Where the Trails Are strives to provide a useful database of equestrian trails. Keep your eyes here for a growing resource guide. The trails for horse back riding are unfortunately dwindling and it can be hard to find places to ride. The best resource for knowledge of equestrian trails are the trail riders themselves. It is the hope of Where the Trails Are that riders will share information about trails they know with their fellow equestrians. If you would like to share information about riding trails then please check out the, Submit A Review Tab for more information.
Thanks so much,
Kelly Hurd
Send me an e-mail at: hurdkn@gmail.com
Contributor: Ginger Podojil (Thank You Ginger!)
Website: http://www.karankawa.com/
Location: Pierce, TX (Gulf Coast Area)
Contact: P.O. Box 587 – Pierce, Texas 77467 tel. (979)532.8980
Email: la3a@flash.net
Description: Pierce Ranch (a.k.a Karankawa Plains) is a hunting ranch/resort that opens up its ranch to horseback riders during the off season. They are located on the Texas Gulf Coast area, in the small town of Pierce. The ranch is off of U.S. Highway 59, between Wharton and El Campo, and consists of approximately 32,000 acres of pastureland, rice and row crops. They offer cabins to rent, most of which are tucked away in trees which offer scenic discovery of your own trails. Footing is pretty much dirt and sand.
At this time they do not allow day rides, but do rent out several cabins and a lodge for larger groups. You can also bring LQ Trailers if the cabin you rent can accommodate them with parking space. However, they do not have water and electric hook ups for LQ trailers, so generators are needed in the hotter times of the year. They do not provide horse pens, but there are lots of trees to picket to. No marked trails but lots of riding and space to discover your own trails. I’ve stayed at Pierce Ranch several times, once at the Lodge, twice at the Hollywood House and several times at the Lake House.
My favorite is the Lake House, as it has a very nice pond with canoes and the Colorado River is right across the way. It’s quiet, beautiful and very peaceful. Each cabin offers a little different accommodations (i.e., the Hollywood House has air-conditioning, and Lake House does not), so you need to plan the right cabin during the right time of the year. I’ve attached a few pictures of the Lake House (see below).
This is not a place that’s designed for equestrians specifically, but if you are equipped, you can have a lot of fun here. I have always enjoyed myself at Pierce Ranch.
There is no extra charges to bring your own horses when renting a cabin. Since the trails are not marked you may want to bring a compass or GPS system if you want to thoroughly explore the ranch. Guided riding tours are offered for an additional cost.
All the cabins and prices are listed on their website, and there is also a map of the cabins located at:
http://www.karankawa.com/map.htm
To make reservations, or get more information, contact Velda at 979-532-8980.
Above: Pierce Ranch has plenty of trees, making it easy to set up picket lines for your horses.
Above: River Road.
Above: The Lake House Cabin.
Above:The Lake House Cabin dining area.
Above: Lake House Cabin bunk beds.
Above: View of the Colorado River while riding down the trail.
Willis Creek Park Equestrian trailhead is full of Bluebonnets in the spring, making for great picture opportunities. This photo of American Indian/Colonial Spanish horses and their riders was taken on March 24th, 2012.
Location:
WILLIS CREEK
2900 CR 249
GRANGER TX 76530
GPS Information:
(Latitude, Longitude):
30.69583, -97.40139
30°41′45″N, 97°24′5″W
Contact:
8am-4:30pm Monday – Friday
Directions to the trailhead:
Willis Creek Park is located between Taylor and Granger, TX off of HWY 95. From highway 95, just outside of Granger, turn east onto County Road 346, this road dead ends into 348. Turn right on 348. 348 will then make a 90 degree turn to the left. Continue on 348 to the park entrance (you will see signs). Once entering the park continue forward a short ways. The Equestrian area is on the right, across the street from the restroom facility and RV camping area.
Camping:
Camping with your horse at Willis Creek Park is allowed but the horses must remain in the Equestrian area, which is primitive camping. There are no electrical or water hook ups, but there is running water.
