Hiking the Old Baldy at Garner State Park in Texas (with or without a dog.)

Have you hiked the Old Baldy Trail in Garner State Park?

I’ve been meaning to hike to the summit of Old Baldy since seeing the stunning fall view of Frio River Canyon from the top of the Old Baldy on social media.

Hiking to the Old Baldy in Garner State Park, according to many people, is a must-do for first time visitors. Some even claim that if you only have time to walk one trail, it should be Old Baldy. 

We finally got to visit Garner State Park during one of our road trips in Texas Hill Country over Thanksgiving Break. We only had a short stay, so we went straight to Old Baldy before strolling along the Frio River.

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Where is Garner State Park?

Garner State Park is in the Texas Hill Country near Concan.

From San Antonio, the travel is around 1 hour 45 minutes to the west. It takes around three hours to travel in the same direction from Austin.

Garner State Park is about a 5-hour drive from where we live in south Fort Worth. If you are driving from Dallas, allow an additional 30-45 minutes. It’s quite a distance. That is why we prefer a long vacation to visit Garner State Park rather than a weekend.

Physical address: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838.

Hours: open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.

Entrance fees: 13 years and older $8 daily, child 12 years and under FREE.

Busy season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and other holidays.

Climate: January average low is 37 degrees, July average high is 97 degrees. Wettest months are May and October.

Garner State Park is one of the Hill Country’s most popular state parks. It frequently fills up, so reservations are strongly advised for both day use and camping.

We had planned to spend a couple of nights at Garner State Park, but all of the campsites were taken. We were fortunate to still have the day passes, so we could hike the Old Baldy.

Hiking the Old Baldy at Garner State Park

Keep in mind that Old Baldy is the most well-known trail in Garner State Park. Every visitor wished to hike all the way to the top. It means that Old Baldy is a popular hiking trail.

Old Baldy is a one-mile out-and-back trail. However, it is extremely steep and rocky. The trail will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. 

When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views for miles around. The Frio River canyon is my personal favorite. 

At the summit, there is also a rock stack with the American flag flying over the top. The park’s highest point, at 1849 feet.

How hard is Old Baldy Trail?

Many visitors assumed that because it is a short trail, it would be easy to complete despite being steep and rocky. That is not the case. Many professional hikers have commented on AllTrails that the Old Baldy Trail in Garner State Park is a great workout. So you understand what it means. It’s not going to be a pleasant stroll.

The Old Baldy Trail gradually ascends, and you will walk on the rock. Some are solid rock, while others are loose. Even though I was carefully watching my steps, I fell once on the loose rocks on the way down.

Some people advised you to wear hiking shoes due to the rocky terrain. If you are a seasonal hiker and do not have one, wear your sturdy tennis shoes. Leave your sandals or casual summer shoes in the car. 

The first ⅓ of the trail is steadily ascending. The second is less steep and more shaded. You may see people walking off the path and be tempted to follow when people are moving slowly ahead of you. Do not follow them if you are inexperienced or do not hike frequently. Simply stay on the path. The last ⅓ miles of the trail is steep again, with loose rocks mixed in.

Yellow footprint markers mark the Old Baldy Trail. Simply follow them all the way to the top. However, about halfway up the trail, things get a little confusing. The yellow footprint markers vanish, and you’re left with a few trails to choose from. Whichever path you take, move slowly until you come across the yellow footprint ahead of you.

Many of the yellow footprint markers were faded when we arrived. I hope the park has given them a fresh coat of yellow paint.

Is hiking to Old Baldy in Garner State Park for everyone?

If you are not in a good physical condition, it is a definite no. As previously stated, the trail is steep and rocky, and professional hikers say hiking on Old Baldy is a great workout.

On the other hand, many children will enjoy hiking here. They enjoy a challenge, and this trail is labeled as such on the park’s trails information website. All you have to do is be prepared and watch where you step!  

Here are a few things I noticed while hiking the Old Baldy Trail. I hope it will assist you in preparing for the trail.

– It is not a race, and it is acceptable to walk slowly. Understand your limitations.

A family of two young children and two tweens walked quickly past me. I could tell they didn’t do much hiking. I noticed them taking a break about halfway up. The husband and two young children arrived not long after we arrived at the summit. On the way down, I noticed the wife and the two tweens were still sitting at the same spot. Then I heard the husband and two small children approaching from behind me. Unfortunately, the wife and the two tweens were unable to reach the summit due to a lack of gas.

– Hike only if you and your partner are in a good mood.

I came to a halt when I saw a woman and her pre-kindergarten-aged daughter approaching. At the same time, she came to a halt and told her husband to do the same. The husband then said sternly, “You don’t have to stop every time you see people going up!” and continued walking with a baby boy on his back carrier. I let them walk first, and then the daughter collapsed on her knees. The wife yelled to the husband to inform him that their daughter had fallen. “Do you not see that? Your daughter has fallen! You must pick her up!” When the husband said angrily, “You pick her!” he didn’t turn his head. Oh my goodness. I’m curious if they were like this all the way up and down.

– Understand the trail conditions.

I noticed two families with 6-8 children approaching. One of the guys was directing their descent by telling where to step, one foot at a time. The children appeared terrified, and it was clear that these families had never hiked before. I’d say the city park was their best outdoor experience yet. They were only a few yards away from where I saw them on the way up when I came down. I didn’t even know if they made it to the summit of Old Baldy.

Staying safe and trail etiquette.

– Be ready for sun and heat. Wear sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing/hiking shoes.

– The trail becomes slick after the rain or even from the morning dew. If you are unsure, wait until the sun comes up or a few hours afterwards.

– Drink plenty of water and bring plenty with you on the hike. A quart (32-oz.) of water for every hour of activity.

– Take out all of your trash, leaving no trace.

– Avoid feeding wild animals.

– Take only memories and pictures. Please do not disturb or remove any of the park’s plants, animals, or artifacts.

Are dogs allowed on Old Baldy at Garner State Park?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re on a leash at all times. It’s for their own safety and the sake of the wildlife. Don’t forget the dog plastic bag for cleaning up their mess. 

Remember! Because there are no water sources along the trail, bring enough water for your dog. Your dog will appreciate the treats you bring for them as well. We usually put a dog backpack on Snoopy before going on a long hike. That way, he could bring his own water, treats, and baggy. He drinks a lot of water, and I always have some on hand for him.

Snoopy, our dog, is a medium-sized dog. He walked quickly and easily with my son to the top. If you have a small dog, you may need to carry it up or down the trails.

Other things to do at Garner State Park

Other things to do in Garner State Park, depending on the season and weather, are as follows:

– hiking or biking on more trails

– swimming, paddling, canoeing, fishing, or floating on Frio River

– play miniature golf 

– picnic

– geocache

– study nature

– camping

– dancing to a jukebox (summertime)

– join a ranger program

State Parks, Historic Sites, and State Natural Areas near Garner State Park

– Lost Maples State Natural Area

– Hill Country State Natural Area

– Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

– Kickapoo Cavern State Park

Where to stay when visiting Garner State Park?

You can stay in one of the park’s air-conditioned/heated cabins, screened shelters, or campsites. If you are planning a large group trip, you can rent the screened shelter or group campsite.

Cabins, lodges, or vacation rentals are available outside the park nearby. Of course, there are RV parks and campsites.

Is hiking the Old Baldy trail worth it?

Absolutely! I still want to go back, because the fall foliage was already past its peak around Thanksgiving Break. The best time for fall colors will be the first to second week of November. Summer is the best time to enjoy water activities. Remember that Garner State Park is very popular. Reserve your campsite or daily passes as soon as possible.