Colorado Bend

Colorado Bend SP https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Bend_State_Park Colorado Bend State Park is located in the Hill Country region in Texas. It is representative of the karst features typically seen in the Hill Country, with many sinkholes, caves, and springs.

For assistance using this map, contact the park. Colorado Bend #TxStateParks State Park TexasStateParks.org/App Texas State Parks Store River Overlook Gorman Falls .25 mi i m 3 .9 mi Pa ss ons Rid Lem g 1.2 mi . mi an yo nT rai l gle M ain gC 1.3 .2 m e Compost Toilet .8 mi Grey Fox Group Site Canyon Group Site 1m i. Cedar Chopper Loop 29 28 27 26 36 25 37 40 24 38 41 39 42 23 43 44 22 45 46 21 47 20 19 18 e at iv Pr i. .7 m ly g in op ss pa es Tr Lo o -N • • • • • • • • Most GPS devices will not get you to the park. Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited. The park gate closes at 10 p.m. Call ahead if arriving after that time. Lake Buchanan 10 miles downstream A maximum of eight people permitted per campsite. Quiet time is from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. An excess parking fee is required at campsites with more than two vehicles. DISCHARGE OF GRAY WATER AND BLACK WATER IS PROHIBITED. NO DUMP STATION IS PROVIDED. Campsite must be kept clean; all trash must be picked up before leaving. Park trails are hike and bike trails except where designated on map. Bike racks are provided at these trailheads. Please watch for pedestrians on trails. • Stop the spread of invasive species. CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat. Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Group Camp Picnic Area Parking Amphitheater Boat Ramp Fish Cleaning Drinkable Water No Bikes Allowed Residence Maintenance PLEASE NOTE TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. © 2020 TPWD PWD MP P4507-140 (2/20) .5 m (foot traffic only) Primitive Campsites .5 mi .7 5 Li m ve i ly Lo op ss Pa River Group Site 15 16 13 14 11 12 9 10 7 8 5 6 3 4 1 2 i 1 i ve Li ty er op Pr ing ss a .75 sp re oT N mi e idg sR on m Le .3 mi ty er op r P te iva Pr 2. 6 mi m dm ill Tr a il i 7m Rinse Shower 35 17 CaSpi ny cew on o Tr od 1.3 mi. ai l 1 Spicewood .5 mi Springs Trail . op 1 W in er T rail Private Property - No Trespassing i Restrooms Riv il r Tra .4 mi ly Lo Dry Creek Junction 1.2 mi .6 m Fee Booth orado River Col Live ly L .5 mi i 1.5 m Rive Kayak Rental River Backpack Camping Area .3 mi mi oop Windmill Backpack Camping Area .6 mi i i Live No Trespassing Private Property - Old Gorman Road Gorman Spring Trail Tinaja Trail .5 m 1.2 State Parks Store 1.3 mi Gorman-Windmill Connection N Conference Center m lic pub No hicles ve Gate Headquarters Colorado River .5 mi .6 i .3 m Gate and Fee Booth Permit required before accessing park from boat. mi de Sli Gorman Falls Trail i Tie . mi 2.2 te n 1. anc 75 e m Ro i ad Park Entrance il Tra .2 mi @TPWDparks @texasparkswildlife /texasparksandwildlife LEGEND Gorman Falls is a unique geologic formation that supports a sensitive ecosystem. The mineral rich spring water deposits layers upon layers of delicate calcite, slowly building up the travertine formations you see here. New growth is fragile and is an important component of this unique environment providing a base for the lush aquatic vegetation and associated habitat seen here. Please do not enter the pools or climb on the falls. Do Ice, firewood, and one-of-a-kind gift items are available at the Texas State Parks Store located in our park headquarters building. #BetterOutside PARK RESERVATIONS TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org (512) 389-8900 Caution: • All caves are closed except to tours. • Park entrance subject to flooding. It is advisable to leave the park if heavy rain is expected. 6031 Colorado Park Road Bend, TX 76824 (325) 628-3240 Proud Sponsor of Texas State Parks 

