This realistic Lost Maples State Natural Area Texas Guide helps you plan your next fall foliage viewing adventure.

Lost Maples is a park in Texas. The hiking trails in this park bring you through the canyons of the Hill Country. But the maple trees turn into the park’s main attraction during the fall foliage season.

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It might come as a surprise but Lost Maples is a natural area and not a park. You might not pay attention to semantics. But, believe it or not, there are a few differences between these types of Texas Parks.

A natural area focuses on protecting the environment. A state park has recreation as its main purpose. Almost all natural areas put more restrictions on visitors than a state park.

Areas like Honey Creek are only open to guided tours on select days. Enchanted Rock does not allow pets on most trails. Both Hill Country and Lost Maples State Natural Areas have shorter opening hours.

Compared to restrictions in other areas, an early closure seems to be a reasonable trade-off to visit Lost Maples. You could see most of the park if you arrive early and plan your visit in advance.

Sights & Places of Interest

The park name gives away the reason why most visitors come to Lost Maples. There is nothing wrong with hoping to see amazing fall colors these trees bring.

Fall foliage is a given in most states in the Northeast and Midwest. But the Lone Star State is a place with almost no fall. There are very few spots to see fall colors in Texas. And Lost Maples is the best of them.

But there is more to Lost Maples than the trees. You should visit this park to hike in the canyons and enjoy limestone formations year round.

This Lost Maples State Natural Area Texas Guide helps you make the most of your visit to this park. It describes the best hiking trails and sights along the way.

1. East-West Trail

The East-West Trail is the best path to take on your first visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area. This 1-mi (1.6-km) trail is an easy out-and-back hiking route.

It is a good sample of everything you could expect to see at Lost Maples. The trail brings you through meadows and groves. You will have a few creek crossings before arriving at a pond.

It will not take you long to see the first maples if you visit the park in the fall. These trees will have easy-to-spot yellow, orange, and red foliage. They stand out from the green cedar trees and leafless oaks.

Yet, most of the maple trees on this trail are on the other side of the creek. You will see them from a distance but with no way to get closer.

Most of the East-West Trail is a flat gravel road. You will be hiking uphill during a few sections. But the elevation gain is quite small to be challenging. It is a great walk in the park.

Still, the trail has a few aces up its sleeve before you get too comfortable or bored. Get ready to cross a creek three times on this hike.

You need to use boulders and jump at a couple of these crossings. Both kids and adults are certain to enjoy this trail section. Beware that the rocks could be slippery if the creek water level is high.

2. Pond

The creek crossings and fall foliage will make time fly by on the East-West trail. You will arrive at a pond near the end of this hiking route.

The pond is a magnet for visitors to Lost Maples. Maple, oak, and cedar trees grow on all of its shores. You are about to enter another amazing display of fall foliage in the park.

But do not expect to capture beautiful reflections in the pond. This area is in a lowland surrounded by high hills. Nevertheless, it could get quite windy near the pond in the fall and winter.

You might feel tempted to dip your toes in the pond in the summer. But you should fight this desire. There is no swimming in the pond, creeks, springs, or the river. Do your part in protecting the park.

There are plenty of other things to do near the pond beyond enjoying the views. You could have a snack at one picnic tables. You will find the oak shade lifesaving during the Texas summer heat.

If you like fishing, the pond is a place for you. You do not need a license to fish in Texas State Parks and Natural Areas. Test your skills and luck with bass, trout, and catfish in the pond.

The Pond Day Use Area is at a major trail intersection. Choose between the East, West, and East-West Trails. The first two trails are strenuous. But the views along the way are worth the time and the effort.

3. East Trail

The East Trail is a great hiking route in Lost Maples State Natural Area. Hike this challenging 3.1-mi (5-km) out-and-back trail if you have another 3 hours to spare.

You will have no questions about the trail difficulty if you take a clockwise path from the pond. The East Trail goes over a rough rocky terrain.

It also quickly gains elevation. In fact, most of its 603-ft (184-m) elevation gain takes place on this gruesome uphill hike. The first trail section could be difficult to both experienced and beginner hikers.

