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Colorado Bend State Park is one of central Texas’s most popular destinations. Two hours northwest of Austin, this park offers cave tours, river recreation, and over 35 miles of hike and bike trails. Visit in the off-season and enjoy a break from the intense Texas heat or take a dip in the cool, clear waters of Spicewood Springs for a refresher on warmer days.
Texas’s tallest waterfall, Gorman Falls, is the prime attraction for visitors of Colorado Bend State Park. This 70-foot marvel can be reached from a moderate 3-mile hike where you can enjoy cool mist from the spring-fed waters upon your arrival.
There are 15 drive in campsites at Colorado Bend where you can park RVs up to 30 feet, though the rest require some extra work to reach. 28 walk-in campsites can be found in the main campground, as can two primitive group campsites near the river. Looking for even more rugged seclusion? Hike to the Backcountry Windmill area where you will find designated backcountry sites just a mile from the trailhead. Every camper will find what they need at Colorado Bend State Park.
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My wife and I hiked right at 5 miles; to the Water Falls and then across to the springs and back. Very gorgeous area and with the weather finally cooling down it was perfect!
I know the park can get packed quickly so I would suggest getting here early in the morning or during lunch when most people are out grabbing food. The scenery was wonderful, weather was great and the trails we very well kept.
Loved Colorado Bend State Park, this is my 3rd time visiting; first time camping here. The park is well kept with plenty of restrooms and accessability. The trails are clean but maybe not for everyone as some parts of some of the trails have rocks poking out of the ground (not suitable for biking or wheelchair access.) A LOT of wild armadillos here and other wildlife. We saw 6 wild Bighorn Sheep in the park while we were there (extremely rare in Texas, but a true testament to the size and remoteness of the park as a whole.) Staff were very helpful and caring about making sure we had all the information we needed. Only negative is that most of this park does not have cell phone service (could be a plus, depending on what you're looking for)
This park has some spectacular scenery. It is one of my favorite places in Texas right at the bend.
We go visiting here all the time when we take family down south just before we go to Dallas we always go down to the bend State Park we have some great memories here with family and friends.
This is one of the best parks in Texas and I recommend everybody come and check it out for yourself.
You can either bring your camper or pitch a tent you could bring your dogs as long as they're leashed there's a safe environment for family, for young kids, toddlers, Etc.
This place is amazing...
Very rugged trails but worth the hike...
We didn't have enough daylight to see everything but we did get to witness a beautiful waterfall "Gorman"
We are definitely going back for an all day experience...
Great park that I have visited many times. My dog loves it. Easy 90-minute drive from metro Austin. It's probably best known for the falls, but it's a large park with a variety of different trails and diverse terrain. A few things to know:
1. Very limited cell service.
2. By mid/late summer, the river and falls can be virtually dry. Best viewed in winter and spring.
3. In my experience, the booth at the entrance gate is usually closed. Entrance fees are required, and the Rangers office is a few miles. I usually book online and print the pass to put on my dash.
There's an ostrich farm as you approach Bend just a few miles from the park. We always stop if the ostriches are hanging out. They seem just as interested in us!
