Hill Country State Natural Area

Town

Bandera

Good for

trail running, mtb, hiking

Trailhead

Park entrance and headquarters (Bandera Creek Rd)
10600 Bandera Creek Rd, Bandera, TX 78003

Trail miles

About 40

Fees & hours

Day-use fee of $6 for ages 13 and up (12 and under free); open daily, office 8:15am-4:45pm; the park can hit capacity so reserve a day pass.

Know before you go

• All trails are shared by hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
• Pets on leashes of 6 ft or less; TPWD says this is strictly enforced.
• Trails and backcountry campsites may close for sensitive areas or wet weather; check the park's social feeds or call before visiting.
• Scheduled hunt closures (permitted hunters only), as posted 2026-10-28: 10pm Nov 8 to 6am Nov 12; 10pm Nov 22 to 6am Nov 26; 10pm Dec 6 to 6am Dec 10; 10pm Dec 20 to 6am Dec 24; 10pm Jan 18 to 6am Jan 22.
• Special-event days (busy trails, limited parking): Jan 8-10, 2027.
• Burn bans can be issued with little notice; campfires only in fire rings.

Info checked

Oct 28, 2026 from official park pages. Closures change; check before you go.

Hill Country State Natural Area is a former ranch of more than 5,000 acres in rocky country west of Bandera. About 40 miles of shared-use trail serve hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, from easy one-mile loops near headquarters to steep, challenging climbs such as West Peak. It suits riders and runners wanting a backcountry feel. There is no park store, so bring everything you need.

Official park page → Official trail map → Directions