But there is a reason to keep climbing uphill. You will get amazing views of the park. Rugged hills with cedar trees will be in the background. The pond and colorful maple trees are the accent pieces.

4. Scenic Overlook

The trail will flatten out after this initial steep 0.35-mi (0.56-km) section. You will be walking atop of the hill in a cedar forest. There will be few opportunities to enjoy the views.

That is why you should consider taking a 0.6-mi (1-km) detour from the East Trail. This easy path brings you a viewpoint. The Scenic Overlook is a great place to reflect on your uphill hike.

You will see the pond, creek, and Sabinal River in the distance. The East-West Trail will be a few hundred feet (meters) below you. This view is a bit similar to Pedernales Falls State Park.

5. Grotto

Once you return on the East Trail, you will be hiking a flat path for another 0.3 miles (0.5 km). But this easy walk is about to come to an end. A steep downhill section will bring you to the river level.

Get ready to hike on an uneven and rocky surface again. Most people will find this section a bit less challenging than the initial ascend. But you should still pace yourself to avoid a fall or a strained ankle.

Another reward awaits you at the end of the descend. You will see a massive grotto next to another creek. It is a few stories high and looks a bit like the Rock Shelter in McKinney Falls State Park.

6. Monkey Rock

The East Trail follows the creek to the Sabinal River. Once you reach the river level, the trail will become flat again. The last 1.5-mi (2.4-km) stretch of the East Trail is a stroll along the river.

But it does not mean that there is nothing to see along the way. You should make a stop at the Monkey Rock. This limestone formation does look a bit like a monkey’s head.

Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas joins a respectable list of parks with similar formations. It includes Arches in Utah, Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota, and Crater Lake in Oregon.

7. Maple Trail

You will arrive at a trail junction about half a mile (0.8 km) from the parking lot. Unless you prefer to keep hiking along the river, it could be wise to switch to the Maple Trail.

This 0.4-mi (0.6-km) trail goes parallel to the East Trail. Yet, it takes you through a maple grove. This path is the easiest-to-reach maple hotspot in the park.

If you visit Lost Maples during the fall foliage season in November, you could enjoy stunning colors. But remember that trees along this trail tend to lose leaves sooner than in the rest of the park.

Even if the fall colors are dim at the Maple Trail, you could still try your luck on other trails. The narrow canyons of the West Trail help the trees keep colors for a little longer.

8. West Trail

This could be a great time to describe the sights along the West Trail. This hiking route starts and finishes at different sections of the East-West Trail.

At 3.6 miles (5.8 km), the West Trail is the longest hike in Lost Maples State Natural Area. It is hard to recommend this challenging trail for the first time visitors to the park.

You need about 3.5 hours to complete this out-and-back path. Get ready to gain 859 ft (261 m). This is twice the elevation gain of Enchanted Rock summit.

But there is a good reason to hike at least a section of this trail. It has some of the most vivid fall foliage colors in Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Consider hiking a 0.5-mi (0.8-km) section between the pond and the spring. Most people will find the spring a bit underwhelming. It is not even close to Gorman Spring in Colorado Bend State Park.

But the narrow canyon might display red and yellow maples, orange oaks, and green cedar trees. This color combination is a sight to see.

9. West Loop Trail

A good number of visitors never go past the Spring on the West Loop Trail. With the Scenic Overlook, Grotto, and Monkey Rock, the East Trail has a clear advantage.

But you should give the West Trail a chance if you have more time in Lost Maples. You might be able to hike all the trails in the park during one long day.

If this is your goal, you should take a 2.9-mi (4.7-km) West Loop Trail. This moderately challenging route will bring you to another spring. There is also a primitive campsite nearby if camping is your cup of tea.

You could finish your hiking adventure in Lost Maples on the West Trail. Get ready to go through a few more steep sections near Mystic Canyon. Once you reach the creek, the trail will become easier.

Continue with this Lost Maples State Natural Area Texas Guide. You will learn more about ways to get to the sights, entrance requirements, and places to stay.

Getting to Lost Maples

Lost Maples State Natural Area is in a fairly remote part of Texas. The park is in Bandera County just north of Vanderpool, Texas. This community has some 20 residents.

