We love to travel and take our workouts on the road. But we’re over those cramped and drab fitness centers—is leg day even worth it at that point? In Texas, you don’t need to sacrifice precious time for bulging quads. The Lone Star State is filled with a diverse array of landscapes both beautiful and challenging, ideal for visitors looking for outdoor exercise.
Here’s a list of some of the top Texas workout spots for you based on your activity preferences.
Village Creek Paddling Trail
This 21-mile route snakes through forests and wetlands along Village Creek, near the state’s eastern border. Rent a canoe or kayak at Big Thicket Outfitters in nearby Vidor and launch from one of the creek’s five access points. Big Thicket offers drop-off and pickup services. During your workout, keep your eyes peeled for local residents: The area around the creek is home to white-tailed deer, raccoons, turtles, snakes, and tons of birds, including belted kingfishers and multiple varieties of egrets and herons. The whole route requires at least two days to paddle, so plan on tackling just one segment or doing an out-and-back—unless you want to camp somewhere overnight. You can get a free camping permit at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center.
Caprock Canyons Trailway
Located in the Texas Panhandle roughly midway between Amarillo and Lubbock, Caprock Canyons State Park is home to stunning red rock canyons and cliffs, rolling grasslands, and one of the most iconic animals of the American West—bison. The best way to experience this area—and break a sweat—is with a bike ride along its namesake trailway, a 64-mile gravel rail trail that passes to the south of the state park.
Rent a mountain bike at Hill’s Sport Shop in Amarillo or DFC Cycles and Fitness in Lubbock, and drive out to one of several trailheads along the route (the closest to both cities is the trail terminus in South Plains). Pedal along creeks, canyons, and the Clarity Tunnel, where you’ll find a resident population of Mexican free-tailed bats. Pro tip: Visit in the spring to catch the park’s incredible wildflower blooms.
Turtle Creek
Dallas boasts some excellent opportunities for urban outdoor recreation. Runners should carve out time to explore Turtle Creek, the city’s second-oldest park. By connecting park paths with stretches of sidewalk, you can run for four miles alongside the creek and pass by notable local landmarks, including the historic Arlington Hall event space with its stately Greek Revival columns. For a longer jaunt, you can combine this path with the Katy Trail, a rail trail that leads into the city’s northeastern suburbs.
Hueco Tanks State Park
Named for its collection of protected huecos (rocky desert hollows where rainwater collects to form natural pools), this state park northeast of El Paso is an intriguing destination for wildlife and humans alike. In addition to the natural wonders, the park’s rock formations are dotted with pictographs that date back several thousands of years.
Hueco Tanks has developed a reputation for some of the best bouldering in the world, and it’s a must-visit destination for rock climbers. However, it does require some planning, as access is restricted in order to preserve the sensitive ecosystem and cultural heritage. You’ll call the park to make a reservation for access to the self-guided section of the reserve. To visit the guided areas, join a tour with Blue Lizard Climbing & Yoga. The company also has crash pads and climbing shoes available for rent.
Lady Bird Lake
This massive, greenery-edged reservoir on the Colorado River is one of Austin’s most cherished outdoor spaces. Runners can log some picturesque miles on the paths surrounding the “lake”; the water also offers several opportunities to exercise. Stop by the Austin Rowing Club to rent a stand-up paddleboard (kayaks are also available). Want to really get to know the area? Book a spot in one of the club’s guided kayak tours to learn more about the city’s architecture and local wildlife.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Miss your chance to go snowboarding this winter? Opt for some West Texas sandboarding in Monahans Sandhills State Park instead. Rent a board at the park headquarters and surf and slide down the dunes, some of which reach 50 feet in height. As a post-calf-workout reward, explore one of the park’s freshwater seeps, where you may spot unique animals like dune sagebrush lizards and kangaroo rats.
Buffalo Bayou Park and White Oak Bayou Trail
Much as with the state’s other major population centers, you don’t have to leave Houston to find a breathtaking workout spot. Lace up your running shoes and head out for a jog through two of the area’s premier urban trails. Buffalo Bayou Park, just west of Houston’s urban core, has paved multi-use paths that hug the slow-moving stream, providing runners with waterside views as they pass through gardens, forested hillsides, and overlooks. Trot across the Rosemont Bridge for a stellar view of the skyline. By weaving together different paths and using pedestrian bridges within the park, you can circle a 5.6-mile loop along both sides of the bayou.
A longer route stretches 15 miles along the White Oak Bayou, from downtown Houston through outlying neighborhoods to the northwest. It winds through several parks and the historic districts of Houston Heights and Woodland Heights—making it a great way to see parts of the city you might otherwise miss.
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