trees along the … Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. We’re just two hours northwest of San Antonio. 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 » 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. Your whole family will find plenty to do here. Climate information with charts. Copyright The Texas Trailhead © All rights reserved. 1 of 6 Lost Maples State Natural Area has 30 standard campsites available per night. 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-4800 | (800) 792-1112 | TTY: (512) 389-8915 Operation Game Thief: (800) 792-GAME There are access points to a few trails here, but you’ll make your way to the overflow parking to get started. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dec 16, 2017 . 37221 F.M. Many Hill Country veterans are familiar with Lost Maples State Natural Area. Parking at the day use area surrounds you by rolling hills that reach far into the sky. 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. 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. See temporary closures and business changes, October and November are our busiest times. Visit any time to see abundant wild­flowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. First- Lost Maples is a natural area, not a state park. We offer programs on the plants and wildlife of Lost Maples. 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. Located in Vanderpool, about 2.5 hours to the northwest of San Antonio, the area offers fun for the whole family year-round. 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. Sept 23, 2017 . From maple trees? Postcard From Texas Enjoy some flowing water and fall leaves at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Lost Maples State Natural Area is widely known for its stunning fall colors. Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 2,250 feet. 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. 78885. If you’re unfamiliar with poles learn more in this post. Right off the bat your natural journey begins. But today, most Texans know about Lost Maples, the 2,175-acre preserve along the Sabinal River in the far west end of the … Don’t worry claustrophobics, it’s not that narrow. Or back­pack to one of our primitive campsites. Discover 46 cabins to book online direct from owner in the Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool. Part of Lost Maples appeal is their year round … Stop by in November to see the fall foliage in full bloom. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Texas [Official FPV Scooter Tour] The Search For Big Tooth! Fast forward exactly one year. But the park has spectacular sights and plenty to do outside all year-round. 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. Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Book now at 11 restaurants near Lost Maples State Natural Area on OpenTable. The show varies, depending on weather conditions. Back at Lost Maples SNA in 2021 and saw the park in a whole new way. Read more to learn about what changed and what didn't. On our Nov 2017 RV trip we paid a visit to The Lost Maples State Natural Area. Country: Texas, USA, City: Lost Maples State Natural Area. Check current restrictions at all our parks due to COVID-19. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples |  830-966-3413. Note: Cell phone service is not available in the Natural Area. July 07, 2018 . You can read more about the journey here. The Texas Trailhead is your #1 Texas Hiking Website! Name. 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. I suppose whoever built it thought that a cairn would be needed to draw attention to the rock formation. This is truly a unique place in the great state of Texas! Trails may be closed due to poor conditions or weather. Required fields are marked *. Dark Sky Star Party. Contact the park or check our Facebook page for updates. Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation. The Lost Maples State Natural Area is only 5 miles to the north. There’s a loop that goes atop a cliff that is 2,200 feet high! 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. There are also two springs here that add additional waterways to take a break and enjoy. Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Creeks were a plenty, and the pleasantries that came with hopping rocks over the water just added to the hiking experience. And I was totally fine with it. Yes, and since it’s a state natural area, you do not need a fishing license. But the park itself spoke to me in a way that seemed more natural. You'll be just minutes from the towns of Utopia and Leakey where you'll find plenty of things to occupy your time. 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. in the fall. The water flowed so perfectly, the birds chirped like they were performing for me, and the leaves were lifted from a painting. Free. 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. 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. $6 (And a great place to use the restroom, fill your water bottles). 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. 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. This area is home to a wide variety of birds, including the en­dan­gered golden-cheeked warbler and the recently de-listed black-capped vireo. In January 2020 I was energized about visiting as many of the parks in our area. But I do want to talk about some of the fun quirks I picked up that I didn’t really appreciate the first time. 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. Vacation rentals available for short and long term stay on Vrbo. On the Trail with the Buffalo Soldiers. Not because I’m entitled, but because I want to be able to enjoy it like everyone else with a little less chaos. I don’t want to be at a park, or in this case a natural area, when a ton of people are there too. Read more to learn about what changed and what didn’t. Daily, Child 12 Years and Under: Take a hike or a photo, go fishing, look for birds and other wildlife, camp, backpack, stargaze and hunt for geocaches. The natural area contains steep and rugged terrain. Absolutely. 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. 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. The East trail and East-West trail both start at the same trailhead, but will offer different experiences. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. 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. Hosted by Troop 226 Yorktown Christian Academy and Troop 356 Yorktown Christian Academy. Jan 19, 2019 . The state natural area (which differs from a state … 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. 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. Find the best places to see wildlife on the Rio Frio Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails. Please stay on designated trails. October and November are our busiest times. 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. Events at this location . You can find trail maps here. Take a hike or a photo, go fishing, look for birds and other wildlife, camp, backpack, stargaze and hunt for geocaches. You can read that on my original post here. Do not climb on rocks or hillsides. Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. Is this park beautiful after that too? To the day. When you visit Lost Maples State Natural Area, you gain access to approximately 10 miles of trails. A deadly global pandemic would sweep the entire planet, and people’s lives were being changed day to day. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a state park or natural area. Lost Maples … https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/texas/lost-maples-state-natural-area clock. Download Birds of Lost Maples State Natural Area: A Field Checklist | PDF to learn more. 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. I was just happy to be out hiking, but had no idea what else would change the rest of the year. Dark Sky Star Party. Lost Maples offers great views. 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. Yes. 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. The site gets its namesake from the trees that brilliantly change color in the fall. The landscapes here are the draw, and you can just focus on the scenery. Back at Lost Maples SNA in 2021 and saw the park in a whole new way. If you’ve seen the Monkey Rock once, you’ve seen it a million times. We reach capacity daily. That’s not fun for me. Your time folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn lost maples state natural area events. Million times all our Parks due to COVID-19 are familiar with Lost Maples State Natural Area not... Vacation rentals available for short and long term stay on Vrbo Area was once one of the kept. Must visit for the next time I had a drink of alcohol trees the! Can I Fish at Lost Maples State Natural Area: a Field Checklist | PDF learn. 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