🧭 Know Before You Go: Colorado Bend State Park
| Entry & permits | Reservations are required. Gorman Falls, the park's 70-foot spring-fed waterfall, is reached on a self-guided hike. |
|---|---|
| What you'll actually see | Check weather and road conditions before setting out - access roads are affected by weather. |
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Colorado Bend State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44–85 °F | 69–97 °F | 43–90 °F | 34–64 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Lampasas, 18 mi away, elevation 1,032 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Colorado Bend State Park — A rugged Texas landscape famous for Gorman Falls, wild cave tours, and exceptional wilderness hiking.
Water cascades 70 feet over a moss-covered cliff, the spray catching Texas sunlight in a mist of rainbow colors. Below, travertine terraces glow like something from another world. This is Gorman Falls—one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Texas, and the crown jewel of Colorado Bend State Park. But the falls are just the beginning of what makes this remote Hill Country preserve extraordinary.
Welcome to 5,328 acres where the Colorado River meets the limestone heart of Texas. Beneath the cedar-covered hills hide over 400 caves—explored on guided Wild Cave Tours where you’ll crawl, climb, and squeeze through ancient passages. Above ground, 35 miles of trails wind through canyons and meadows, past swimming holes like Spicewood Springs that rank among the best in Hill Country. This is Texas untamed—no cell service, no crowds, just pure wilderness adventure.
What Makes Colorado Bend Legendary
Gorman Falls
70-foot spring-fed waterfall with stunning travertine formations.
400+ Caves
Guided Wild Cave Tours through Texas’s secret underground.
Spicewood Springs
Multiple spring-fed pools—best swimming in Hill Country.
35 Miles of Trails
World-class mountain biking and hiking terrain.
Entry Fees
| Admission | Price |
|---|---|
| 👤 Adults (13+) | $5/day |
| 👧 Children (12 & under) | FREE |
| 🎟️ Texas State Parks Pass | $70/year (unlimited entry) |
⚠️ Reservations Required
Day-use reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. The park may reach capacity and turn visitors away. Book at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Wild Cave Tours require separate advance registration.
Gorman Falls
The 70-foot Gorman Falls is fed by Gorman Creek and flows year-round. The water deposits minerals as it cascades, creating stunning travertine terraces—living rock formations that glow emerald and gold.
| Gorman Falls Details | Info |
|---|---|
| 📏 Height | 70 feet |
| 🥾 Trail Distance | 3 miles round-trip |
| ⚡ Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| ⚠️ Rules | Stay on trail; NO climbing on falls or travertine |
| 💧 Best Flow | Year-round; strongest after rain |
Wild Cave Tours
Colorado Bend contains over 400 caves—one of the highest concentrations in Texas. Rangers lead guided Wild Cave Tours where you’ll crawl, climb, and squeeze through passages to experience the underground world.
| Cave Tour | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦇 Gorman Cave Tour | Beginner-friendly; 2 hours; some crawling |
| ⛏️ Wild Cave Tour | Advanced; 4+ hours; tight squeezes, climbing |
| 📅 Reservations | REQUIRED—book at cbcaves.com |
| 👕 What to Wear | Clothes you can get dirty; closed-toe shoes; kneepads recommended |
Spicewood Springs & Swimming
Spicewood Springs is one of Hill Country’s best-kept secrets—a series of spring-fed pools perfect for swimming on hot Texas days. Multiple pools mean you can often find a quiet spot even on busy weekends.
- 🏊 Spicewood Springs: Multiple pools, crystal-clear spring water
- 🌊 Colorado River: 6 miles of river frontage for swimming and floating
- 💧 Temperature: Spring-fed pools stay cool year-round (~68°F)
- ⚠️ No Lifeguards: Swim at your own risk
Hiking & Biking Trails
With 35 miles of multi-use trails, Colorado Bend is a destination for serious hikers and mountain bikers alike.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧 Gorman Falls Trail | 3 mi RT | Moderate-Strenuous | 70-foot waterfall, travertine |
| 🏊 Spicewood Springs Trail | 2.5 mi RT | Moderate | Swimming holes, creek crossings |
| 🌊 River Trail | 3.5 mi | Easy-Moderate | Colorado River views, fishing |
| 🚵 Gorman Road Trail | 4 mi | Easy-Moderate | Best for mountain bikes, scenic views |
Birding
With 155+ documented bird species, Colorado Bend is a premier birding destination. The diverse habitats—river, canyon, and woodland—attract both resident and migratory birds.
- 🐦 Golden-cheeked Warbler: Endangered species nests here in spring
- 🐦 Black-capped Vireo: Another endangered Texas specialty
- 🦅 Bald Eagles: Spotted along the Colorado River
- 📋 Bird Checklist: Available at park headquarters
Fishing
The Colorado River runs for 6 miles through the park—excellent for bass, bluegill, and catfish. A fish cleaning station is located near the river.
🎣 No License Required!
You do NOT need a fishing license to fish in Texas state parks. Just show up and cast your line!
camping“>Camping
| Site Type | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Drive-Up Sites | 15 primitive sites; picnic table, fire ring, grill; water/restrooms nearby |
| ⛺ Walk-In Sites | 28 primitive sites; short walk from parking |
| 🥾 Backcountry/River | Hike-in camping; no water/restrooms |
| 👥 Group Camps | Grey Fox (16), Canyon (16), River Area (48) |
🚿 Campground Facilities
- Restrooms: Composting toilets near main camping area and trailhead
- Shower: Open-air rinse-off shower near campground
- No hookups: All sites are primitive—bring what you need!
👧 Junior Ranger Program
Kids can explore and earn badges! Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with nature tools, or pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters. Complete the activities during your visit to earn a badge.
