The best cycling routes in Texas

Texas offers a vast network of over 1,200 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy urban loops to challenging mountain climbs across the state's diverse landscapes.

The spring months are particularly popular for touring cycling in Texas, especially in the Hill Country, when wildflowers like bluebonnets are in bloom. Fall also offers pleasant temperatures. While summers can be very hot, some areas like West Texas or routes with ample shade can be enjoyed. Winters are generally mild, making year-round cycling possible in many regions.

Yes, Texas has many easy routes perfect for beginners and families. The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail in Austin is an easy 13-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake, offering urban views and natural scenery. Another great option is the River Walk Mission Reach Trail in San Antonio, a paved 15-mile route connecting historic missions.

For more challenging rides, consider the mountainous and desert regions. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park offers dramatic mountain and desert scenery with significant elevation changes over 33 miles. Another difficult option is the Salado Creek Greenway Trail in San Antonio, an extensive 46.5-mile path through natural areas.

Texas's touring cycling routes offer a wide array of natural features and landmarks. You can encounter stunning waterfalls like McKinney Lower Falls and Upper Falls, McKinney Falls State Park, serene lakes such as Pier at White Rock Lake, and dramatic canyons like Santa Elena Canyon. The Hill Country is known for its wildflowers, while West Texas boasts rugged mountain and desert vistas.

Yes, Texas is well-suited for long-distance touring. The extensive greenway systems, like the Leon Creek Greenway Trail (over 33 miles) and the Trinity Trails (over 37 miles), provide excellent foundations for multi-day trips when combined. The Texas Hill Country Loop is also a popular multi-day route, showcasing scenic country roads and charming towns.

Many touring cycling routes in Texas are designed as loops or can be combined to form circular journeys. The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is a well-known circular route. Additionally, many state parks and scenic drives, such as the Willow City Loop in the Hill Country, offer excellent circular options for exploring the region.

The touring cycling routes in Texas are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1,600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to expansive desert vistas, and the well-maintained greenway trails that offer both urban and natural cycling experiences.

Many urban greenway trails, such as those in San Antonio and Austin, often have accessible parking areas at trailheads. For example, the River Walk Mission Reach in San Antonio is known for its accessibility. While direct public transport access to all trailheads might vary, major cities often have bus routes that can get you close to popular cycling spots.

Texas is a fantastic destination for wildlife viewing. The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail in Austin is famous for its bat colony viewing opportunities near the Congress Avenue Bridge. Areas like Big Bend National Park and Big Thicket National Preserve are excellent for birding and spotting diverse wildlife, offering a chance to see some of the over 600 bird species found in Texas.

Absolutely. The River Walk Mission Reach Trail in San Antonio connects several historic Spanish colonial missions, offering a unique blend of cycling and history. In the Texas Hill Country, routes often pass through charming towns like Fredericksburg, known for its German heritage and wineries, providing opportunities to explore local culture and history.

Texas's major cities offer excellent urban touring cycling routes. The The Loop Dallas provides an easy 18-mile ride through various parts of the city. In El Paso, the Trans-Mountain Highway offers a moderate 9.8-mile route with mountain views within an urban setting.