Colorado Bend State Park Trails Map 1201 Colorado Park Road Bend, TX 76824 (325) 628-3240 LEGEND Parking Headquarters Compost Toilet Tent Camping Fish Cleaning Boat Ramp Scenic Overlook Group Site Day Use Area Rinse-off Shower Amphitheater Hiking Trail Only Trail segment distances are measured between trail intersections. All trails hiking and biking unless otherwise indicated. Contour intervals are 10 feet. Check with HQ for trail conditions. Map compiled by State Parks staff. No claims are made as to the accuracy of the data or its suitability to a particular use. Painted Bunting POINTS OF INTEREST (GPS coordinates shown in decimal degrees) 1 SPICEWOOD SPRINGS CREEK 2 SCENIC OVERLOOK In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. 31.0267° -98.4553° Situated in the uplands, this overlook provides views of the Colorado River canyon and Post Oak Falls. It's also the spot in the park with the most reliable cell phone reception. 3 DOGLEG CANYON VIEW 4 TINAJA © 2020 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD MP P4507-0140N (7/20) Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. 31.0144° -98.4572° The inviting area of pools and waterfalls is a great place to cool off in the clear, spring-fed waters. Swim at your own risk, and help us protect this area by Leaving No Trace. 31.0474° -98.4690° Enjoy this hidden canyon that feeds the Colorado River. Cliff walls and interesting rock outcroppings make this a unique destination. Include this stop in a hike to Gorman Falls. 31.0501° -98.4975° This bedrock depression, carved by springs and seeps, is an important ecological feature as it supports unique plant communities and wildlife. 5 GORMAN SPRING 6 GORMAN FALLS 7 RIVER OVERLOOK 31.0519° -98.4858° Subterranean waters from miles of contributing drainage are forced to the surface, feeding Gorman Creek and providing the mineral compounds that have built Gorman Falls. Living within the creek is one of the purest strains of our state fish, the Guadalupe bass. 31.0584° -98.4821° Rising 65 feet above the river, Gorman Falls is a unique geologic formation that supports a sensitive ecosystem. The mineral-rich spring water deposits layers of calcite, slowly building formations called travertine. Protect this very fragile area by viewing it from a distance. 31.0649° -98.4856° You can see for miles at this overlook which sits more than 200 feet above the Colorado River. Look for Gorman Falls to the south. 

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE BIRDS OF COLOR A DO BEND S T A T E P A R K A FIELD CHECKLIST 2007 Cover: Illustration of Bald Eagle by Rob Fleming. October 2007 INTRODUCTION C olorado Bend State Park lies on the Colorado River, at the junction of San Saba, Lampasas and Burnet coun­ ties. Here the river begins to slow and widen as it enters the upper end of Lake Buchanan. The park lies in a transitional area between two major vegetational areas: the Cross Timbers and Prairies to the northeast and the Edwards Plateau to the southwest. The separation between these two vegetational areas roughly corresponds to that of two phys­ iographic regions of Texas, the Lampasas Cut Plains and the Central Mineral Region, respectively. Birders who are ready for a lot of good hiking can find much to see in the park’s 5,638 acres. The park provides nearly 12 miles of hiking trails, including some along the river and Spicewood Spring Canyon, as well as a network of trails in the uplands in the western part of the park. The trails provide access to a diversity of habitats, including juniper-oak upland woodlands, oak savannahs, creekside riparian habitat and the river, with its towering oaks, elms and pecans. The present list includes 191 species. Common birds include the Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Golden-fronted Woodpecker and Eastern Phoebe. Canyon Wrens echo from the cliffs along the river, while Bewick’s Wrens, Rufous-crowned Sparrows and Northern Mockingbirds sing from the cedar-clad hills above. Southwest­ ern bird species found at Colorado Bend include Vermilion Flycatcher, Verdin, Bushtit, Cactus Wren and Canyon Towhee. There is always a chance of spotting something interesting along the river, like American White Pelicans during migra­ tion, or various shorebirds or waterfowl species. A couple of Hill Country specialties found at Colorado Bend are the Black-capped Vireo and Golden-cheeked Warbler. The warbler is easy to observe here from late March through June along the river and in Spicewood Springs Canyon. The vireo is much more difficult to find and confined to areas that are currently closed to the public. Visitors looking for these two endangered species should be very careful to avoid 1 disturbing the birds while they are nesting in the park. Playing tapes to attract these birds is prohibited. Because we will be updating this checklist as additional observations are made, we ask that you report details of new or unusual sightings. Bird sightings can be turned in to the office or mailed to the Natural Resource Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. This list was compiled by Edward A. Kutac and he would like to thank the many people who have contributed sightings. Nomenclature and organization of this list follow the American Ornithologist’s Union Check-list of North Ameri­ can Birds (1998, 7th edition), as currently supplemented. Please help protect natural avian communities by refraining from using playback tapes of bird songs. Frequent use of these tapes alters normal avian activity patterns, disrupts essential territorial behavior, and may lead to nest failure. Thank you for your cooperation. LEGEND C — Common – easy to find U — Uncommon – present, but in small numbers or not easy to find R — Rare – not expected every year; usually only one record per season X — Accidental – 1 to 4 records ? — Recorded but status uncertain * — Confirmed breeding in park Spring – March, April, May Summer – June July August Fall – September, October, November Winter – December, January, February 2 CHECKLIST SPG SUM FAL ____ Snow Goose ............................................ ____ Wood Duck*............................................ ____ Green-winged Teal ................................ ____ Gadwall ................................................... ____ Mallard..................................................... ____ Blue-winged Teal ................................... ____ Ring-necked Duck .................................. ____ Wild Turkey* .......................................... ____ Northern Bobwhite*.............................. ____ American White Pelican ....................... ____ Double-crested Cormorant ................... ____ Neotropic Cormorant ............................ ____ Great Blue Heron*................................. ____ Great Egret.............................................. ____ Snowy Egret ........................................... ____ Cattle Egret ............................................. ____ Green Heron........................................... ____ Black Vulture* ........................................ ____ Turkey Vulture* ..................................... ____ Osprey ..................................................... ____ Mississippi Kite....................................... ____ Bald Eagle ............................................... ____ Northern Harrier ....................