Camping reservations may be made through the National Reservation System (NRRS) by calling 4 days in advance to 1-877-444-6777 or on the internet at www.reserveusa.com .
Cost:
$4.00 per trailer for day riding
$10.00 a night for camping per vehicle in the Equestrian trail head/area.
Facilities at the Equestrian Area/Trailhead:
Ten horse pens are available for use at the trailhead. The pens are located in pairs with two pens being side by side sharing one panel. Each pair of pens are slightly spaced apart from each other. This trailhead has several drive through gravel parking areas for trailers making it easy to park and exit the area. You can also park on the grass. There are at least two water faucets which includes one wash rack. There is not a great deal of shade, but some can be found. This area has no electricity and no bathroom facilities. However, just a very short distance across the street is a nice bathroom facility with mens and women’s toilets and showers.
Mileage: There is about 18 miles of equestrian trails at the park shared by hikers and cyclists. There are a total of six color coded
trails listed below with mileage for each one:
White Trail = 2.7 
Red Trail = 2.15
Blue Trail = 3.86
Yellow Trail = 2.8
Green Trail = 1.03
Orange Trail = 5.45
Dogs:
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Cell Phones:
AT&T cell phone reception was very good at this park.
Hunting:
Hunting is allowed year round at Granger Lake in the Wildlife Management Areas, but not in the park areas or equestrian trails. Sometimes the park is closed for scheduled hunt days, so be sure to call before you hall.
Coggins:
A negative current Coggins for your horse will be requested at the gate house along with the entrance fee.
Trail Map:
Trail maps are available at the entrance gate house.
Terrain:
The pastoral terrain is mostly flat with very few dips or inclines. The ground is black prairie land with few rocks, my horse was barefoot and had no issues. Several of the trails were mowed paths in wide open fields.
Riding along the Yellow Trail near the Willis Creek where it feeds into Granger Lake.
Description: Willis Creek Park at Granger Lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam was built to form this man-made lake in 1980. The lake is fed by Willis Creek and the San Gabriel River. Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association (TETRA) has helped establish and maintain these trails, thanks TETRA! The trails at Willis Creek Park offer nice open easy mostly flat ground for riding. There are no real difficult areas as far as the terrain is concerned. The ground is mostly flat black prairie land with few rocks. Several of the trails are mowed paths in wide open fields. About 18 miles of trails are shared by equestrians, hikers, and cyclists. I had the pleasure of visiting Willis Creek on my birthday in late March of 2012. This turned out to be a great location to meet with fellow riders, friends, and family. In my opinion there is no better way to bring in a new year of life than on the trail engulfed in the miracle of nature.
When entering the park you must go through the gate house entrance; this is where you will need to show your negative Coggins,
pick up a map, and pay your fees ($4 for the day or $10 for camping overnight). Then travel on the main road just a short distance to the Equestrian Area, which is on the right and marked by a sign.
The Equestrian area is enclosed by a fence. Across the main park road opposite the Equestrian area is a a busy RV camping area that has electric/water hook ups, awnings, picnic tables, and a restroom/shower facility. The RV camping site by the lake shore and north of the park road. Horses are not allowed here or outside of the designated equestrian area and trails. No views or access to Granger Lake are available from the Equestrian trail head. Despite that, the trail head is nice and carpeted with Bluebonnets thanks to all the recent rains. What a pleasant spring birthday present, Bluebonnets everywhere! Of course this made for great photo ops. Everyone has to get their picture taken in a field of Bluebonnets with their horse, dog, family, and/or friends; it is an annual spring Texas tradition.
