Pedernales Falls State Park is located Johnson City, TX and 30 miles west of Austin. The park has 19.8 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, 10 miles of equestrian trails, and 14 miles of backpacking trails. The Pedernales River flows over tilted, layered stair steps of limestone and through channels carved by the river.
          There is a short trail from the parking lot to the Pedernales Falls Overlook and a set of steps leading down to the river. Once down at the falls, there is little shade and the sun bounces off the limestone. For this reason, I recommend visiting the falls either in the early morning or late evening.

      Due to the turbulent water and tendency for flash floods, swimming in the falls area is not permitted. However, there are other areas in the park where you are able to swim.

      If you walk up the river, past the limestone slab, you will be rewarded with another group of waterfalls. Do not cross the river in this area, as the other side of the river is private property.

      There are several small creeks that flow through the park. The creeks are spring-fed and the cold water flows over slick limestone.

      This is a 584-acre open space located behind The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. It consists of the Pulpit Rock area, University Park, and Austin Bluffs. During my summer in Colorado Springs, I hiked to the top of the bluffs nearly every evening.

      This quiet park is uncrowded and offers great views of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, and the front range. I found it to be an exceptional place to watch the sunset.

      Throughout the park you will find interesting rock formations.  This open space has been ranked as "unique" by the United States Forest Service for its distinctive rock formations.

      Aside from the Pulpit Rock area, most of the park lacks developed trails. However, well established social trails wind through the entire open space. Additional developed trails have been planned by the city. Both these planned trails as well as the developed trails can be viewed on the trail map.

To get there:
From I-25 take the Garden of the Gods exit, which turns into Austin Bluffs Parkway. Turn left onto Union Boulevard. Turn left on Ranch and left on Montebello. Turn right at University Road and park near the intersection of University Park and Rockhurst. Trail map.