Garner State Park is in the county of Uvalde, Texas, and is one of the state parks. It offers a great way to experience nature.
Large portions of the park are often filled with people playing on the Frio River or settling in for a dance on weekends during peak seasons.
Attractions and Things to Do at Garner State Park
The park offers activities for anyone and everyone to participate in. Whether it is a day hike or a family picnic, the park has many activities for people to enjoy.
There are a wide variety of outdoor activities that include canoeing and kayaking, paddle boat and kayak rentals (spring and summer), bicycle riding, playing miniature golf, fishing, nature study, and picnicking.
Frio River
The Frio is a popular river for swimming in, partly because of its easy accessibility, but also because it’s abundant with wildlife and color. Inner tube trips allow you to get a different perspective on the river and see wildlife close up.
The Frio River is the largest in the Texas Hill Country and is a popular destination for day trips. This river has long been a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, due to its diverse scenery.
The Frio River is a tributary of the Rio Grande and is the longest river in Texas. It covers a distance of 600 miles, flowing through the state’s southern region. The river was voted one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Rivers in America” by North American Fishing magazine.
Equipment Rentals
Visitors can rent paddle boats, kayaks, tables, and barbecue pits. You also have portable space heaters and large fans available to rent.
The park operates a tube shuttle and mini-putt golf course during the busy times of the year. There are lockers near the boathouse for storing your valuables.
Do You Need Hiking Boots For Garner State Park?
The short answer is no, but if you plan on hiking for an extended period, then it would be highly recommended that you bring some. You can always bring another pair of lighter walking shoes to change into later on.
A typical outfit for someone hiking at Garner State Park includes a pair of hiking pants, comfortable shoes, light layers, and even headwear such as hats or caps. These are all items that will help keep you cool during the day and protect you from the elements at night.
Hiking boots are a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast. But did you know that the park does not check for footwear before entering?
If you’re planning on going on a hike and want to make sure your boots will do fine, there’s no need to worry. The park is open to all and doesn’t require any special gear or gear checking before entry, but it is recommended that hikers bring their hiking boots if they want to avoid injury from stepping on sharp rocks or sticks.
How Many Trails Are at Garner State Park?
There are approximately 10-16 trails at Garner State Park, depending on who you ask. The official state website lists 10, but other sources have up to 16 trails noted in the area. In total there are about 16 miles of trails.
The number of trails at Garner State Park can vary. The number of trails at Garner State Park is dependent on the available hiking opportunities in the park.
What Is the Easiest Trail in Garner State Park?
White Rock Cave is a 0.6 mile hike that’s easy for all skill levels. It can serve as a warm-up hike for the rest of the day ahead.
From the Ole Baldy Trailhead, this hike is flat and gradual. While it has some steep climbs in it, they’re usually short-lived and not difficult at all.
Also when you get to the cave make sure you look for spiders or small animals! They tend to make homes in there.
The Best Trails at Garner State Park
Mount Ol’ Baldy
Distance: 1 mile
You will find the steep drop-offs and rocky landscapes to be beautiful, while also enjoying the convenience of plenty of information at nearby trailheads.
The trail could use more yellow footprint markers. The rocks are slippery with the dew in the air. But, the trail is great altogether.
Frio Canyon Trail
Distance: 3.3 miles
The open meadows are beautiful with the golden color. If only it had a little longer river walking, it would be perfect!
The trail was not difficult to walk, it’s very flat. It is Texas of course so it was hot but other than that, the hike was doable.
Old Baldy, Bridges, Foshee, and Crystal Cave Trails Loop
Distance: 3.5 miles
Be cautious, we had a hard time getting through the first mile. The rocks can be slick in wet weather.
The cave is very spooky and can be too frightening for some people. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the outdoors, such as hiking shoes, long pants, and a rain jacket. Bring a headlamp if you decide to go into the cave.
A great hike with plenty of views and challenging inclines. It is worth the effort!
Can You Swim at Garner State Park?
There are 2.9 miles of the Frio river winding through beautiful Hill Country, and if you love to explore nature, this is a great place to go.
You can swim, float, or relax in the Frio River. I recommend you rent an inner tube though and float down the river with your friends and family.
Are there bears at Garner State Park?
It is said that there are no bears at Garner State Park. But some people say they saw one walking around the picnic area when they were hiking in the park.
The chances of encountering a bear at Garner State Park are slim to none. It’s still important to make sure you don’t leave food unattended. You don’t want to attract unwanted animals.
Is Garner State Park Dog Friendly?
There are a lot of things to do in Garner State Park, and as you might expect, if you’re looking for a place to go with your dog, it’s one of the best places in the area.
Many people love visiting Garner State Park because they have so much to offer. There are plenty of trails for the nature enthusiast and plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting. If your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t run away from other dogs or interfere with smaller pets, then you shouldn’t have any problems visiting this park.
Does Garner State Park Have Cabins?
Yes, there are 17 cabins for rent at Garner State Park. You can get one with or without a fireplace. They range from $130 to $150 per night, with a 2-night minimum stay.
What Does Garner State Park Cost to Enter?
For kids 12 and under, the entry fee is free. For people 13 and older it is $8 per day.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What is the Best Time of Year to Hike at Garner State Park?
To find the best time of year to hike at Garner State Park, we need to consider the weather conditions on an annual basis. While it is usually possible to hike at Garner State Park all year round, April through October typically offers the best weather conditions.