When to Visit
🌸 Spring (March – May)
BEST TIME! Wildflowers blooming. Gorman Falls at peak flow. Perfect swimming weather. Book ahead—very popular.
Best for: Gorman Falls, wildflowers, hiking
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Hot! But Spicewood Springs and the river provide relief. Come early to avoid heat. Cave tours are cooler underground.
Best for: Swimming, cave tours, early morning hikes
🍂 Fall (September – November)
Excellent. Crowds thin, weather cools. Great for extended hiking and biking. Fall color in canyons.
Best for: Hiking, mountain biking, camping
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Mild Texas winters. Fewer visitors, solitude on trails. Springs still flow. Cave tours continue.
Best for: Solitude, cave tours, fishing
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| ⏰ Hours | 6 AM – 10 PM daily (automated gate) |
| 📵 Cell Service | NONE—plan accordingly |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed on leash in designated areas only |
| 🚣 Kayak Rentals | Available at the park |
| 📍 Nearest Town | San Saba or Lampasas (~30 miles) |
🌡️ Climate
| Season | Temperature |
|---|---|
| ❄️ January Avg | 46°F |
| ☀️ July Avg | 86°F |
| 🏔️ Elevation | 1,025 feet |
| ❄️ First Freeze | Late November |
| 🌸 Last Freeze | Early March |
⚠️ Flood Warning
The entrance road can flood during heavy rains. Check weather and road conditions before your visit. Follow the park’s Twitter or Facebook for closure updates.
Getting There
- 📍 Address: 2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX 76824
- 📍 From Austin: ~2 hours northwest via US-183
- 📍 From San Antonio: ~2.5 hours north via I-35 and US-183
- ⚠️ Remote Location: Fill up on gas; no services nearby
🏞️ Nearby State Parks
- 🏊 Inks Lake State Park: Swimming, paddling, camping (~45 min)
- 🦇 Longhorn Cavern State Park: Cave tours in different geology (~1 hr)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Colorado Bend State Park?
Yes! Spicewood Springs has multiple spring-fed pools perfect for swimming. The Colorado River also offers 6 miles of swimming and floating opportunities.
Do you need reservations for Colorado Bend State Park?
Highly recommended. Day-use reservations are essential on weekends and during peak season. The park reaches capacity and turns visitors away. Wild Cave Tours require separate advance booking.
How much does it cost to get into Colorado Bend?
$5 per adult (13+). Children 12 and under are free. Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) covers unlimited entry.
Are dogs allowed at Colorado Bend State Park?
Yes, but only in designated areas and must be on a leash. Contact the park office for specific restrictions before bringing pets.
How long is the hike to Gorman Falls?
3 miles round-trip. The trail is rated moderate to strenuous with some steep sections. Allow 2-3 hours for the round trip including time at the falls.
Where is Colorado Bend State Park located?
In the Texas Hill Country, about 2 hours northwest of Austin. The park is remote—nearest towns are San Saba and Lampasas (~30 miles). No cell service in the park.
🏞️ Where Texas Hides Its Best Secrets
Seventy feet of spring-fed water cascading over ancient travertine. Four hundred caves waiting to be explored beneath the cedar-covered hills. Swimming holes so perfect they’re whispered about in Austin coffee shops. Colorado Bend isn’t just a state park—it’s the Texas Hill Country’s greatest kept secret, a 5,328-acre escape where the Colorado River meets true wilderness. Leave your phone behind (it won’t work anyway), pack your sense of adventure, and discover what happens when you get completely, beautifully lost.
📍 Address: 2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX 76824
📞 Phone: (325) 628-3240
Explore More Texas State Parks
Colorado Bend State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Texas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Texas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Inks Lake State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Longhorn Cavern State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Colorado Bend State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Pets | Pets allowed at campsites but not in buildings; contact park for specifics |
|---|---|
| Reservations | texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 512-389-8900; often reaches capacity, reservations highly recommended |
| Special sites | 3 group camps: Grey Fox (16 max, $35/night), Canyon (16 max, $35/night), River Area (48 max, $75/night) |
Campsite types
| Site type | Sites | Hookups | Max RV | Nightly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primitive Campsites (Drive-up) | 15 | water | 20 ft | $15 |
| Primitive Campsites (Walk-in) | 28 | water | — | $13 |
| Primitive Campsites (Hike-in | Backcountry River Area) | — | — | — | $10 |
| Primitive Campsites (Hike-in | Backcountry Windmill Area) | — | — | — | $10 |
| Group Camp (Grey Fox) | — | — | — | $35 |
| Group Camp (Canyon) | — | — | — | $35 |
| Group Camp (River Area) | — | — | — | $75 |
Blank cells mean the park does not publish that detail. Nightly rates are before the daily entrance fee.
Camping questions about Colorado Bend State Park
Can you camp at Colorado Bend State Park?
Yes. Colorado Bend State Park has 43 campsites. 15 drive-up primitive sites #35-47 (RV up to 20 ft, self-contained, no hookups); 28 walk-in tent-only primitive sites #1-29; hike-in backcountry sites in River Area (<0.6 mi) and Windmill Area (1.0 mi), max 4 people/site, no water/restrooms, containerized stoves only.
How do you reserve a campsite at Colorado Bend State Park?
texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 512-389-8900; often reaches capacity, reservations highly recommended.
Are pets allowed at the Colorado Bend State Park campground?
Pets allowed at campsites but not in buildings; contact park for specifics.
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Colorado Bend State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in the water or on land around designated swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in any state park buildings, including motels, cabins, screened shelters and group facilities
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Several parks restrict dogs in specific areas (Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Government Canyon, Hueco Tanks); proof of current rabies vaccination required
Are dogs allowed at Colorado Bend State Park?
Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov. More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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