Colorado Bend State Park 2023 DFWOA

March 10-12, 2023
Destination: Colorado Bend State Park
Campsite: 002 - primitive site, no electricity/water
Campers: DFW Outdoor Adventure Group (Chas and Boyd)
Hiked: Gourman Falls trail, Gourman Spring trail, Spicewood Springs trail, Spicewood Canyon trail
Paddled: A to A Colorado River at the boat ramp drop
I had the joy to go to Colorado Bend State Park with DFW Outdoor Adventure group. I was a little nervous at first not knowing anyone, and didn’t really have an expectation of how it would go, except that I knew I would enjoy nature and camping under the stars.
The plan was to do a 10 mile hike with the group and then go for a short paddle trip. Unfortunately, my back started to go out earlier in the week and I thought I was going to have to forgo the trip altogether. Luckily, by Friday it was feeling okay. I took the plunge and headed on my 3 hr trip. I traveled along 67 and 281 reminiscing my old college days and passing by some memorable spots along the way. Oh to be young and invincible (which this trip has made me realize I am no longer that, more on that later).
Once arriving, everyone was so welcoming and our spot was amazing right on the river. We had an amazing night of stories, bonding and great conversation around the fire.
In the morning the group headed out on their 10 mile hike to Gourdon Falls. I decided to drive to the trail head and take a much shorter hike to get there (knowing your limits is not a weakness). I arrived just in time to have the gorgeous views all to myself and left me pondering the universe and how it amazes me everyday. Right when I was just about to head out the larger group just arrived! It was so serendipitous. From there we headed to Gourman springs. The trail there was gorgeous, full of lovely river views and lily pads. once arriving to the spring a few of us decided to climb on a fallen tree, low and behold a water moccasin was curled up only INCHES away from where we stepped. Thankfully, no one was bitten, but surviving our near death experience only bonded us more (Chas and David!) haha.
The larger group split up to head back on their long trek and I headed to the trail head where my truck was parked.
After heading back to camp, grilling up some hamburgers and hanging out. A few of us decided to head to the river for “river chairs” or kayaking. I opted for kayaking of course. The head winds were ridiculous and most turned back after awhile. Phil and I decided to push on until we came across “skull island” straight out of Peter Pan. Naturally we had to stop to explore. We found this tiny opening and decided to do the only sane thing…shimmy and crawl through it! Just call us expert spelunkers at this point! What we saw was otherworldly and amazing inside. We explored the cave until we came to the end and was just so ecstatic about our finding! Heading down was another challenge. (PLEASE NOTE: I have since learned that disturbing cave walls can stop their growth and we should not have disturbed the possibly thousand year old cave, while fun, we need to respect the nature around us and help preserve it). Unfortunately, our journey down was not as smooth as going up and we both took a tumble down. I tumbled onto my shoulder, knee and arm and beat it up pretty bad. The paddle back was brutal fighting the river current and with an aching shoulder.
We made it back and had a well deserved beverage and dinner that was shared among our fellow campers and had a great night retelling our adventures and hearing others. The stars were so bright and beautiful both nights and couldn’t have asked for better weather.
The next morning after packing up a small group of us still left took a short hike to Spicewood Springs Creek - which I highly recommend doing and going for a swim! It was gorgeous and the water was so refreshing, although none dared to swim due to the cold morning weather.
Can’t wait for the next adventure!
Note: Be prepared for the bathroom facilities, only outhouses, no sinks or enclosed showers anywhere in park. The 'shower' is just a faucet with cold water out in the open.
Also, please note - WILD HOGS ARE EVERYWHERE at night....
Videos: GoPro Hero11
Pictures: iPhone
Songs: "Do Life Big" Jamie Grace
"All Summer" The Invention of Flight

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Cool video thank you for sharing I was just out there last weekend

[@kristinahill7869]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it! Such a beautiful piece of Texas.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

@@kristinahill7869 You're welcome