We lead several outings each year which can range from a day hike to a backpacking trip. Click here for our detailed Outings guidelines. Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for information on our Texas state park. You can make reservations at a Texas state park here.
Let's Celebrate the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in October !
photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife
Plan to join us at the newly-opened Palo Pinto Mountains State Park on the weekend of October 2-4, 2026! Come for the weekend or just come for a day hike and picnic on Saturday. Palo Pinto, the state's newest state park, officially opened in March 2026 after many years of encouragement and support by our Sierra Club members.
Palo Pinto is about 75 miles west of Fort worth. The Park encompasses over 4,800 acres of former ranchland, where guests can bike, camp, fish and hike on 16 miles of trails. Trail systems range from family-friendly routes to more moderate hikes.
Camping reservations are available starting May 3 for the October weekend and are expected to fill up quickly. Likewise day passes may be limited for October, so we recommend day-trippers also reserve your day passes early (available 1 month in advance of date). Campers will need to bring your own camping gear. If you would like to camp in coordination with our Sierra Group, please contact the trip leader Carla at cegyed@sbcglobal.net.
Saturday Daytrippers - Join us on Saturday for a morning hike and/or picnic in the park. For the hike, meet at 9:15 at the Main Trailhead for the Cross Timbers trail. The hike starts at 9:30 and is four miles out and back. It will probably take over two hours with stops. A picnic will follow around noon in the Group Pavillion - reserve a grilled burger ($5), or bring your own lunch, and/or a snack or dessert to share. Water and sparkling water (lemon) will be provided. Email Spencer at skdickinson@verizon.net to get more details and/or reserve a grilled burger!
Day passes may be popular on October 3, so we please reserve your day passes in advance (available beginning September 3 - 30 days in advance on Texas Park & Wildlife website).
The Park's address is: 100 Park Road 77, Strawn, TX
Driving Route: To reach the park headquarters and visitor center, take Exit 361 off Interstate 20. Head north toward Strawn for about 3.5 miles, then turn left onto FM 2372 and follow it for approximately 4 miles directly into the park. Plan on 1.5 hour drive from Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
Palo Pinto Mountain State Park map extract with Pavillion highlighted
map courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife
See Texas Parks website for more activities available and full detailed maps.
