Colorado Bend State Park

Welcome Y'all. 

Staying safe during the pandemic, two working parents with a toddler at home and keeping up with sanity is a unique phase of learning for us. What's amazing is a little digging into places that allow social distancing and an opportunity to explore, breathe fresh air can work like a therapy during these trying times.

Welp, our next stop was one of these places that allowed physical conditioning, enjoying the lush green that cools the eyes and the Colorado river all to ourselves. This was plenty of blessings that I have taken for granted before this pandemic. 

 

Colorado Bend State Park located roughly 100 miles from Austin downtown is one stop for a lot of family friendly activities and worth camping for a few days to fully explore the park. This park offers scenic overlook, canyon vies, spring water sighting, falls and very fragile natural formations. On our drive to the State Park, we came across several farms in the Hill Country and got a glimpse of cattle, ostrich and deer.

Gorman Falls Trail

3 miles and roughly takes 3 hours for round trip

We are early risers and started the day with a challenging hike down the Gorman Falls Trail. Rule of thumb - take plenty of hydration kits with you, a sun hat and a hiking pole if possible. I consider this trail hard as there is plenty of rocks in the pathway making me guess every step. That's a bit of mental focus and physical that leaves you exhausted rapidly. There is plenty of vegetation however not much shade, increasing the possibility of rapid dehydration. Plenty of cactus is a sure sight too!

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This was pure joy during Texas summer 🤣 Colorado River, the green 💚 If you want to see more of these content, like save and follow! To read more about this hike, visit http://mombeeandall.blogspot.com #weekendvibes #weekendrelaxation #atxlife #atxblogger #bendtx #swimming #nature #naturephotographer #greenwater #riverlife #austinhiking #austinneighborhoods #trailslikethese #familyfriendly #swimtime #stateparks #sociallydistanced #picturesoftheday #picofday #texas #followmeplease #deepintheheartoftexas

A post shared by Mombee and All (@mombee.and.all) on Aug 28, 2020 at 3:06pm PDT

 

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Challenging hike, 3 miles round-trip, barely any shade, so be sure to have your hydration kit well planned. 😅🐾 If you want to see more of these content, like save and follow! To read more about this hike, visit http://mombeeandall.blogspot.com If you want to see more of these content, like save and follow! To read more, visit http://mombeeandall.blogspot.com #atxphotographer #atxlife #atxblogger #austinbloggers #austinhiking #austinneighborhoods #austinblogger #mombeeandall #hikingtrails #waterfalls #springwater #weekendvibes #deepintheheartoftexas #onlyintexas🇨🇱 #stateparks #travelwithme #traveltexas #travelamerica

A post shared by Mombee and All (@mombee.and.all) on Aug 30, 2020 at 10:51am PDT

The final few minutes of the trail is a downward slope with side rails that is quite helpful. Tadaa! You are already at Gorman Falls. There is this huge falls that looks like a painting and cascades down and it's a beautiful sight. There is a pretty neat sitting area to spend sometime relaxing and absorbing the beauty of the falls. 

Right next to the falls is a unique geological formation with a sensitive ecosystem. The spring water that feeds Gorman Falls is rich in minerals and during its course of flow,deposits layers of calcite, building these unique formation called travertine. Visitors are not allowed to touch or be in the proximity.  

 

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Quick glimpse of mineral rich spring water deposits forming layers of calcite and these formation are called Travertine. If you want to see more of these content, like save and follow! To read more about this hike, visit http://mombeeandall.blogspot.com #atxphotographer #atxlife #atxblogger #austinbloggers #austinhiking #austinneighborhoods #austinblogger #mombeeandall #hikingtrails #ecosystem #fragile #waterfalls #springwater #weekendvibes #deepintheheartoftexas #onlyintexas🇨🇱 #stateparks #travelwithme #traveltexas #travelamerica

A post shared by Mombee and All (@mombee.and.all) on Aug 29, 2020 at 7:32am PDT

Right opposite to the falls is a small pathway leading to the river. Just gorgeous at sight and miniature waterfalls cascades through this side as well. We were sore, hubzy had to carry Ke (yeah roughly 30LBS) all the way back. The falls was worth all the sweat and the million steps!

South Camping Area

Closer to the HQ there is this group camping area. Plenty of gravel for the next mile. Be sure to have air pressure checked before getting here. 

A very neat and scenic picnic tables for feeding the growling stomach. Birds chirping, wildflowers and beautiful view of the river makes is soothing. Right next to it (there is a parking area and a rinse off shower) is an entry to the river. The huge canyon formations blanketed in lush green all over and the river all green and endless is the perfect spot to cool off. It felt soo good to be in the water for a few hours and helped heal the strenuous hike. 

This park was nothing but beautiful and if you can, do plan on camping for a few days to explore other trails.   

Pro Tip: HQ typically has most of the supplies you would need including ice, water, snacks. In the event you need additional supplies, there is a general store that including fishing supplies right at the entrance of the State Park.

Eat Outs: If you travel by Lampasas, I am tagging two of my favorite stops. Bill's Burger is pocket friendly and offers Black Bean patty with Vegan and Vegetarian option. For my coffee lovers out there, Mojo Coffee which is a drive-thru. Both these businesses have multiple locations. Give 'em a try! #supportlocal

Good luck with your visit, hope it is nothing but the best memories!

Cheers,

J :)