Hidden hiking trails in Texas are perfect for when you want to spend time in nature with no distractions. One of our favorites is the Laguna and Cayo Atascosa Loop Trail, located within the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This easy hike boasts incredible scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and it’s so little known you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Curious to learn more about this trail? We’ve got all the details below about one of the best hikes in Texas.

If you're in search of a quiet hike that really takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than the Laguna and Cayo Atascosa Loop Trail.
AllTrails/Vianney Chavira
Located in the remote Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, this little-known trail is not only easy and beautiful, but it's also one of the most relaxing hikes you'll ever have the pleasure of embarking on.
AllTrails/Ulyses Yakovlevich
The trail is rather long - just over 15 miles, to be exact - but the lack of elevation gain makes the journey a pleasant one from start to finish. Snaking around a gorgeous body of water known as Laguna Atascosa, the trail is also mere yards away from the Padre Island National Seashore and the expansive Gulf of Mexico beyond.
AllTrails/David Hunter
Hikers will enjoy various terrain, from marshy wetlands to sandy beaches.
AllTrails/David Hunter

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Keep an eye out for wildlife - the refuge is home to over 400 bird species, more than 40 mammals and reptiles, 130 kinds of butterflies, and 450 types of plants! Yes, you'll likely see alligators, but as long as you keep your distance, they tend to be more scared of humans than we are of them.
AllTrails/David Hunter
Wooden boardwalks allow you to get a closer look at the water and all the flora and fauna that inhabit it (while also feeling like you've entered a fairy tale)!
AllTrails/Grace Fuentes
One of our personal favorite parts of this hike is the opportunity it affords to walk across the water on long stretches of floating pathway. The sheer experience is as memorable as the views - which is saying a lot, as the views are simply unparalleled.
AllTrails/Ulyses Yakovlevich
So if you have a few hours to spare, the Laguna and Cayo Atascosa Loop Trail is worth its *length* in gold. Wildlife viewing, varied terrain, peace and quiet...what more could you ask for?
AllTrails/David Hunter
You can learn more about the unique wildlife that lives at this Texas preserve when you watch the brief video below:

Have you ever hiked the Laguna and Cayo Atascosa Loop Trail? What are some of your favorite hidden hikes in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Before embarking on your hiking adventure, be sure to check out our ultimate hiking essentials packing list.

Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby Texas state park with more bird species than anywhere else on Earth. It’s truly one of the most amazing natural wonders of Texas.

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More to Explore

Hiking In Texas

Beth C. | November 17, 2023

What are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Texas?

Texas is famous for its variety of stunning landscapes. Below you'll find a list of some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Texas:

 

How many of these hiking trails have you tried? If you're curious to learn more about what makes each of them so memorable, check out our ultimate guide to the very best hiking trails in Texas. From short-and-sweet hikes to challenging treks, paved trails, and winter-friendly hiking trails in TX, this list really has it all!

What are some of the most beautiful places in Texas?

If you're looking to be inspired by the natural beauty of the Lone Star State, check out the following destinations:

  • Big Bend National Park
  • Jacob's Well in Wimberley
  • Palo Duro Canyon
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  • Gorman Falls in Bend
  • Enchanted Rock State Park
  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs
  • Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze
  • Devil's River State Natural Area in Del Rio
  • Caddo Lake

 

Learn more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Texas.

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Featured Addresses
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22688 Buena Vista Blvd, Los Fresnos, TX 78566, USA