Saddle Up for the Ride of a Lifetime in the Texas Hill Country
There’s no better way to experience the Texas Hill Country than from the back of a horse. This region’s rolling limestone hills, crystal-clear rivers, and sprawling ranchlands are tailor-made for riding—where the crunch of gravel under hoof and the scent of cedar in the air transport you to another time. From state parks with miles of rugged trails to private ranches offering authentic cowboy adventures, the Hill Country delivers rides that range from peaceful sunset strolls to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or brand-new to the saddle, the trails here promise not just scenery, but a taste of Texas heritage that still rides strong today.
Hill Country State Natural Area – Bandera
Covering over 5,300 acres, this is ground zero for Hill Country horseback riding and a true backcountry experience. With more than 40 miles of multi-use trails, you can ride through rugged limestone hills, open grassy fields dotted with wildflowers, and along clear, spring-fed creeks shaded by towering cypress, or pick a local outfit to take a sunset ride. Wildlife sightings are common—white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and even the occasional armadillo share these trails with you. The park also offers equestrian campsites with corrals, allowing you to spend the night under a sky so dark and starry you’ll swear you’ve stepped back in time.
Pedernales Falls State Park – Johnson City
Known for its cascading falls tumbling over massive slabs of limestone, this park offers both beauty and challenge. The 10 miles of equestrian trails wind through cedar and oak woodlands, offering views of the Pedernales River as it sparkles in the Texas sun. Trails here are rocky and primitive, with elevation changes that keep both horse and rider on their toes. It’s the perfect place to test your skills, enjoy a picnic by the water, and soak in the natural soundtrack of rushing water and rustling leaves.
Parrie Haynes Equestrian Center – Killeen
Just outside the traditional Hill Country boundary but worth every mile of the drive, this 1,500-acre ranch is a rider’s paradise. Designed specifically for equestrian use, it features well-marked trails, arenas, and primitive camping with direct trail access. The center is a hub for organized trail rides, clinics, and group events, making it a great spot to meet fellow riders. Whether you come for a day ride or a weekend of cowboy camaraderie, Parrie Haynes offers both the space and the spirit for unforgettable rides.
Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose
Here, your ride comes with a prehistoric twist. Follow the Paluxy River through rugged bluffs and sandy banks, and you’ll find yourself riding past fossilized dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed. The South Primitive Area, with over 100 acres set aside for horseback riding, offers a mix of open fields and wooded paths. It’s a surreal experience—one moment you’re trotting through a peaceful riverside meadow, and the next, you’re stepping into the literal footprints of creatures that walked here millions of years ago.
Trails of Bandera & Beyond
Bandera’s claim as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life. In addition to public trails, many private ranches and outfitters offer guided rides for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a gentle sunset ride, a splash through a cool creek, or the thrill of a working cattle drive, you’ll find it here. Some ranches even pair rides with chuckwagon dinners, live music, or campfire storytelling, letting you immerse yourself in the full cowboy experience.
What Makes Riding Here Special?
It’s not just the scenery—it’s the feeling. The Hill Country is a living connection to Texas’ past, where the traditions of the Old West still ride alongside modern life. When you saddle up here, you’re part of a story that stretches back to pioneers, vaqueros, and ranchers who respected the land as much as they worked it. The crunch of gravel under your horse’s hooves, the smell of cedar on a warm breeze, and the wide-open Texas sky overhead aren’t just beautiful—they’re timeless.
🐎 Feel that itch to saddle up and ride the Hill Country for yourself?
Join our Texas Hill Country Facebook Group! Whether you’re booking a stay with Backroads Reservations or planning your first trail ride, our community is full of insider tips, rider-friendly lodging recommendations, and folks who know the terrain better than Google Maps. Swap stories, trade trail recommendations, and connect with other Hill Country adventurers—on horseback and beyond.