The huge hanging limbs of a live oak loom over a trail at the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Grelle Recreation Area in Spicewood. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Highland Lakes is home to tons of towering trees: gargantuan cypresses, gnarled oaks, and fragrant junipers. What better way to celebrate Arbor Day or Earth Week than to walk among them?
Earth Week, along with National Arbor Day, is in April. Texas likes to be different and has its own Arbor Day on the first Friday in November.
Here are the best places to see trees in the Highland Lakes, whether on an adventure or seeking relaxation:
OAKS
Oak trees are universally adored for their hardiness, character, and climb-ability. Countless childhood memories are made in the shade of a majestic oak, and the tree grows in abundance in Texas State Parks and Lower Colorado River Authority recreation areas across the Highland Lakes.
Colorado Bend State Park
2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend
Open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Colorado Bend is one of the most beautiful public spaces in the Texas Hill Country. The huge live oak trees near park headquarters are some of the brightest gems to be found.
LCRA Grelle Recreation Area
640 CR 412, Spicewood
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Grelle has over 8 miles of trails that weave through the hills along the southern shores of Lake Travis. Elevation varies, but the closer you are to water, or even dry creekbeds, the more likely you are to happen upon magical groves of looming oaks.
CYPRESS
Few things are more impressive than a stand of enormous cypress trees lining a river or natural spring. Their roots are often interwoven, forming banks for the bodies of water they tend to congregate around. They’re relatively rare in the Highland Lakes, but you can see them in all their glory in at least one spot.
Krause Springs
424 CR 404, Spicewood
Open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed November through mid-February)
Krause Springs is a perennial natural spring tucked away in the wilds of Spicewood that has become a favorite swimming hole for Highland Lakes locals. The huge cypress trees that offer shade for swimmers and campers are a highlight.
ASHE JUNIPERS
The Ashe juniper, usually called cedar around these parts, often gets a bad rap for cluttering up ranchland and putting out horrendous amounts of pollen every winter, but it is still a beautiful, native tree to be appreciated in person. Its frayed bark, gnarled trunks, and fresh fragrance go hand in hand with the rugged hills of the Highland Lakes.
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Three locations:
- Refuge headquarters and trails, 24518 RR 1431 East, Marble Falls
- Doeskin Ranch trail system, 10645 FM 1174, Bertram
- Warbler Vista trail system, 21650 RR 1431, Lago Vista
All open daily from sunrise to sunset
Trek through the limestone hills and canyons that divide Burnet and Travis counties at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. This harsh yet beautiful environment is the perfect habitat for Ashe junipers. The smaller trees are little more than shrubs, but the refuge has many large, older trees that are hard to find in public spaces across the Hill Country.
