We're heading to Bandera, TX the end of March. We trailered there 2 years ago and rode Natural Area each time. I'm wondering if there are any other good riding places to trailer to for a day ride and that's within a reasonable distance?
Posted 2012-02-09 11:35 PM (#140703 - in reply to #140633) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
This time we're camping at Twin Elms. There is riding directly out of camp. It will be a short trailer haul to Natural Area where we rode each time two years ago. Am hoping to find more places to ride.
We'll be passing through Austin enroute. Can you tell me more about "Happy Horse"? Tks
Posted 2012-02-10 8:21 AM (#140707 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Cap rock canyons in Quitaque,TX is futhter north than Bandera, but, from what I hear, is well worth the trip.. That place is on my to-do list as well. There is LBJ grasslands, again, I've not been there.. The only place in Texas that is within a reasonable distance for me and my schedule is Bandera. Googling it, I found a SisterCreek Ranch in Boerne,TX that is like a bed and barn resort.. I've seen the ads before and I've heard it is nice, but Bandera has many more trails. There is one more place that I can't quite remember the name of.. I'll think about it a while and post it as soon as I remember.. let me know the dates that you will be there and I'll try to run up and ride with you for a day.. I ride there several times a year.. love the place!
Posted 2012-02-10 10:17 AM (#140719 - in reply to #140707) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
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Posts: 326 Location: central IL
We'll arrive in Bandera March 26 and leave Easter Monday. When we were there two years ago, we camped in an RV camp and boarded the horse with a wonderful lady ranch owner just down the road in Tarpley. She and I rode Natural Area almost every day. Since she'll be gone this time, we're staying at Twin Elms. We can ride right out of camp there but my friend and I plan on also trailering over to Natural Area.
If I recall, there was a great article about Cap Rock Canyon in a recent Trailrider Magazine. The area looked a lot like the canyons in Utah I rode in last May. We might have to save that as a future destination.
I'd looked into Sister Creek Ranch but it was very expensive to stay in their cabins. My friend is renting a camper in Bandera and pulling it over to Twin Elms. Hubby and I will sleep in my trailer.
It'd be great for you to come over and meet up with us. Here's my humble rig~but it's a palace to me!
I was camped out on some property we own near St. Louis. Just me and Quiz.
Riding down in Shawnee National Forest in southern IL~
Posted 2012-02-10 10:50 AM (#140723 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Aceliberty, sent you a PM. If I can, I will try to come ride.. i usually primitive camp since i don't have a gooseneck, YET..LOL! There are hookups at the State Natural Area that are (I thinK) @ 25.00/night, if you care to use them.. i stayed there this December, even tho i was tent camping because my friend had a LQ and used the facilities.. The hook-ups include a covered stall.. Otherwise, the horses stay in the pipe corrals offered at the other camping spots..or whatever system people bring with them....
Posted 2012-02-11 7:42 AM (#140759 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
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Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
Someone suggested LBJ Grasslands. I have ridden there and was disappointed in the scenery in that it was barely hilly and not really much to see except there was quite a bit of wildlife.
Posted 2012-02-12 11:45 AM (#140817 - in reply to #140759) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Cajunmuleman,
Tks for the infoon LBJ Grasslands. We trailered over near Springfield, IL to a campground only to discover the riding quite boring. Appreciate the tip. Cap Rock, TX still sounds like a must see.
Posted 2012-02-12 12:54 PM (#140820 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656 Location: Rayne, LA
I have a freind in Fort Worth that enjoys riding Caprock Canyon and also Palo Duro. He said the only things to watch is the quick change in weather ( both hot and cold ) but he said it is worth it. Good riding
Posted 2012-02-13 8:22 AM (#140851 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I've heard that about LBJ..... McKinney Roughs might be the other place I was thinking about but can't be for sure.. Soon as my work week is over I'll sit down and do a google search and see if I can find it.
Posted 2012-02-14 9:49 AM (#140920 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Bonham, TX
I have a friend staying at Twin Elms right now from Ohio. She came down for a mule ride at Bandera the week after Christmas and we all stayed at the State Natural Area that week. She and a couple of other mule riders then moved over to Twin Elms. Appears that there is quite a bit of riding around Twin Elms plus being able to ride into town for food and "spirits" at local bars and restaurants.
