The Best Natural Wonders of Texas

Padre Island National Seashore is over 70 miles of dunes, coastline, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life – over 380 bird species and the Ridley sea turtle nesting ground. Some of the Seashore’s rich history includes Spanish shipwrecks in 1554.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The highest peak in Texas is Guadalupe Peak, at 8,479 feet. This is pure Texas wilderness where El Capitan Peak was used as a landmark during the western expansion. Guadalupe Mountains National park is excellent for camping, backpacking, hiking, and mountain biking.

Hamilton Pool Preserve

The pool was created thousands of years ago when the surface above an underground river collapsed creating this very popular scenic grotto. Wow, what a wonderful place to spend some time enjoying scenery or cooling off in the pool

Enchanted Rock

Located in Central Texas this pink granite outcropping has been part of local lore since European settlers arrived. Native American tribes believed the rock had magic powers hence the name “Enchanted” Rock. Today “the Rock” is climbed by thousands of climbers from 2 to 82. There are several hiking trails, campsites, some mountain biking.

Palo Duro Canyon

This is the second largest canyon in the United States and lies in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.The canyon is one of the most spectacular getaways with 120 miles to be active and in nature. Unbelievable scenery, tent and RV camping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and lots of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Caddo Lake

This beautiful marshland is almost magical with its tall cypress trees out of moss covered waters. Caddo is one of Texas’s few natural lakes and its shallow waters make it ideal for fishing. The arms of the lake are excellent for smooth water boarding or skiing and Caddo Lake State Park is wonderful place to camp.

Big Bend

The National Park is comprised of the Texas side of the Chihuahaun Desert. The park has 150 miles of hiking trails through mountains, desert, and rivers. Beautiful scenery, some of the best hiking in Texas, lodging, camping, rafting on the Rio Grande, and more make Big Bend one of the Best Natural Wonders in Texas! Read about our fun vacation in Big Bend.

Colorado River

The Colorado River, the 18th longest river in the US, has both its mouth and source in Texas. This 862 mile stretch is great for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and rafting.

Guadalupe River

This river is a popular destination for rafting, fly fishing, and canoeing. This river runs from Kerr County to San Antonio on the Bay of the Gulf. See our map of the Upper Guadalupe River and Lower Guadalupe River to find things to see and do on the river.

Brazos River

The Brazos River sometimes is used to mark the boundary between West Texas and East Texas. This is the longest river in Texas and popular for fishing and kayaking.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

In west Texas, just outside Odessa, you will come across 3,840 acres of sand some of which are 70 feet high. Thousands of visitors come here for sand football games and sand surfing. Read Texas Outside’s review of Monahans Sandhills State Park.

Devil’s Sinkhole

This 40’x60′ opening is a National Natural Landmark bat habitat that opens up into a deep cavern 400′ below.

Texas Caves