Opt Outside: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Texas Summer

Opt Outside: Finding Hidden Treasures in the Texas Summer

TERRI FULLERTON

Our first summer in Texas scorched my desire to hike and camp in the Lone Star State. I know this is harsh to Texans but we moved from Colorado, so let’s just call it summer

shock.

But our love for the outdoors, summers off, and desire to discover treasures in our new state was a rewarding challenge. Looking

back, I see the value of enjoying the outdoors together. It builds respect for our natural

world, stimulates curiosity, and helps us reconnect with one another.

Opting outside empowers us as we choose to unplug from our fast-paced, technologypacked lifestyle. It refreshes us as we jump in a swimming hole after a hike in the Texas

heat. It captures our wonder as we look up at the countless pinholes of light coming through the indigo canopy of night.

Davis Mountains State Park

This remote park in west Texas offers

camping, hiking, mountain biking, birding, and stargazing. The campsites are well maintained and some come with water and

electricity. For the non-tent tribe, there is Indian Lodge, a full service hotel, including a swimming pool. I recommend the Skyline Drive for scenic views and spotting wildlife. The area is known for its variety of birds, and the park has several places to enjoy avian

behavior.

The hiking trails meander up and down rugged terrain with juniper, desert grass, and fragrant shrubs. You will need lots of water,

sunscreen, snacks, and good hiking shoes.

In addition to hiking, we love the stargazing. Since it is remote, there is very little light

pollution. On Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the McDonald Observatory (12 miles

away) opens for Twilight and Star Parties. Tickets sell out in advance, so plan to buy them ahead of time. Telescopes are available to view constellations and planets. You can even see the rings around Saturn.

If you need to recapture childlike wonder of creation, I recommend going during a meteor

shower. The Southern Delta Aquarids shower peaks July 29 to 30. The Perseids meteor shower is July 17 to August 24, peaking around the 12th and 13th. The best time for viewing is after midnight, but I promise you will not be sleepy when you are sitting at the outdoor amphitheater watching emerald meteors zoom across the sky.

If you want a refreshing way to cool off, drive 25 miles north to the oasis of Balmorhea State

Park. It has one of the largest spring-fed pools in the world where 15 million gallons of water gush from the springs. The pool is open daily for swimming and scuba diving and reaches a depth of 25 feet. The temperature is 72 to 76 °F year-round.

Colorado Bend State Park

In addition to 35 miles of hiking and biking trails, this park in the Texas Hill Country offers

kayaking, camping, and cave exploration. If you like to explore, sign up for a cave tour. There are over 400 caves beneath your feet at this state park. Reservations must be made in advance for your speleo-adventure and

campsites.

Our extended family met here for a few yearsand we always make the trek to Gorman Falls. It’s a 3-mile roundtrip hike on rough terrain with a steep descent at the end. There is an observation deck and benches so you can take a break, enjoy the mist from the 70-foot

waterfalls, and look at the lush emerald vegetation and travertine rock formations. It’s a beautiful reprieve from the heat.

Gorman Falls

Barton Creek Greenbelt

One thing I appreciate about Austin is the combination of city life with public outdoor

spaces. The Greenbelt, popular with locals, is one of its fine examples. You see wildflowers, abundant vegetation, and stunning limestone

walls.

It offers hiking, biking, rock climbing, and

swimming. The 7-mile trail follows Barton Creek with easy access points and several swimming holes to cool off from the searing summer heat. Many people start at Zilker

Park. If you plan to enter the trail here, go early as parking is sometimes a problem. If you start or end at the Spyglass Access, stop at Taco Deli. The breakfast tacos are amazing.

Popular swimming areas in the Greenbelt include Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, and Gus

Fruh. Always check austintexas.gov for closures from heavy rains.

Another option for cooling off is BartonSprings Pool within Zilker Park. It’s fed fromunderground springs and maintains atemperature of 68-70 °F year-round. It willdefinitely cool you down.

No matter which part of Texas you live in,there are abundant swimming holes, trails,

lakes, and state parks to explore. The key inthe summer is to start early, take lots of water,

snacks, and sunscreen. Enjoy the beautyaround you, and anticipate some lovely

surprises.

TERRI FULLERTON Terri lives in Abilene with her

husband. She is a writer who encourages you to step intoadventure, find freedom, and deepen your faith. Terri is working on her Masters in New Testament at Northern Seminary. She loves goodquestions, hiking, kayaking, exploring new places, and reading. You can find Terri atterrifullerton.com.