Cedar Park, Texas - Ecotourism Itinerary

Explore, Conserve and Experience Ecotourism

Day 1: Head to the San Gabriel River, to hike the river bed (you’ll get wet!) and see the famous dinosaur tracks. Park your car at the bridge on the South San Gabriel River, just north of Leander on US 183, and walk upstream for half a mile to see these three-toed dinosaur tracks.

Now that you’re hot and ready for some water fun, visit Lake Travis: Just eight miles from Cedar Park you can enjoy nature’s gift to the Hill Country the Highland Lakes. The Highland Lakes of Central Texas consist of six lakes (Lake Travis is the lake near Cedar Park) along the Colorado River starting 85 miles northwest of Austin and ending in Austin. Whether you are into hike and bike trails, fishing, boating, or just having a good time at the lake, Lake Travis is the place for you. For more information on Lake Travis, click here.

Next visit the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of Lake Travis. The primary purpose of the refuge is to conserve the nesting habitat of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. Visit the website for events, trail maps, and hiking guides.

Day 2: Caves and Bats? Cedar Park has a new attraction for visitors! The Texas Cave Conservancy has placed forty educational signs at the caves located in the Westside Preserve. Signs at each cave have information on endangered species...cave life, plants, and bats that make their home in the caves. Visit the caves year-round during daylight hours to learn more about these interesting features! Click here to learn more.

After hiking the caves, why not relax in the evening, watching a new bat colony, located at the McNeil overpass on I35. Though not as large as the Austin colony of bats (home to the largest colony of bats in North America living in an urban environment) families and individuals alike enjoy the twilight emergence of these interesting creatures.

Day 3: Inner Space Caverns Discover an amazing living cavern on the exciting, guided tours in Texas’ most accessible cavern. Choose either the Adventure Tour, or the brand new Explorer’s tour for fun for the whole family.