Access to the trails from the trail head area is located south and behind the horse pens by way of a gate. Be sure to keep this gate closed. The trails are color coded and numbered on the trail markers and on the map. Once leaving the trail head access is gained to the yellow and orange trails which then leads to the rest of the trails in the park. If you turn left on the yellow trail this will take you near the lake, where Willis Creek feeds into Granger Lake. We were able to water our
horses at this spot and see a small section of the lake. I did not cover all of the trails, but it seemed most if not all of the trails we rode did not provide access or views of the lake. However, when looking at the map it seems like the white, red, and a section of the blue trail might provide lake views. Due to the recent rains several spots in the trail were saturated with water causing us to slow our pace but also giving the horses plenty of opportunities to drink. Everything was amazingly green and I enjoyed the big open pastoral views of tall grass and Texas wildflowers. The trails were mostly flat and not difficult. Due to the easy terrain this is a great place to do some long distance trotting or move out at a faster pace, as the footing is good and you can see far ahead. Traffic on the trails from hikers was mainly close to the Equestrian trailhead off the yellow trail. We came across a couple on the Yellow Trail eager to catch some crappie or white bass hauling their wagon of fishing gear down the trail. However, further away from the trail head there was no other trail traffic.
Once getting back to the trail head I was able to rinse Angel off and put her in a comfortable pen to enjoy some hay and water. I celebrated my big day by consuming a delicious lunch and homemade cheesecake (thanks Mom & Dad) in the company of my sweet husband, family, good friends, and fellow riders. I could not have asked for a more beautiful picture perfect day!
If you would like to share more information about these trails don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail. I’ve only been here once and was not able to cover all the trails, but I hope to change that.
Additional Pictures:
My parents, Gary and Karen Nelis, enjoying their American Indian Horses, Heyoka and Mystic.
Gate House:
Bathroom / Showers, just a short walk across the street from the Equestrian Trail Head:
Trail Head Parking:
Trail:
Willis Creek feeding into the lake off the Yellow Trail.
Fun in the Equestrian Area / Trailhead:
Website:
Location:
12805 Schaefer Road,
Schertz, TX 78154
Contact:
Schertz Animal Services #210/619-1550 – Office hours 9am-5pm
Monday through Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturday
1298 Borgfeld Road, Schertz, TX 78154
Email:
Directions:
From FM 78 in Cibolo, turn south onto S. Main, turn right onto W. Schaefer, cross over Cibolo Creek, and then you will see the entrance to the park on your right.
Park Hours:
The Park Hours are from dawn to dusk.
Cost:
In order to ride at Crescent Bend Nature Park you must purchase a permit ahead of time from Schertz Animal Services and you will also have to provide proof of your horse’s negative Coggins.
$15.00 for a three day riding permit which is good for up to four riders
or
$100.00 for a one year riding permit which is also good for up to four riders
Camping:
Overnight camping is not permitted at this time.
Dogs:
Dogs are allowed and this is a park in which people often walk their dogs. Dogs must be on a lease at all times and owners are to remove/scoop up their puppy’s waste.
Hunting:
Hunting is not allowed
Facilities:
This park has no real facilities for horses. There is no trailer parking area, no hitching posts, no pens, etc… The park does have one restroom facility with a women and men’s bathroom. Next to the restrooms is a water fountain and one water faucet which a hose can be connected to. When purchasing your permit from Schertz Animal Services be sure to inquire where you can park your truck and trailer, as there are only parking spaces for cars at this park. I was able to park near a picnic table off of the road.
Mileage:
Exact mileage is unknown as there are no actual trails. I rode next to the old roads and made some of my own trails. According to my iPhone GPS MotionX app, we rode 5.5 miles.
Map:
The blue lines mark where we rode.
Terrain:
The terrain is very flat, grassy, and there is lots of brush in some spots. Some areas are a little gravely but for the most part there are few rocks in this park. This is an old subdivision with several asphalt roads in a grid like pattern. This park would be great for driving your horse. There is a granite pathway for pedestrians which horses are to stay off of, however, you can ride beside these pathways.
Carol and Ace, crossing the road. The asphalt road is intersecting with the granite pedestrian walkway.
Contrails above from the Randolph AFB Air Show.
