Lauren Bonczek

Texas has a wonderful state park system, and Balmorhea State Park in West Texas is no exception. Located a few hours southeast of El Paso, Balmorhea boasts a large natural spring with views of the Davis Mountains. Stay in the cabins or camp on location. This is a great place for year round scuba diving and swimming (if you're really motivated!) where the water is consistently 72 degrees. Divers...

Starting at the Cedar Brake Outer Loop trailhead, leave your car and toss your pack on your back. You'll walk along some pretty single track-style paths and depending on what season you've chosen, you might be treated to some lovely Texas wildflowers. You'll come to a river crossing and get to cool off (possibly holding your bag above your head). The trail continues on the other side of the riv...

Set your directions for Overlook Park. A short trail will guide you down the rocky slopes to get to the main beach. A slight trail to the left will take you along the shoreline to a more secluded spot. It's a bit rocky, so either bring a chair or a cushion to sit on. Floaties are a nice addition, and possibly a sun hat and a book. This is Texas chilling at it's finest, though technically there ...

Start at the day use overflow parking lot, there is a picnic area and a paved road will lead you to the trailhead for the  East and West Trail Loops. Continue along, following the signs to the West Trail Loop. You'll come across little river crossings, but much of the trail is rocky with a nice green canopy above. Depending on the season, you'll see the colors change in the leaves. It's quite b...

I love McAllister Park. Sure it can get a little stinky after the torrential Texas rains sweep through, but on a clear, dry day you can always find a new and LOVELY trail.  The Mud Creek Loop (or the Green Loop) is a 1.5 mile dirt trail used by hikers and mountain bikers. The trail itself is relatively flat, and the underbrush is thin enough that you generally have ample warning prior to bikers...

This beautiful bike trail exists in the middle of San Antonio,  and is an offshoot of the Salado Creek Greenway. You can start this trail past the electrical tower at the north end of the greenway. Park your car on Huber Rd (there are plenty of offices and shops you can park at, though you may have to park across the street) and take the ramp switchbacks to get to the greenway. There is a rocky...

Just north of 1604, off I10 is Friedrich Wilderness Park. This park, within the city limits of San Antonio, has about 10 miles of hiking trails varying from paved and appropriate for all ages and abilities, to challenging uphills and quick drop offs.This is just for pedestrian, so if you have a bike, leave it at home. You also can't bring your dog unfortunately. But if you want a quick evening ...

Eisenhower Park is located on the north side of San Antonio, outside of loop 1604. Take the road to Camp Bullis, and you'll see the entrance to the park on your left a few hundred feet before the gate to the military base. The Cedar Flats trail will get you to your destination. It's an easy mile to get to the observation deck, and the route is paved. But the path is still hot in the summertime,...