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Where Can I Go Hiking and Glamping Near Austin, Texas?

shannondtaylor

Updated: Jan 20

Hill Country Glamping and Hiking near Austin


The Texas hill country is home to plenty of interesting and gorgeous hiking. Here at Talula Mesa Glamping Resort, we are lucky to be located near some of the best hiking spots in the Texas hill country, and just a short drive from Austin. We're located on the north side of Lake Travis, about halfway between Lago Vista and Marble Falls, TX. Talula Mesa is the only glamping near Austin with lake-views. And not just any views..... you can see for twenty miles over the lake and the hill country.


Check out the AllTrails map or app to find detailed hikes. Below is a list of our favorite hikes nearby.


For specific advice and tips for wildflower hikes, wildflower glamping, and scenic spots in the spring, we're planning to create separate posts soon, so check back for links to those.


Check out these pages for more information about glamping with dogs, kids, and things to do near Talula Mesa Glamping Resort.


Top spots to hike near Talula Mesa Glamping Resort


Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge (lots of choices - Easy to Moderate)

  • Easy to Moderate

  • 10-15 minutes from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort

  • 10 miles of trails to choose from

  • Two observation decks, several scenic overlooks

  • Some shaded, some open trails

  • NO DOGS, ever.

  • Excellent birdwatching (245 bird species harbor here)

The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is 72 square miles of land set aside to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The refuge also helps to protect water quality in central Texas and lies just north of Lake Travis, the drinking water reservoir for the Austin metro area. Visitors are welcome to hike one many foot trails that comprise 10 miles in total. This is the best hiking in the hill country, and we are so lucky to be just next door. I recommend the 2-hour shaded hike to the sunset deck from the Warbler Vista trailhead. It's not a difficult hike, but provides enough ups and downs to get a little exercise.



Hiking and glamping near Austin, Tx. An aerial view of wide-open grassy fields and hiking trails, dotted with live oak and cedar trees that are characteristic of the Texas Hill Country, just 10 minutes from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort in Marble Falls, Texas.
Hiking trails in the Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge near Talula Mesa Glamping Resort. Photo credit: Matthew High via Texas Time Travel blog.

Glamping near Austin, Texas. The view from the sunset deck at the Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge shows the sun setting, creating an orange sky over wide-open views over the Texas hill country from a wooden hut. The Colorado River (Lake Travis) can be seen winding through the green hills of Lago Vista, Texas.
View from the Sunset Deck at the Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Refuge. One of two observation decks at the park. This one is located about 10 minutes from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort, and can be reached via car or by hike (a 2-ish hour round trip hike, mostly shaded, not difficult.

Onsite hiking at Talula Mesa Glamping Resort

  • Moderate (short but steep and rocky)

  • 30 mins+

  • Mostly shaded, some sunny

  • Dogs welcome, leashed if other people are around. More about dogs and glamping.

Step right out of your glamping tent and explore the rustic trails across our 15 acres. Our property is steep, leading down to a ravine or "sometimes creek" which catches rainfall. It's fun to explore and generally takes about an hour to make it down and back, depending on how quickly you cover the terrain vs. pausing to explore. Fair warning: in the hotter months, I usually need to stop to catch my breath once or twice on the way back up.


Two dogs hiking and walking up the brick/stone steps at Talula Mesa Glamping resort. In the background are live oak trees on a hill and wild grass. Dogs are welcome to hike the steep trails at Talula Mesa Glamping Resort in Marble Falls, Texas.
Take your dogs hiking over 15 acres at Talula Mesa Glamping Resort
  • Easy

  • DOGS - yes

  • Lake access, large park, restrooms, campsites, hiking trails

  • Gorgeous wildflowers February-June, weather depending

  • Entry fee $5 per car

  • 2 mins away from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort


Glamping near Austin, Texas. Lake Travis, the Colorado River, and the hills in the background covered in green cedar and live oak trees. Turkey Bend Recreation Area park in the fall, near Talula Mesa Glamping Resort in Marble Falls, Texas.
Turkey Bend Recreation Area just 2 minutes down the road from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort



Longhorn Caverns

  • Easy to Moderate

  • 90 mins+ tours

  • DOGS - yes, leashed

  • 39 mins away from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort

Longhorn Caverns is a gem in the hill country, largely undiscovered. Travel down 52 stone steps into a comfortable 68°F all year round. The caves have fascinating history to discover. They've been home to Comanche natives, a restaurant, bands/concerts, and now hiking and special events. For kids, try the gem mining, geodes, and wild cave tour.


Glamping near Austin, Texas. Woman, a glamping guest, hiking underground at Longhorn Caverns. The caverns are lit up, showing off the orange limestone rocks. Hiking and glamping in the Texas hill country.
Hiking underground Longhorn Caverns - 68 degrees year-round!
Glamping near Marble Falls, TX. Night hiking at Longhorn Caverns State Park with blacklights. Another photo of a blacklight, glowing dance party outdoors, and a group making s'mores around a campfire.
On select nights you can join a tour where high-powered blacklights reveal the cavern’s hidden wonders. Choose a ticket for the guided black light cave tour only ($35) or one that includes a glowing dance party, face painting, stargazing, and s’mores ($79, weather permitting).

Lakeside Park Trail in Marble Falls (Easy)

  • Easy

  • Park and paved trail along the river/lake

  • In the heart of Marble Falls, near restaurants, shops, and more.

  • DOGS - yes

  • 25 mins away from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort

In the heart of Marble Falls is the Lakeside Park trail, which offers paved trails for walking, bikes, and strollers, along with restrooms, covered pavilions, playscapes, and a wonderful and quaint trail of lights during the holiday season. This is a great area to explore during a trip to Marble Falls. I especially love this area at night when the lights around town bounce off of the water.




Horseshoe Creek Hiking Trail

  • Easy

  • 3.5 miles length

  • 1 hr 23 mins average hike time

  • DOGS - yes, leashed

  • 33 mins away from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort


Hill country hiking and glamping near Talula Mesa Glamping Resort in Marble Falls, Texas. One hour from Austin, Texas. Glamping and hiking with dogs allowed.
Horseshoe Creek Trail - 33 minutes from Talula Mesa Glamping Resort

If you've discovered additional great hikes near Marble Falls, Burnet, or Lago Vista, please let us know. I'd love to add to this list.


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6517 Shaw Drive
Marble Falls, TX
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