Garner State Park Hiking Trails

One of the reasons we have chosen to volunteer is not only to get a free full hook up site, but it is also to stay put in a location and experience the culture and have time to get out and hike, explore, kayak or whatever.  There are 15 trails in the trail system here.  It's been a good 40 years since I hiked Old Baldy and Crystal Cave. So here's one of our goals - to hit all the trails while we're here.

On the Old Horse Trail, I was hoping to see a Black Capped Vireo as this is supposedly a good area to find them.  But I didn't bring binoculars and I didn't have my phone with my bird app that I can use to help me identify bird calls.  So not sure if it was the vireo or a golden cheek warbler.

This trail starts right out of Shady Meadows camping loop.

Several trails will take you to the old original entrance.

A pretty hike up the mountain, listening for the birds.

As the name implies, you are walking on the old horse trail on the side of the mountain. Used to be the only way to get around the Frio canyon.

With a more wet spring, there are still tons of wildflowers out and about at the park.

The view up here is quite impressive, leaving you with a great perspective of the park and surrounding areas. Can even see Mager's red bath house down below that river crossing.

What a view.

The hike up sure gives a person a workout!

Looking down over Old Garner.

The captain, deciding which way to go.

Hey, wait for me!

Looking into Crystal Cave.

Looking at the layout of the river.

The view of the RV parks across the river from the state park.

A view of Old Baldy from the trail

This is a good trail for bike riding. About 2.5 miles through parts of the park you don't realize are even here!

A high view of the river.

Taking a break!

Another view of Old Baldy.

According to my calculations, it has been 42 years since I went up the trail to Crystal Cave. Nice to go there with the one I love!!!!