Changing Beauty

You may know Lost Maples for its fall color, but it is spectacular year-round. Visit any time to see abundant wild­flowers, steep canyon walls and the scenic Sabinal River. We’re just two hours northwest of San Antonio.

Things to Do

Your whole family will find plenty to do here. Take a hike or a photo, go fishing, look for birds and other wildlife, camp, backpack, stargaze and hunt for geocaches.

Lost Maples protects a special stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. Many folks come here to see colorful leaves on these and other trees in autumn. The show varies, depending on weather conditions. Check our Fall Foliage report (starting mid-October).

Please stay on designated trails. The natural area contains steep and rugged terrain. Do not climb on rocks or hillsides. Bigtooth maples have shallow roots, and you can hurt the trees by walking over their roots.

Note: Cell phone service is not available in the Natural Area.

Hiking

Explore over 10 miles of trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff.

Camping

Choose from 30 campsites with water and electricity. Or back­pack to one of our primitive campsites.

Fishing

Wet a hook in the Sabinal River or Can Creek. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a state park or natural area.

Birding

This area is home to a wide variety of birds, including the en­dan­gered golden-cheeked warbler and the recently de-listed black-capped vireo. Download Birds of Lost Maples State Natural Area: A Field Checklist | PDF to learn more.

Get involved

We need your help! Find out how on our Volunteer page.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We offer programs on the plants and wildlife of Lost Maples. Check the Events page for upcoming events.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger! Ask at headquarters to learn how.

Borrow an explorer pack, loaded with tools for exploring the park.

Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. Complete tasks to earn a badge.

Area Attractions

Nearby towns include Utopia and Bandera.

Medina Lake offers swimming and fishing.

Find the best places to see wildlife on the Rio Frio Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails.