They say everything is bigger in Texas… and while I can’t vouch for everything, I will say that this definitely includes the natural beauty of the state.
Sure, on first thought, the word “Texas” brings to mind images of ranches and longhorn cattle and oil, not necessarily natural beauty. Don’t get me wrong, Texas has ranches and cattle, and oil! But it also has plenty of its own outsized natural wonders.
So don’t dismiss Texas’ natural beauty before you see it for yourself. Come with me and we’ll explore some of the natural wonders of Texas. What exactly will you find in Texas?
Here are just a few spoilers: some of the best natural wonders in Texas include the second-largest canyon in the United States, seaside preserves, countless hot springs, sand dunes, wildflower meadows, mountain ranges, and limestone cliffs.
Table of Contents
1. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park, in West Texas, is often considered “Texas’ Gift to the Nation.” Big Bend, named after a bend in the Rio Grande River, features canyons, mountains, deserts, and limestone cliffs.
The park is also rich in culture and shows evidence of Native Americans over thousands of years, viewable in archaeological sites and pictographs.
2. Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock State Park is primarily famous for its giant, pink granite dome. The largest isolated pink granite dome in the United States, in fact (who knew there was such a thing?).
The dome is the most unique hike in Texas and gives you stunning views of Texas Hill Country.
3. Lost Maples
Lost Maples State Natural Area is the best place in Texas to go leaf-peeping (to see spectacular fall foliage, that is). It’s beautiful in all seasons, and has abundant wildflowers in the spring and summer, too.
4. Padre Island National Seashore
Do you always forget Texas borders the ocean, or is that just me? Not only does Texas have a coastline, but it also has islands! On North Padre Island, near Corpus Christi, you’ll find 70 miles of some of the most pristine coastline around.
(Spring breakers head to South Padre Island, which is beautiful but most definitely not a protected national park!).
Padre Island National Seashore is also a sanctuary to tons of wildlife, especially a huge variety of birds.
5. Pedernales Falls
For some of the best outdoor recreation in Texas, head to Pedernales Falls State Park.
The clear, turquoise waters of the Pedernales River carve through rock formations at the site of the falls, and trails abound on the sandy shores. Explore the white cliffs, and climb as high as you can for the spectacular sunsets.
6. Natural Bridge Caverns
I know the largest commercial caverns (yes, that’s a thing) in Texas may sound a little too profitable to belong on a list of amazing natural wonders, but hear me out!
First, it’s family-owned and operated, but also, it’s very cool.
The “bridge” was created when the amphitheater entrance of the caverns partially collapsed in a sinkhole, leaving a natural slab of limestone behind (hence, the bridge). After the bridge, you can tour into the depths of the caverns themselves, even experiencing total darkness, if you’re so inclined.
7. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Millions of years ago, some dinosaurs walked along the edge of a long-gone ocean…and today, their prints remain! In Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can see amazingly preserved dinosaur tracks on the banks of the Paluxy River, not far from Fort Worth, Texas.
The tracks can hold little pools themselves, and are not always visible, depending on the river conditions, so double-check before you go (especially if you have your heart set on literally walking in the footsteps of giants).
8. Hamilton Pool
If you mention the natural wonders of Texas, chances are someone will very enthusiastically tell you about Hamilton Pool, which is often called the “Best Kept Secret of Texas.”
The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole (who knew swimming holes could be historic?) near the town of Dripping Springs. The emerald green waters of the swimming hole are tucked under a rock wall and fed by a 50-foot waterfall.
9. Westcave Preserve
About a mile away from Hamilton Pool, you’ll find another hidden treasure of Texas: Westcave Preserve, or the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. Westcave Preserve is a blue-green pool located in a grotto, right below a fern-filled and mossy dripping spring (essentially, tons of tiny waterfalls).
You can’t swim at Westcave, and you need a guide to explore, but the short hike through the grotto itself is so gorgeous! And once you get to the fairy-tale dripping spring, well, you’ll definitely have a new opinion about Texas and its natural wonders.
