Central Texas Bluebonnet Trails

If you're into seeing the Bluebonnet trails of Central Texas you might try the following one I consider to cover some of the best views in the Highland Lakes area. If it seems too long, break it up. But I suggest seeing the Kingsland, Marble Falls and Burnet area.

The Austin-American Statesman usually has a list of "wild flower" trails during the early part of wild flower season (March). There are two major wild flower trails in the central Texas area. One is east of I-35 from Austin, rolling hills and meadows, the other is West of I-35, in the hill country, including the pink granite region.

The following trail is more in the hill country and the flowers depend on the previous few months weather conditions. I have not been over these roads this year but they usually prove great "wild flower" trails and views of the hill country/highland lakes area. I welcome others to make their suggestions for good trails around Austin or in Texas.

This trip will take all day. So, take some drinks and snacks, but find local BBQ or something for lunch and supper. Inman's Smokehouse/BBQ in Marble Falls use to have great BBQ and sausage. I would suggest leaving Austin by 9AM and expecting to return around 8PM, but that totally depends on how long you gaze at the vistas and how fast/slow you drive. I'd say 55 on Hwys and 35 to 45 on FM/RR/P roads.

1. Leave from MoPac and FM/RR 2222 heading west. Take a left on Mount Bonnell Rd to Mt. Bonnell Lookout if you have an hour to spare which on this trip you don't, nah, do this some early morning at sunrise or +sunset+.
2. Turn left (south) on Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Hwy).
3. Cross the lake and take a right on FM/RR 2244 (Bee Caves Rd).
4. Turn right on Hwy 71 towards Llano. Travel (past Hwy 281) to FM/RR 2900. Some other time take a right at Spicewood (County 191?) and take a cool swim at the springs (a privately owned swimming hole open to the public for minimal entrance fee). The Lake to your right on Hwy 71 is Travis. After Hwy 281 you might see Lake LBJ.
5. Take 2900 into Kingsland, you'll cross the Llano River arm of Lake LBJ (Granite Shoals before the politicians grabbed it!). May be a few shops around town to peek in if you like crafts and paintings.
6. Turn right on FM/RR 1431 (towards Marble Falls) you'll cross the Colorado River arm of Lake LBJ. Check out the overlook just outside of town, this is Lake LBJ. Continue on to Marble Falls. You might want to stop and read the historical marker at Granite Mountain. The granite was used to build the state capitol.
   (Alternate route) If you're adventurous, you can turn left at Granite Mountain and take that road north to the first (was dirt?) road that heads east (to the right). Follow that road to the next road (FM/RR 1855?) and take a right. This road will take you to Hwy 281. Turn Left. Go to 8). But this way misses MF and Inman's Bar-B-Q or the Bluebonnet Cafe.
7. In Marble Falls turn left on Hwy 281 towards Burnet. You can make a shopping day in Marble Falls. So take a break if you want, but to see the rest of the trail head out by 1:00. Barnum Brothers store is worth a stop-in and browse, they usually have live rattlers and a lot of "weird" (double headed, etc.) dead ones.
8. Stop at the picnic area on the left about 5 miles out of town (1 mile for the adventurers) across from the rock quarry and look over the back side (you'll have to get out of your car!).
9. Continue north on Hwy 281 to Park Road 4. Turn left on PR 4. Stay on your side of the road and enjoy the ROAD! This has been rated one of the best sports car/motorcycle roads in Texas.
10. Stop in at Longhorn Caverns State Park and find your way to the back south west corner of the complex (in your car). Look for the rock building. It is an old lookout tower. Climb to the top and take in a great view of the Highland Lakes area.
11. Continue west on Park Road 4 and stop at the next rest area on the left (I think. If you go down the big hill you missed it!) Another stop to stretch your legs. You are looking over Kingsland and the Highland Lakes area.
12. Continue on Park Road 4. There are several pull-outs along the way. A fish hatchery, Inks Dam (over a hill top from the road), Inks Lake State Park, Devils Water Hole (worth stopping for in the summer). Well, Devils Water Hole is no longer accessible except via the park.
13. Take a right on Hwy 29. Head towards Burnet and take a left on FM/RR 2341.
14. Follow this road to the end (about 15 miles). More pull-outs and great views of lake Buchanan. There are stores at the end of the road.
15. Return to Hwy 29 and take a left into Burnet.
16. Continue on Hwy 29 to Bertram.
17. For the adventurous you can either take 281 to FM/RR 963 to 1174 on the North side or take the old Bertram Road to Bertram. If you take 1174 route you'll have to switch back to 243 at Bertram (1174, right on 29, left 243). Neither has alot of views to offer just different parts of Texas Hill Country to see on two lane roads.
18. Now that you're in Bertram take FM/RR 243 south (turn by the Presbyterian Church). This will run into 1174 south. If you took the Old Bertram road hang a right on 243.
19. Now pay attention and when you get close to going over a pretty good size hill, turn left. This is cow creak road. It will take you to FM/RR 1431. If you miss it, you'll HIT 1431 anyway!
20. Once on 1431 head east towards Leander/Cedar Park. Lago Vista is on the right you might want to check it out. There are development roads on a hill on the left (north) side of 1433 that provide great views of Lake Travis.
21. Turn right on Hwy 183 towards Austin. Hope you enjoy the trip.

    The Calendar Connection usually has a few Texas wildflower calendars on their Texas Calendars page.

    If you're confused or have questions drop me email and I'll try to confuse you even more!

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