June 1st is National Trails Day! Colorado Bend State Park will be celebrating its trails, old and new, with a day full of activities (listed below). Come out and enjoy a day of fun in the park!

 

Guided Trail Runs: 8:30 am

Meet at the park office. There will be two distances: 3 miles and 5.5 miles (approximate). You can run with our volunteer guides or get a map and follow the route at our own pace. Don’t forget to wear sun screen! If you would like, in appreciation of the guides and/or trails a donation of any kind can be made to the Friends of Colorado Bend State Park. A donation box is located inside the office. All donations will be used for needed supplies, materials and equipment for the park.

 

Trail Building Orientation & Hike: 8:30 am

Meet at the Gorman Falls parking lot at 8:25 and caravan through the gate.

Those who have wondered what it takes to build a trail won’t want to miss this! Some of our Trail Building Project crew will give you a first look at the new trail that the Friends of CBSP are building and even let you manicure part of the trail so you can say you had a hand in building it! At around 2 miles in length (so far), this new trail is only half built! This is likely going to be the premier trail at Colorado Bend State Park due to the great views, rock slots, and an awesome tinaja (rock pond) that no one ever knew was there because it was in the middle of nowhere. You will carry a tool to the work area with you. Tools will be provided, or you can bring your own rock rakes, hoes/rogues, or mattox. After experiencing ‘trail work’, you will then be led to the tinaja. Those who would like to quit there will be led back to their car(s) by one of our volunteers and let out of the gate. Those who want to see the rest of the trail (and all the awesome views that go with it) will be led to the end of the currently cut trail before turning around. Be the first to check out this new trail!!! Participants need to wear supportive, closed toe shoes/boots and bring sun screen, gloves (if you have them), and plenty of water! If you would like, in appreciation of the guides and/or trails a donation of any kind can be made to the Friends of Colorado Bend State Park. A donation box is located inside the office. All donations will be used for needed supplies, materials and equipment for the park.

 

Gorman Falls/Gorman Spring Tours: 9:00 am & 2:00 pm

Meet at the Gorman Falls parking lot at 8:55am/1:55pm and caravan through the gate to the parking area inside. This is a great way to skip the 1.2 mile hike from the parking lot to Gorman Falls! You will follow one of our volunteer guides through the gate in your vehicle and drop the hike to ½ mile! As a special bonus, those who want to hike to Gorman Spring (which is where the water for Gorman Falls comes from) will have the opportunity to do so after seeing Gorman Falls. Those who don’t want to make the bonus hike will be led back to the gate and let out. You will need sturdy footwear for the hike(s). You will also need to carry water with you.

Minimum Donation to Friends of Colorado Bend State Park: $5 for adults; $2 for children under 13.

 

Group Mountain Bike Rides: 2:00 pm

Meet at the park office at 1:40 pm to fill out and sign release forms. You will need your mountain bike, helmet (required), and water bottle(s) or hydration backpack. There will be two guided rides: Beginner and Experienced. The beginners will be led by a mountain bike instructor and will ride 5-6 miles (out and back) on the River Trail and enjoy all the scenery along the river. Those with experience and endurance who can handle the heat will ride a loop of 18-22 miles with some of our mountain biking trail builders. A hydration backpack is highly suggested for the longer ride. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you would like, in appreciation of the guides and/or trails a donation of any kind can be made to the Friends of Colorado Bend State Park. A donation box is located inside the office. All donations will be used for needed supplies, materials and equipment for the park.

 

Hatha and Hiking – 3:30-5:00 pm

Meet at the Spicewood Springs parking lot. This unusual hike is a blend of hiking Spicewood Springs Trail and standing yoga poses for an aerobic and flexibility workout in a natural setting. Participants should be able to walk over uneven terrain. Loose clothing, comfortable athletic shoes and a water bottle required. Sun screen highly recommended! If you would like, in appreciation of the guides and/or trails a donation of any kind can be made to the Friends of Colorado Bend State Park. A donation box is located inside the office. All donations will be used for needed supplies, materials and equipment for the park.

 

Cave Tours – Times TBA

Join us for an underground adventure. An experienced guide will take you on a 2+ hour adventure underground where you will find fun, challenge, and an unforgettable experience. Your cave tour may require crawling, sliding, and climbing through small spaces. Tour participants must be able to fit through an 18 inch opening. Please practice this at home to make sure you are able to attempt a similar crawlspace on the tour. Helmets will be provided. You will need to bring a headlamp or flashlight and wear sturdy boots. Tours will be capped at 10 participants.

To reserve a space on a cave tour, call the park office: (325) 628-3240.

Recommended minimum donation for cave tours to Friends of Colorado Bend State Park: $35 per person. Ages 6+.

Hope to see you on the trail!