Description:
Crescent Bend Nature Park (CBNP) was opened to the public on 9/18/2009. In the 1970s this area was originally known as Lakewood Acres, a subdivision with some small businesses. CBNP is a 190 acre tract of land located in the flood plain of Cibolo creek. Home and property owners on this land suffered from several floods, the worst of the floods occurring in 1998, devastating the area. Crescent Bend Nature Park is currently owned by Bexar County with future plans of transferring ownership to the City of Schertz and is managed by the Schertz’s Park Department. Goals for this Nature Park include returning the land to its original form providing opportunities for the public to observe native species of plants and animals. Crescent Bend is a well known park for birding. Photographer C.A. Mallard, has completed two books, The Nature Within: Crescent Bend Nature Park and Crescent Bend Nature Park: Birds and their Habitat, detailing photos and information on the wide variety of bird species. This park is also popular with dogs owners, bicyclist, hikers, and picnickers. During my first ride at the park, Randolph Air Force Base was putting on an air show. We were fortunate to hear and see the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels roaring by at about four to five hundred miles an hour.
The roads at Crescent Bend would be great for driving your horse. hundred miles an hour as we explored the park!
This would be a great park to start a carriage horse. The asphalt roads are still in good shape and there is very little traffic on the old subdivision roads. The few vehicles seen on the roads were cruising at a slow speed, providing a great opportunity to slowly acclimate a carriage horse to the road in a fairly low stress environment.
Towards the back corner of the park on the Northwest side between Omar, Lake View Drive, and Cibolo Creek is a dirt road, open field, and some deadfall. This is a nice little area to ride and work on crossing logs with your horse. A trail in this area by the deadfall leads back to the creek, however, I found no way to get to the creek, as the narrow one-track trail has a sharp drop off and is a bit dangerous. Since I could not get to the creek I had to turn Angel around very carefully to get out. Access to Cibolo Creek from the park is a little tricky, as there are several trails leading to the creek but they have extremely steep drop offs and are not safe for horseback riders. I only found one trail closer to the front of the park which safely leads to the creek.
This is an interesting park to ride in, as it is like riding in a neighborhood complete with streets, street signs, and telephone poles, but lacking homes. I found myself imagining how the previous neighborhood might have appeared and I wondered about the past home owners overcoming the struggles of a devastating flood. This park does not offer much for long distance trail riders, however, it is a nice place for a short ride away from home, especially if you are near the area. I am excited there is a park less than ten miles away from my home, making it easy to haul my horse to. It is always nice to change up your horse’s environment and go “off campus” as I like to say. Riding away from home provides many opportunities for training and desensitizing your horse.
Cibolo Creek, Nov. 2011.
Caroline and Jack heading down Crooked Tree Road.
Backroad in the Northwest side of the park.
Shirley and Epic doing obstacle practice over deadfall towards the back of the park.
Scott Nelis on Cajun at Red Bluff in a dry creek bottom. Red Bluff is one of the many impressive works of nature to behold at Pole Canyon Ranch.
Website: http://polecanyon.com/
Location & Contact: Just eight miles southwest of Quitaque, Texas
Part owners and Ranch Managers – Lynnette & Phil Barefield
Pole Canyon Ranch
PO Box 25
Quitaque, Texas 79255
HOME: (806) 455-1446
CELL: (806) 269-1446 or (806) 269-1299
GUEST HOUSE: (806) 455-1299
Email: polecanyon@polecanyon.com
Directions:
From 287 in Estelline turn west onto Highway 86. Stay on 86 into Turkey. In Turkey, 86 will turn to the right, stay on 86. Follow 86 into Quitaque, turn left by Allsups onto FM 1065. This is your last chance for a store or gas. Follow 1065 south, you will be going downhill for about 4 miles. Slow down as you reach the bridge at the bottom of the hill, immediately after the bridge turn right onto FM 689. Travel about 4 miles and Pole Canyon Ranch will be on your right. There is a metal Pole Canyon Ranch sign located at the entrance.
Pole Canyon Ranch entrance is off of FM 689.