Doeskin Ranch Public Use Area
The Doeskin Ranch Unit of the
Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Management Area has
more than five miles of hiking trails open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Several trails start from the parking lot and wander the lower elevations of
the rugged unit. These paths allow for easy exploration of the clear running creek
that dissects the property and the pond located near the parking area. The most
challenging hike is the 2.2-mile Rimrock Trail that switchbacks up the steep
hill to the top of a plateau where the views are rewarding. At the top, the
Indiangrass Trail branches off for a trip to the remote corners of the unit
where broad meadows of grass dominate the rolling hills. Doeskin Ranch was
designated as a National Recreation Trail in June 2005.
The unit can be closed at times for various reasons. Be sure to call ahead before making a long drive.