The Underrated Wildlife Refuge Where Texas’ Great Plains Meet the Gulf Coast Bioregions

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The Underrated Wildlife Refuge Where Texas' Great Plains Meet the Gulf Coast Bioregions

As the second largest state in the US, Texas has a wide range of ecosystems. The Lone Star State is situated in the massive Midwest Great Plains region, but also has over 300 hundred miles of ocean coastline. This number gets even longer when you factor in estuaries and other aquatic formations that shape the Texas Gulf Coast. The perfect way to combine the varying landscapes of Texas is a visit to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.



Texas’ wide open spaces might be more associated with farmland, but its nature is still impressive even in spaces close to major cities. In fact, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is less than an hour from downtown Austin. Its proximity to major highways like Interstate 35 and State Highway 183 make this wildlife refuge an excellent addition to a road trip with all the hidden gems Texas has to offer. You can hike, picnic, and take your pick from luxurious lodging options to make for an amazing Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge trip.

Balcones Canyonlands began as a place for bird conservation

Blue bird among branches, blue sky



After realizing the threat of habitat loss for golden-cheeked warblers and other Texas songbirds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in 1992. This pristine Texas destination for birding has become even more important, as Austin has grown consistently since. In total, 245 types of birds from doves to storks and pelicans live here. The American Bird Conservancy considers the refuge to be a Globally Important Bird Area. Around one third of all U.S. bird species facing population threats live at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge or at least pass by when migrating.

The added bonus to creating a protected space for these birds is the beautiful plant life that comes with it. Juniper and American Sycamore trees dot the land along with cacti like Texas Pricklypear. Spring is an especially good time to visit, as it brings wildflowers along. Try to spot bluebonnets, and Indian Paintbrushes. The popular hiking trails that show off these flowers are the RimRock and Indiangrass trails in the northern part of the refuge. Both are around 1.5 mile loops.

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Find more rugged terrain along Quarry Canyon Trail

Rocky slopes among greenery

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.