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