Posted 2012-02-14 10:13 AM (#140925 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Good point. When staying at the State Natural Area, some is designated to stay behind if we have to do any store runs. Also, adult beverages are not allowed in the park (although I am certain sure it has been snuck in) and it would be nice to sit around a firepit at night and have a toddy. I am sure that there are lots of trails not in the Natural Area boundaries.. when you get to the to of one of the high spots, the terrain stretches for miles..
Posted 2012-02-14 10:32 AM (#140927 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
It snowed again last night here in IL, and the only thing that keeps up my spirits is knowing that a month from now I'll be getting organized for the trip to Bandera! Here's a pic of my friend taken at Natural Area. I enjoyed the riding but didn't overnight there. Plus, I don't think I could give up my "happy hour"!
Posted 2012-02-15 11:23 AM (#141000 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Regular
Posts: 96 Location: Grapeland, Texas
I have ridden in several state parks in Texas that don't allow alcohol but people still drank. I think they over look it if you keep beer cans covered and don't get drunk and make a scene. I was on the same ride at the natural area with Mary and there was drinking going on but no one got drunk and acted stupid and didn't leave cans and bottles laying around. Just use common sense in camp and don't drink on the trails. I also was one of the ones that stayed in Bandera for another week at Twin Elm. They have a limited amount of riding on the ranch but makes for a nice short ride. A lot of the bars and restaurants have hitchin posts for riders to tie to. The also have a ride on Sundays I think where they ride from bar to bar. Didn't try that one, but while we were there we did ride into town a couple of times. And if you have never been, go to 11th street bar on Wed nights. You bring you own steak and they furnish baked potatoes and salads and all sorts of seasonings. They have a band and dancing too, it was a lot of fun.
Posted 2012-02-15 6:10 PM (#141022 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Longears, We've been to the 11th Street Bar 2 years ago but didn't know about the BYOS. This year we'll be sure to take part in the cookout. Thanks for the reminder! I actually bought a really pretty necklace at their little store and have received lots of compliments on it.
My friend and I will definitely ride the horses into town just to say we did it. I heard there wasn't a whole lot of riding from Twin Elms; however, here in IL winters there is NO riding to speak of hardly ever. So, we're really looking forward to any riding we can do the month of March. Thanks for the input.
Posted 2012-02-22 8:45 AM (#141308 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
LBJ Grasslands is relatively flat, and none of the trails are "complicated". The central camping area, TADRA point has a pit toilet, and windmill with trough for horse water. No hook ups, no corrals. But, lots of Oaks for shade. Daily fee, I think $4.
The trail system is very easy to follow, with 5 different loop choices, all color coordinated. Ride one or connect multiple colors. Loops range from about 9 miles, to 25 miles. Because this is one of the most popular trail systems in Texas, many of the trails are wide enough to ride side by side.
There are LOTS of horse gates to open and close. Metal gate, about 4' wide, and hook chain at rider height to fasten them. Ponds on trail for water.
This is my "home" trails where we ride and condition our distance horses, which is why I know them so well.
Here is a link that includes maps to many TX trail systems.
Posted 2012-02-22 11:11 AM (#141316 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681 Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
I remember that I had read somewhere that the LBJ's were frequently used for competitive training. Bandera also has a training ride there at least once a year I think..
Posted 2012-02-22 7:16 PM (#141330 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 373 Location: Texas
At the LBJ Grasslands We have an NATRC competitive trail ride in September, and they have one of the largest endurance rides in TX in April, often with over 150 horses. And yes, they have an endurance ride at Bandera each year too.
Posted 2012-04-11 8:55 AM (#143007 - in reply to #140623) Subject: RE: Bandera, TX
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326 Location: central IL
Just got back to IL from Hill Country last evening. We loved TX! We mainly rode the trails at Twin Elms, but trailered over to Natural Area two 2 times. We needed at least two more days of riding to cover the places we wanted to ride there. Even though we mainly stayed on flatter terrain, we thoroughly enjoyed the riding since all we have here in our part of IL is riding the roads that are laid out in square mile grids! Hoping to get some pics posted soon. I'd love to try Palo Duro and Cap Rock Canyon. More bucket list destinations.
Bandera, TX