10. Palo Duro Canyon
Make a visit up to the Texas panhandle for the second largest canyon in the entire United States—right behind the Grand Canyon (the canyon to end all canyons). Palo Duro Canyon, near Amarillo, was formed by a tributary of the Red River (plus that strong Texas wind) and stretches for over 120 miles.
11. Caddo Lake
The only naturally formed lake in Texas had to make this list, of course! Caddo Lake, on the border of Louisiana, is part lake and part bayou (because apparently once you get near Louisiana, everything becomes a bayou) and has a distinct otherworldly feel.
Grab yourself a kayak or a canoe and paddle peacefully between old cypress trees, giant swaths of Spanish moss, and the occasional alligator.
12. Jacob’s Well
I am here for all of these gorgeous and unique swimming holes in Texas! Jacob’s Well Natural Area is not just another turquoise pool fed by a natural spring—it also has an extensive underwater cave system below the surface.
Thought to be Texas’ longest underwater cave, Jacob’s Well has been the site of several scuba diving deaths (yikes) so it is for swimming only!
And looking, if you’re not up for a swim. The waters are also home to many local species, like salamanders.
13. Gorman Falls
Located in Colorado Bend State Park (a Texas state park, confusingly named after the Colorado River, not the scenic state of Colorado), Gorman Falls are some of Texas’ most impressive waterfalls.
The three-mile, round-trip hike to the falls over rocky, yet scenic, terrain ends at the stunning 70-foot high, spring-fed waterfall in the middle of the forest.
14. Big Thicket National Preserve
The Big Thicket National Preserve is known as North America’s “biological crossroads” or the “American ark.” The sheer number of species that coexist in this small area (which, of course, used to be much larger) is significant.
The eastern hardwood forests, the midwest plains, and the Gulf coastal plains all converge in Big Thicket, which conserves miles of forest, swamp, rivers, and meadows (plus, all the wildlife that thrives in each of these varied environments).
15. Monahans Sandhills
If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Sahara Desert but can’t quite make it to Africa, head to Texas instead! Monahans Sandhills State Park, or the “Sahara of the Southwest,” covers a few miles of sand dunes in the middle of Texas, some of which are 70 feet high.
Hike up the sand dunes, and try your hand (or, um, feet?) at dune surfing on the way back down!
16. Guadalupe Peak
For the highest point in Texas, visit the Guadalupe Mountains State Park and climb the famous Guadalupe Peak (sometimes called Signal Peak). The hike is not for the faint-hearted, but the “Top of Texas,” at over 8,000 feet high, gives you the best views in the state!
If you’re not up for the full hike, there are plenty of smaller hikes in the area. Pro tip: it’s also a famously good spot for stargazing, so bring your tent!
17. Galveston Island
Coast lovers, this one’s for you! Covering both the bay and the beach, Galveston Island State Park protects 2,000 acres of precious coastal ecosystem that is unique to the upper Gulf Coast barrier islands.
For beach camping, bird watching or beach swimming, Galveston Island is a hot spot for outdoor experiences.
18. Caverns of Sonora
Welcome to the Caverns of Sonora, one of the most beautiful show caves on the planet.
The caverns are world-class thanks to their unique geological formations, 95% of which are still “growing.” To see the caves, you’ll need to take an official tour, but the insane amount of calcite crystal formations is a once-in-a-lifetime sight!
Conclusion
Okay, it’s time to go to Texas—who’s with me? Everyone knows Texas is big, full of cattle, and a large producer of oil, but it was a pleasant surprise to find it also full of larger-than-life natural wonders.
Which natural wonder of Texas was most unexpected for you? I think for me, it’s a tie between the second-largest canyon in the States, and the several waterfall-fed swimming holes! Let’s hear yours in the comments below.
Want more natural wonders in North America? Check out the natural wonders in Florida and the natural wonders in Arizona!
