Lost Maples State Natural Area
Vanderpool, Texas (Real County)

Get Campsite & Facility Reservations Download a Park Map from TPWD

About the State Park

Shannon amid fall foliage on the Sabinal River
34k JPEG

Check the Park's 2010 Fall Foliage Report & previous years' reports.

Located along the Sabinal River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, 2,208-acre Lost Maples State Natural Area is an inspiring mixture of sheer limestone cliffs, deep canyons, dense woodlands, and numerous clear streams. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Lost Maples State Natural Area contains the state's largest stand of bigtooth maples east of the Guadalupe Mountains. When conditions are right, the maple leaves put on a dazzling show of fall colors, attracting thousands of visitors to the park. Peak fall foliage viewing is during the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November. From October through November annually, you can obtain the Lost Maples Fall Foliage Report from TPWD to keep track of how the fall color is progressing. The foliage report is updated each Thursday.

Picnicking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities are available, as well as over 10 miles of hiking and backpacking trails. The leisurely 4/10 mile Maple Trail along the Sabinal River is especially popular during the fall. For longer excursions, the East Trail (4.2 mile) and West Trail (3.4 miles) are both excellent day hikes; portions of the trails are steep and rocky, but the views are spectacular. Numerous primitive tent and developed (RV) campsites are available, although reservations are highly recommended during fall.

Be sure to visit our Quicktime Movie Theatre to experience a 360-degree panorama of Lost Maples SNA.

In addition to scenic landscapes, Lost Maples also presents numerous opportunities to observe wildlife, including armadillos, white-tail deer, various lizards, and almost 200 bird species. Birders seeking the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, and green kingfisher should visit between April and May.

Park Ratings

Explanation of Symbols
Campsites/Overnight Facilities	2 star
Leashed Pets Permitted?	YES
Picnic Areas/Playgrounds	1 star
Solitude	2 star
Trail System	2 star
Water Recreation	0 star
Wildlife	4 star
Ratings are based on a scale of 0 (low) to 4 (high).

Shannon's Wild Texas Notebook

Justin and I have hiked several routes at Lost Maples State Natural Area. One route follows the East Trail and the spur to the scenic overlook [Note: the overlook located near primitive camping area B, looking down into Sabinal Canyon, is much nicer.] Fragile travertine formations, formed as mineral-laden water seeps through the limestone strata, are located throughout the park; two prime areas to view these formations are along Hale Hollow Creek, shortly before the steep portion of the East Trail, and along the short Maple Trail. The formations on the Maple Trail are indicated by a park sign.

Hale Hollow Creek off the East Trail

For more information, read our trip reports:

Time Out at Lost Maples

Location

From San Antonio: Take Hwy 16 North to Medina. Turn left (West) on FM 337 to Vanderpool. Turn right (North) on Hwy 187 5 miles to Park. OR take Hwy 90 West to Sabinal. Turn right (North) on Hwy 187 through Utopia to Vanderpool. Go 5 miles to the park. From Austin: Take I 35 South to New Braunfels. Turn right (West) on Hwy Continue on Hwy 46 to Hwy 16. Turn right on Hwy 16 to Medina. Turn left (West) on FM 337 to Vanderpool. Turn right (North) on Hwy 187 through Vanderpool. Go 5 miles to the park.

The nearest major Texas cities are: Austin, San Antonio

Maps for Lost Maples State Natural Area

Roadway Map - MapQuest
Buy a Topographic Map of the Area - MyTopo

How to Get Here from Your Location?

^* NOTE: The driving directions (Google Maps) open in a new window.

Coordinates for GPS Users:

29.6833° Latitude -99.5861° Longitude (WGS84/NAD83; decimal degrees)
Convert to another coordinate sytem or map datum

Hours

Open 7 days a week year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM for day use activities.

NOTE: During periods of peak visitation, such as holidays and weekends, the park quickly fills to capacity -- all available parking spaces become filled. This forces the park to close, sometimes as early as 11 AM. Visitors who are turned away are encouraged to visit other area parks or return after 5 PM, when the park reopens. However, campers with reservations are granted entry at any time.

Check for restricted park access before any trip. When controlled public hunts are in progress, general access is not permitted.

Fees

A park entrance fee is charged per day --

From December through September: $4 per person for adults 13 years of age and older, or $3 per person if camping overnight. Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $2 per person.
From October through November: $5 per person for adults 13 years of age and older, or $3 per person if camping overnight. Texas residents age 65 or older pay only $3 per person.

NOTE: Listed fees may not be accurate year-round due to seasonal changes. Contact the park directly to confirm fees.

Campsite and other facility fees are in addition to the park entrance fee.

Note: Learn about the $60 Texas State Parks Pass which exempts passholders, and the passengers in their vehicle, from the entrance fees at all Texas State Parks.

Reservations

Reserve Now for campsites or other park facilities.

Reservations can also be made by calling TPWD's Central Reservation System at (512)389-8900 from 9 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 9 AM to noon on Saturdays.

Events

Check the TPWD Calendar for upcoming events at this or other area parks.

Weather

Official Contact Information

The State Park is managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Lost Maples State Natural Area
37221 FM 187
Vanderpool, TX 78885

Telephone: (830)966-3413
TPWD Park Info: 1-800-792-1112

Lost Maples State Natural AreaVanderpool, Texas (Real County)