Unless you are one of these 20 people, you need to drive from elsewhere to visit Lost Maples. Kerville and Uvalde are the closest towns to the park.

The former town is an hour northeast of Lost Maples. Kerville is on Interstate Highway I-10. Uvalde is also an hour from the park. It is one of the largest towns before the United States Mexico border in the area.

As you likely guessed, neither Kerville nor Uvalde have a large airport. Your best bet as out-of-state visitor to Lost Maples is to fly to San Antonio.

You could cover 90 miles (145 km) between the airport and the park in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some of these roads will bring you through the picturesque Hill Country landscapes.

There are few alternatives to San Antonio when visiting Lost Maples from other states. Austin is another city to consider. But you should budget twice as much time to reach the park from the capital of Texas.

Houston and Dallas are both about 5 hours away. They are not great starting points for a trip to Lost Maples. This is true even despite the fact that both cities has a lot more direct flights than San Antonio.

Where to Stay near Lost Maples

There are very few places to stay close to Lost Maples State Natural Area. You will have even fewer options if you prefer staying at a hotel.

The closest places to stay are between 45 and 60 minutes by car. Take a look at Seven Bluff Cabins southeast of Lost Maples. This place to stay consists of cottages and villas.

If you prefer a different vibe, you should head north to Hunt, Texas. WorldMark Hunt – Stablewood Springs Resort is a great boutique place to consider.

There is also nothing wrong with enjoying a hotel chain experience. Kerrville, Bandera, and Uvalde are the closest towns with chain hotels.

Hampton Inn Kerrville, Best Western Bandera Suites & Saloon, and Hampton Inn Uvalde are very solid choices. They offer a consistent experience but involve a longer drive from the park.

There are few places to stay if you travel west from Lost Maples. Remote plains of West Texas do not have hotels, restaurants, and gas stations for miles. Fewer options equal higher prices and worse quality.

But you are in luck if the road brings you east after your park visit. San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in the Lone Star State. There are plenty of places to stay near the Missions and theme parks.

Check out Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio Seaworld LAFB. These hotels are 90 minutes east of Lost Maples State Natural Area.

It could be a fairly long drive after an intense day of hiking in the park. But, on the bright side, you could use either hotel as a base for your Hill Country road trip.

Entrance Requirements & Passes

Lost Maples State Natural Area is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day. The park hours are shorter than at most State Parks and Natural Parks. But they provide better protection for the wildlife and plants.

You might think that a remote location of this park guarantees few visitors. You could not be more wrong in the case of Lost Maples in Texas. This park reaches capacity during most weekends and holidays.

You will not be able to enter the park without an advance reservation during most of the year. Go online to get your day pass up to 30 days in advance of your visit.

The park is busy year round. But, without a doubt, fall is the busiest season at Lost Maples. The temperatures in that area are ideal for hiking between mid September and late November.

You could also see the famous maples change colors around early November. Do not even try showing up at this park without a reservation in the fall. You more than likely to come back empty-handed.

There are also no backup spots in the area. Garner State Park sells out even more often than Lost Maples. You might have to drive all the way to Hill Country State Natural Area.

It costs $6 per person to visit Lost Maples in Texas. This fee applies to all adults. Kids below 13 years old visit the park for free. A Texas State Parks Annual Pass could be a good investment at $70.

Takeaways: Lost Maples Texas

Lost Maples State Natural Area is a nice Texas park. Fall colors in this park are as close as it gets to a real fall in Texas. Follow the park reports to time your fall visit perfectly.

But you do not need to wait till November to visit Lost Maples. The hiking trails in this park are worth exploring year round.

They range from easy to challenging. Some trail sections are even a bit technical. You could pick a trail that works with your fitness level and time in the park.

The park loses some of its appeal when not in season. But smaller crowds could make an off-season visit to Lost Maples a better experience.

Go to the Scenic Overlook and creeks to reconnect with nature. Fish in the Pond and the Sabinal River. And stop by the Monkey Rock to see if you could spot the resemblance.

Take a look at this Lost Maples State Natural Area Texas Video Guide. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe realist travels!