T E X A S S T A T E P A R K S Colorado Bend S TAT E PA R K H I L L C O U N T RY Colorado Bend STATE PARK Hidden away in the Hill Country along the Colorado River are over 5,300 acres of caves and canyonlands. Spring-fed streams flow through deep-cut canyons forming lush waterfalls and unique ecosystems. Vital minerals are dissolved by groundwater and emerge to build fantastic formations such as Gorman Falls, a 70-foot living waterfall. Box canyons, rugged rock outcrops, and hilltop overlooks dot the landscape. Cave and waterfall tours provide visitors with an experience to remember. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddling and swimming. In the spring, the white bass run attracts anglers and birding is excellent all year long. Camping: Tent camping in the main campground with drinking water and composting toilets and backcountry access. Picnicking: Tables and charcoal grills in main camping area. Swimming: At your own risk in Colorado River and Spicewood Springs. Boating: Paddling along Colorado River. Kayak rental. Boat ramp access to Lake Buchanan (water level permitting). Fishing: Excellent fishing for white bass in spring. Other possible catches include striped bass, crappie and catfish. Birdwatching: Rare Golden–cheeked Warblers, Black–capped Vireos and Bald Eagles recorded here. Tours: Wild cave tours guide visitors through caves; waterfall tours explore Gorman Falls. Call park for details. Trails: 35 miles of hike/bike trails through beautiful terrain. Texas State Parks Store: One-of-a-kind items, gifts, etc. Lometa San Saba 16 580 190 Bend 501 Cherokee 281 581 580 Colorado Bend State Park Lampasas 190 183 Lake Buchanan Located in San Saba County; paved access to Bend from Lampasas on F.M. 580 West or from San Saba 190 East to F.M. 580 East; then 10 miles of paved road to park headquarters. Follow signs. No gasoline available in Bend. Colorado Bend State Park P.O. Box 118, Bend, TX 76824 • (325) 628-3240 www.texasstateparks.org Rates and reservations: (512) 389-8900. For info only: (800) 792-1112. © 2016 TPWD PWD CD P4507-140M (8/16) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TDD) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. 

