Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park, covering over 5,000 acres, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park area is a great example of Texas Hill Country karst feature, such as springs, caves, and sinkholes. You can find over 400 caves in the area. The park is also home to Gorman Falls, a massive 65 foot waterfall. While Colorado Bend State Park is probably best known for it's excellent hiking trails, you can also enjoy fishing, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Hiking Trails

Colorado Bend State Park has numerous hiking trails. Two of the most popular are Spicewood Springs Trail and Gorman Falls Trail.

Spicewood Springs Trail is a 3.8 mile loop trail, with a couple of options for hiking back. The trail is known for its numerous swimming holes along the way, and you also pass by a beautiful waterfall. Elevation gain is 288 feet. Leashed dogs are allowed.

Gorman Falls Trail is a 2.6 mile out and back, moderately difficult trail that features a stunning Gorman Falls. Elevation gain is 344 feet. Most of the trail is made of limestone. Be aware that cacti are along the trail. Along the way, you'll a chance to relax in the shade provided by groves of trees. Leashed dogs are allowed.

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Boating and Paddling

Colorado Bend State Park has a boat ramp available if you choose to bring your own boat. Check the lake levels prior to visiting, however, since low water levels can make launching larger boats hazardous.

If you just want to rent watercraft, Colorado Bend State Park has kayaks available for rent. Rates and rules are as follows.

Singles: $10.00/hour.
Doubles: $10.00/hour.
Kayaks must be returned by 4:00 PM.
No kayak rentals after 3:00 PM.
10% discount with Texas State Park Pass.

Hours

Colorado Bend State Park is open daily, from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Entrance fees are $5.00 for adults. Kids 12 year old and younger free.

For more information, call 325-628-3240, or visit the Colorado Bend State Park website.

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Reviews

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Moderate trails lead to overlook of limestone cliffs and canyons, spring-fed creeks, and swimming holes. Colorado River is park boundary. Bring sturdy shoes with good soles and plenty of water during hikes, as trails can be quite rocky. We saw many armadillos.

Primitive, Scenic. Inspire587709, Trip Advisor

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We arrived at this park around 6 AM for a day of hiking. Once you cross into the park there is absolutely no cell phone reception so keep that in mind for safety on the trails. Have an alternate means of communication if planning to hike alone especially. We hiked early to Gorman falls before the trail got busy and it was breathtaking. We then hiked down to the natural spring for a swim and it was very pleasant. Did not see any park staff while there but the entire park was clean and well kept. What tent camping sites I saw I was not impressed with. Most had little to zero shade and no privacy from the road. There was a fantastic spot to put in our kayaks and so we went for a short paddle that afternoon once it got too hot to hike.

Amazing Park to Camp or Visit. Kerry Constantin, Trip Advisor

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My friend and I have started to visit state parks as a way of dealing with this pandemic. Nature is so healing and it did not disappoint at Colorado Bend. We only had time to hike to the Gorman Falls, but it was amazing. The trail is very rocky and there is some shade. It is what you would expect to see in the Texas Hill Country. What you do no expect to see it the incredible waterfall with green mosses and lush ferns that look like something from Lord of the Rings. It is very slippery and very steep as you near the falls.

Gorgeous - we will be back. smileynvp, Trip Advisor