We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Colorado Bend State Park. With a 70-ft waterfall and 35 miles of trails, this park is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Pro tip: The site closes when it reaches capacity, so we recommend booking a day pass ahead of time.
Drive time: ~2 hours
Est. land area: 5,300 acres
Avg. high in June: 90º
Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the six-mile river + 35 miles of trails at Colorado Bend State Park. | Photo via @luffy.gumshots
🥾 Things to do
Hit the trails
Colorado Bend offers dozens of miles of trails ranging in terrain and difficulty perfect for hikers, backpackers, or mountain bikers. Walk along pools and waterfalls on the 3.8-mile Spicewood Springs Trail or take it easy by hopping on and off the River Trail, which stretches 10 miles along the Colorado River.
Take in one of Texas’ prettiest water features
Colorado Bend is famous for housing Gorman Falls, a gorgeous 70-ft waterfall nestled in natural rock and lush mossy landscaping. The feature is known as a “living waterfall,” and has grown over time due to mineral deposits from the limestone + carbon dioxide-rich water.
The Bend General Store’s stage hosts live music for you to enjoy during your meal. | Photo via @awrightmusic
🍽️ Fuel up after hiking
Bend General Store
Because Colorado Bend State Park is, you know, out in nature, the closest option for bites is the Bend General Store. But this isn’t your average general store — in addition to selling camping and fishing supplies, this spot serves up burgers + sandwiches and showcases live music.
Who wouldn’t want to open their tent to views like these? | Photo via @kiiileidoscope
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Camping at Colorado Bend State Park | 2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend
The park itself offers drive-up, hike-in, walk-in, and group campsites for reservation starting at $10 per night. Check out availability + book your spot.
Looking for more recommendations? Head to the link below. Plus, stay tuned for the July installment of our Hit the Road series. We’ll be highlighting a 30-mile road trip.
5 Seconds of Summer | Fri., June 24 | 7 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park | $52.50+ | End your Friday night jamming out with this band during their “Take My Hand” world tour.
Eli & Fur | Fri., June 24 | 10 p.m. | The Concourse Project | $20+ | Listen to the London producer duo in concert. 🎶
Saturday
Austin FC vs. FC Dallas | Sat., June 25 | 8 p.m. | Q2 Stadium | $69+ | Cheer on the home team during their Saturday night match. ⚽
Pride in Local Music Festival | Sat., June 25 | 12-9 p.m. | The Long Center for the Performing Arts | $23+ | Close out national Pride Month at this outdoor live music and creative festival supporting LGBT artists.
Sunday
Master Class Series – Spirits of the World 101 | Sun., June 26 | 12-2:30 p.m. | The Roosevelt Room | $75+ | Join this class to learn about some of the most popular drinks + spirits produced around the world.
Pride Picnic at Pease Park | Sun., June 26 | 12-4 p.m. | Pease Park | Free, donations accepted | RSVP to join for the first-ever Pride Picnic at Pease Park. 🌈
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Remember the record hot summer of 2011? See how this year’s temperature, rainfall + drought compares to 10+ years ago. (KXAN)
Sports
Quarterback Arch Manning, a No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2023, announced his commitment to play for the Texas Longhorns yesterday. Arch is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton + Eli Manning. 🏈 (KXAN)
Biz
There’s no boring news coming out of the Boring Co. Elon Musk’s tunnel construction company may dig a tunnel near Austin’s Tesla factory. A site plan application for a “Colorado River Connector Tunnel” was filed with the City of Austin earlier this week. (Austin Business Journal)
Transportation
Initial designs for Austin rail network’s future subway stations have been released. The rail lines will stretch across the city, but the transit system will only run underground in the downtown area. Take a look + keep up with Project Connect’s workhere. 🚈 (Community Impact Austin)
Eat
Gulf Coast food truck Huckleberry is moving down the road from The Far Out Lounge to Still Austin Whiskey Co. at 440 E. St. Elmo Rd. The food truck will reopen at its new location on Sat., July 2. Guests can expect an expanded menu + expanded hours of operation. 🍤
Closing
Fluff Meringues & More will close its Burnet Road location on Sat., July 3. The bakery’s meringues + mercantile items will still be available for purchase until the shop closes. (Eater Austin)
Edu
Round Rock ISD’s board approved a pilot program that willallow students who reside outside the district’s boundaries to enroll at specific campuses for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. The program includes 13 elementary schools + two middle schools. 🏫 (KVUE)
Development
Hotel Ella, which resides in the historic Goodall Wooten House, has plans to expand past the original mansion. There will be no changes made to the historic house located in West Campus. (Austin Towers)
Pets
The Austin Animal Center is waiving all adoption fees until further notice to ease overcrowding. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 🐾 (KXAN)
Traffic
Austin Public Works recently began its annual street repair season, which will take several months to complete. Residents can be on the lookout for an orange slip left on their door 30 days before repairs on their street starts. 🚧 (Community Impact Austin)
Announced
This may sound cheesy but… Quesoff is returning to Austin and accepting entries for the best queso. The queso celebration will take place on Sat.,Oct. 8 at The Mohawk + supports the Central Texas Food Bank. 🧀 (FOX 7)
A beauty message from our sponsor
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We’re shore happy that Ski Shores Cafe has officially reopened.
Last year, McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality bought this 50-year-old Lake Austin icon located at 2905 Pearce Rd. The revitalized cafe features classic meals such as burgers, fried catfish, and chicken tenders.
You can also enjoy cold drinks + food on the lakeside porch and bar, the front lawn, or inside at the “Captain’s Bar.” 🍹
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