-Official- FA C I L I T I E S MAPS Get the Mobile App: ACTIVITIES texasstateparks.org/app Toyota Tundra Let your sense of adventure be your guide with the Toyota Official Vehicle of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation Tundra — built to help you explore all that the great state of Texas has to offer. | toyota.com/trucks BUILT HERE. LIVES HERE. ASSEMBLED IN TEXAS WITH U.S. AND GLOBALLY SOURCED PARTS. Contents 4 6 8 10 Activities and Programs Parks Near You Places to Stay Recreational Vehicles 12 Tips for Time in Nature Ray Roberts Devils River 14 Visitor Fees and Passes Directory TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT 18 Big Bend Country 26 34 48 56 64 80 86 Gulf Coast TPW COMMISSION S. Reed Morian, Chairman Houston Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, Vice-Chairman Lake Jackson James E. Abell Kilgore Oliver J. Bell Cleveland Anna B. Galo Laredo Jeffery D. Hildebrand Houston Jeanne W. Latimer San Antonio Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth Dick Scott Wimberley T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth Hill Country Panhandle Plains Pineywoods Prairies and Lakes South Texas Plains Carter P. Smith Executive Director Rodney Franklin State Parks Director Josh Havens Communications Director Facilities and Activities Index 44 State Parks Map Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose generous support made this guide possible. Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Cover photo: Tyler State Park, Chase Fountain Texas State Parks Official Guide, Seventeenth Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/20) TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries. WELCOME from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director   Texas contains some of the most diverse public lands in the country. There is a wealth of cultural heritage. Wildlife abounds, landscapes flourish with beauty and our history is abundant. Your state parks are a part of the legacy that makes Texas proud. The people of Texas recently helped secure that legacy for future generations by voting yes to Proposition 5. Thank you! These 630,000-plus acres showcase some of our state’s greatest treasures. Parks help people make memories with family and find respite in nature’s playground. They strengthen local economies and bind communities. Most of all, parks enable each of us to spend time outside to recharge, be healthy and relax in our own way. I invite you to enjoy your state parks, exploring the best of Texas with friends and family. The parks are here for you. They belong to you. Please visit, have fun, and help protect them forever! Thank you, Texas! Texans voted to approve passage of Proposition 5 in the November 5, 2019 election. Now 100% of the sporting goods sales tax will go to fund the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Historical Commission. This funding will help secure the future of local parks, state parks and historic sites for generations to come, all without increasing taxes. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude. See what’s in store for Texas State Parks: texasstateparks.org/better ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS What is there to do in state parks? Enjoy a family picnic, tour a hallowed historic site or choose from some of these visitor favorites: Bike Pedal across parks at any speed, in any style, with any group. Choose the routes, surfaces and distances that fit your comfort zone. Walk Start with a shorter loop, tackle tougher terrain or join a guided tour. Fish Fish without a license in as many as 70 state parks. Many offer tackle loaner programs and special learnto-fish events. Boat or Paddle Rent canoes and kayaks, explore a Texas Paddling Trail or launch a boat. View Wildlife Discover the birds, mammals and plants that live in Texas. Many parks have signage and checklists to help you learn more about the wildlife around you. 4 Camp Swim Find a site that meets your needs. Test out new recipes, share your favorite stories and enjoy the stars. Beat the heat at creeks, rivers, lakes, springs, pools and ocean beaches. More information & reservations: texasstateparks.org (512) 389-8900 Many state parks offer special guided and self-guided progra

Guía de Parques INSTALACIONES Descarga la Aplicacíon Móvil MAPAS ACTIVIDADES texasstateparks.org/app ¡Los niños entran gratis! La entrada es gratis para los niños de 12 años y menores. Encuentra un parque: parquesdetexas.org Contenido Estero Llano Grande SP 2 4 6 8 9 10 18 Actividades y Programas Parques Cercanos Lugares para Quedarse Tarifas y Pases Directorio Mapa de Parques Instalaciones y Actividades BIENVENIDO Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes, los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias! Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a nuestra manera. Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales, explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos. ¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre! Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain © 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21) TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión, nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041. De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas. ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS ¿Qué puedo hacer en los parques estatales? ¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico o elige entre muchas otras opciones! Bicicletas Pedalea a lo largo de los parques a cualquier velocidad, en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona de confort. Caminatas Empieza con un circuito más corto, avanza a terrenos más difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada. Pescar Puedes pescar sin licencia en tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen equipo para pescar a manera de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar. Barcos Renta canoas y kayacs y explora uno de los senderos acuáticos en Texas. Nadar Animales Silvestres Acampar Descubre aves, mamíferos y plantas que tienen su hogar en Texas. Muchos parques tienen señalamientos y listados que te ayudan a aprender más. Encuentra un lugar que cumpla con lo que quieres. Prueba nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de las estrellas. 2 Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org Escape del calor en arroyos, ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas y playas del mar. Tu seguridad en el agua es muy importante. Lleva el chaleco salvavidas. Aprende a nadar. Guarda a los niños. (512) 389-8900 ¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles están disponibles! Los niños de 12 años y menores entran GRATIS Cielos Estrellados Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada. Familias en la Naturaleza Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario tener experiencia. participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque. Mochilas para Exploradores Soldados Búfalo de Texas Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más. Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas. ! Seguridad en el Parque Ten cuidado con el agua Pr