Texas is the second-largest state in the nation with 268,596 square miles of unique landscapes perfect for travel and nature photography. As a native Texan, I have explored many regions of this vast state and I am here to dispel the my that Texas’ landscape is nothing more than flat and boring. 

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend’s Chisos mountain range, located in the Chihuahuan desert, is the perfect Texas vacation for challenging hiking trails with panoramic views of the desert mountains, backcountry camping, and scenic drives. Nearby Marfa offers a variety of art installations including the famed Prada store. There’s something for everyone along the Texas/Mexico Border.


Balanced Rock Trail – Big Bend National Park


Chisos Mountains Big Bend


Balanced Rock Trail

Lost Maples State Park

While Lost Maples is beautiful year-round, the maple tree’s fall colors are truly a sight to behold. While in the area, be sure to make the 30-minute drive to Garner State Park.


Cacti In The Fall


Sun Shines On Orange Maple Leaves


Orange Fall Leaves and Barbed Wire Fence


Texas Sunset in Vanderpool Texas


Lost Maples Trees turning fall colors


Fall Colors At Lost Maples

Austin Area

Famous for our breakfast tacos, live music, and barbeque, but every square mile of the city has something interesting to offer.


Skyline View of Austin, Texas High Rises


I Love You So Much Austin Wall Mural


Willie Nelson Wall Mural


Scenic Landscape In Georgetown


Commons Ford Historical Cabin


Hi, How Are You Wall Mural


Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge


Mayfield Park Peacock


Foggy Morning at Red Bud Isle in Austin, Texas


Historical Cabin at Commons Ford


Prickly Pear Cactus Covered In Ice

Lockhart State Park

Grab some BBQ in the city, then head on over to the state park for a picnic and nature trails.


Lockhart State Park

Texas Wildflowers and Birds

Spring is the best time to visit because the weather is perfect, the highways are lined with wildflowers, and birds begin their migration through the lone star state. Texas is uniquely positioned on the migratory path and is a common stopover for many non-native birds which makes Texas birders paradise where a large variety of birds are visible during migration seasons. 


Bluebonnets and Mountains Outside Llano


Cacti and Wildflowers


Bluebonnet scene


Willow City Bluebonnets


Bluebonnets and a log


Native Texas Wildflowers


Cacti and Bluebonnets


Mokingbird Singing


Crested Caracara In Flight


Greater Roadrunner Feathers Blow In the Wind


Blue Jay


Field of Texas Wildflowers In Spring


Mockingbird – The Texas State Bird


Bluebonnets on the highway In Cherokee, Texas

Colorado Bend State Park

Visit the lush, green escape northwest of Austin that is famous for Gorman Falls.


Cave at Gorman Falls


Waterfall at Colorado Bend State Park


Field at Colorado Bend State Park

Mckinney Falls State Park


Mckinney Falls State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park


Scenic View At Palo Duro Canyon


Juniper Cliffside Trail – Palo Duro Canyon


Desert Landscape at Palo Duro Canyon


Cacti At Palo Duro Canyon


Juniper Cliffside Trail – Palo Duro Canyon

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area


Turkey Vultures At Muleshoe Bend State Park


Muleshoe Bend Iconic Blue Bonnets

Lyndon B Johson State Park and National Historic Site

LBJ ranch is located in Stonewall, TX the childhood home of former president Lyndon Baines Johnson and continues to operate a grazing ranch to maintain the cultural landscaping LBJ created when he lived on the ranch. The nature trails, longhorn cattle, wildflowers, and living history farm are a must-see state park tucked away in the Texas Hill Country.


School house At Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Site


Baby goat nursing


Barn and windmill


Longhorn in a Pasture


Longhorn and birds


Longhorns grazing in a pasture


Momma goat with her babies


White Longhorn


Cattle grazes in a field of bluebonnets

Llano, TX

Llano is a quintessential small-town packed with historical sites, Texas BBQ, and scenic pit stops along the llano river. 


Inks Bridge Reflection


Baby Head Cemetery Llano Historical Marker


Inks Bridge In Llano, Texas

Johnson City


Johnson City Field of Wildflowers

Round Mountain


Ranch Road 307 Outside Round Mountain

Willow City Loop

Willow City Loop is a scenic Texas drive located in Gillespie County, 20 minutes southeast of Enchanted Rock. It is one of the most popular wildflower destinations when Texas bluebonnets are in full bloom, but the panoramic views of the hill country make it a worthwhile trip year-round.


Willow City Ranch Scene


Field of Wildflowers In Willow City


Willow City Mountains and Pasture


Creek In Willow City


Willow City Field


Willow City Bluebonnets

Enchanted Rock State Park


Enchanted Rock State Park

2 Responses

  1. Good Morning Ms. Delaney,

    This is Bailee Jones from PJF Farm & Lodge. We are a conservation and recreation area at Cazan Lake and nestled on 3500+ acres of land 7 miles from Ville Platte, LA. The farm is also located near Chicot Sate Park. Our Rookery season is from February till June. You can watch Roseate Spoonbills, Egrets, Comorants, Ibis, and all other beautiful species in action and hear their calls. We would love for you to think of us next year and take a visit out to the Rookery!

    Thanks!

    1. Thank you so much for this recommendation! I would love to check this out some time. Is your lodge are part of the rookery? If not, what is the name of the rookery so I can save that on my bucket list too!