HIKING
Trail Mix
Up your hiking game by heading out at dusk
By Pam LeBlanc
This story is part of “Night Shift,” a feature on nighttime adventures in Texas.
Most people hike during daylight, when sunshine brightens the trail and the brush holds no secrets. Step out after dark, and all that changes. Critters glow under fluorescent light, unidentified sounds emanate from the shadows, and stars glitter against a velvet sky. That’s the time to grab a flashlight—or better yet, a black light—and head into the murk to see what you’ll find.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Nocturnal hikers at this Panhandle destination can watch the moon rise over the lip of the second largest canyon in the U.S.
Full moon hikes give participants impressive views of the night sky, as well as the critters that lurk nearby. Each New Year’s Eve, the park celebrates with a special night hike that covers a mile.
“Night hiking allows people to experience the canyon in a whole new way—under the dark sky, hearing different sounds, and seeing things you miss during the day,” says interpretive ranger Mysti Pace.
The hike is free with the purchase of a day pass or annual pass to enter the park. No reservations needed. tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/palo-duro-canyon/full-moon-hike
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
Sweep a black light into the darkness during a Muleshoe Bend night hike in Spicewood, and you might illuminate a bark scorpion, glowing neon green in the beam. And those glittering green specks in the grass? Those are the eyes of dozens of spiders.
Participants receive a black light plus an infrared thermal imaging monocular—handy for spotting raccoons, foxes, and armadillos—to use during the two-hour walk. This includes a stop to look at stars through telescopes. “When you’re a child, you’re told that when the sun goes down it’s time to go inside,” says Jenny Blackmon, operations manager for the Lower Colorado River Authority’s west district parks. “Night hiking reminds us we’ve been missing out.”
Hikes are scheduled for April 18, May 16, and June 20. Costs range from $20/person to $50/family. lcraparks.com/activities/muleshoe-by-night
Enchanted Rock State natural area
Just north of Fredericksburg, a pink granite dome creaks and groans as day turns to night. Some believe it’s the rock, speaking to lonely visitors, but scientists say the change in temperature causes the huge batholith’s grumblings. The rocks warm and expand during the day, then contract at night, creaking as they shift.
Darkness plays a key role in Enchanted Rock’s lore, but the trail leading up the dome closes after dark—unless you’re on one of the park’s free guided night hikes. Some trips focus on animals active after sunset. Others examine the park’s geology or the night sky.
“Everyone’s been to Enchanted Rock and done the summit hike during the day, but at night it’s a completely different environment,” says interpretive park ranger Hannah Pickens. Pre-registration is required for day pass holders. tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/enchanted-rock
Davis Mountains State Park
Last summer, hikers on a free guided full moon hike at Davis Mountains State Park in West Texas spotted an anger (that’s the technical term for a group) of wild aoudads. Even if you don’t spot the wild sheep, which are native to Africa but were introduced in Texas in the 1950s, you’ll get spectacular views of the moon rising over hills all the way to Fort Davis from the Keesey Canyon Overlook.
In addition to taking in the views, participants learn how Indigenous peoples used the moon’s position in the night sky to track time. “Hardly anybody is ever at a scenic spot where they can see it rise over the horizon,” says interpretive ranger Charlie Ewing. All events are free with the $6 park entrance fee. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains/park_events
Guadalupe River State Park
During daylight hours, the Guadalupe River and the knobby bald cypress trees that line its banks take center stage at this 1,938-acre Hill Country park. But at night, it’s all about the moon, the stars, and a lively population of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Last year’s lineup of night hikes included one led by a bat expert armed with an acoustic sensor that picks up the frequencies of the flying mammals.
The park’s diverse landscape, including savanna and oak forest, draws a wide variety of wildlife. In addition to bats, hikers sometimes catch glimpses of stealthy raccoons, bumbling armadillos, and elusive ringtails. Hikes are free with the $7 park entry fee. tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/guadalupe-river/full-moon-night-hike