Our family recently had the pleasure of visiting Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch, Texas, and we can’t wait to share our adventure! From hiking scenic trails to discovering a new favorite activity—geocaching—this trip was full of fun and exploration.
Hiking the Painted Bunting and Live Oak Trails
We started our day with a hike that combined the Painted Bunting Trail and the Live Oak Trail, making for a nearly 4-mile adventure. The trails offered a great mix of terrain, and we were surrounded by stunning Texas Hill Country views. The kids loved spotting unique plants and wildlife along the way, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a perfect escape from our everyday routine.
Our Introduction to Geocaching
Before setting off on our hike, we learned about geocaching from the state park’s website. If you’ve never heard of it before, geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt that uses GPS coordinates to find hidden “caches” placed by other adventurers. Intrigued, we downloaded the Geocaching app and gave it a try—and it quickly became the highlight of our trip!
The geocaches we found ranged from plastic bottles to tin boxes, each containing a logbook to record our names and the date we found it. Some caches even had small treasures inside, like trinkets and knickknacks. To our surprise, we discovered a pair of Six Flags tickets in one cache—an unexpected bonus! The kids were thrilled with the experience, and geocaching is definitely an activity we’ll be doing again on future adventures.
If you’re looking for another family-friendly adventure in Texas, check out our recent blog post about the Galveston Naval Museum at Seawolf Park. It’s packed with history, fun, and plenty of learning opportunities for the kids.
Capturing the Adventure with Action Cameras
This trip was extra special for the kids because they each received their own action cameras for Christmas. These cameras allowed them to document their adventures from their unique perspectives. They had so much fun capturing moments on the trails, recording their geocaching finds, and filming the serene beauty of the Guadalupe River. Watching their videos afterward added another layer of joy to the experience, and it’s something we’ll treasure as a family.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for the action cameras. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our family adventures!
River Views and Rock Skipping
After our hike, we made our way to the riverfront. The Guadalupe River was lower than usual, but the water was crystal clear, providing a picturesque backdrop for the kids to skip rocks and explore the unique boulders and trees along the banks. We also found a scenic lookout point along the trail, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. The kiddos stopped to sit and take the view in, really enjoying the scenery from above the river.
Wrapping Up the Day
By the time we returned to our vehicle, we were all happily worn out from a day full of hiking, geocaching, and soaking up the natural beauty of the park. Guadalupe River State Park exceeded our expectations with its well-maintained trails and family-friendly activities. The kids had a blast on their first geocaching adventure, and we all agreed that this park is a place we’d love to visit again to explore even more.
Tips for Visiting Guadalupe River State Park
Try geocaching: Download the Geocaching app before your visit to add an extra layer of fun to your adventure.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes: The trails are family-friendly but can be uneven in some spots.
Bring water and snacks: Staying hydrated and energized is key, especially with kids in tow.
Plan for the river: If water levels and weather allow, bring water shoes and towels for some river play.
Check the weather: Texas weather can change quickly, so be prepared with sunscreen and layers.
Guadalupe River State Park is a perfect destination for families looking to connect with nature and create lasting memories. We can’t wait for our next visit—and more geocaching adventures! Have you been to Guadalupe River State Park? Let us know your favorite activities in the comments below.
Ready to plan your own visit? Learn more about Guadalupe River State Park on their official website.
