2 - Days : Uvalde and Lost Maples
Combine 2 full, casually paced days in widely diverse habitats - the desert and Hill Country - and discover many species of birds
Families, Friends and Other Groups
All Levels Birders/Naturalists
Casual pace
Full Day
Day 2
No one has led more nature tours at Lost Maples than us. We’ve recorded 126 bird species here including Golden Cheeked Warblers, Black Capped Vireos, a Northern/Tropical Parula pair and Red-Tailed and Zone-Tailed Hawks all of which successfully nest here annually. Where better and with whom to Nurture Your Love for Nature than at legendary Lost Maples State Natural Area in Vanderpool TX ?!?
AM - Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool
The mile-long trail from the bird blind to the pond parallels Can Creek and offers endless opportunities for discovery. Terrain is a bit rocky and gently sloped. There are a few easy stream crossings but the trail is walk-able by most. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature over a sack lunch or snack at the pond side picnic tables before retracing your steps back to the bird blind.
At a Glance
· Waterproof shoes and/or walking stick helpful but not necessary
· 2 miles with 165’ elevation change
Options
The initial stream crossing onto the trail is the most ‘challenging’ part of the trail to the pond. Current water levels make this a non-issue.
Alternatively, start from the Day Use Area and walk to the East Trail/Maple Trail junction (0.8 mi), Monkey Rock (2.2 mi) or the Grotto (3.2 mi / 85’)
* Mileages are round trip; elevation changes in feet
* All route are out-and-back trips, begin your return trip at any time
LUNCH : Eat dessert first ; Lost Maples Café is famous for their pie !
PM - Sabinal Canyon / Utopia
A number of productive stops including -
Lodges at Lost Maples
Sabinal Road
Jones Cemetery
Utopia Park
Do many of these places seem familiar? Seven Days in Utopia was filmed here in 2011. The only thing better than the movie’s scenery is being here in person. You’ll quickly see how got Utopia its name!
NOTE: Like all our tours, this tour can be at any location(s).
Or free free to add on additional days at other locations such as -
· South Llano River State Park, Junction
· Mitchell Lake, San Antonio
DAY 1
Uvalde offers a unique habitat where the Brush Country meets the Hill Country meets the Trans-Pecos. Curved Bill Thrashers, Verdin, Cactus Wren and other desert species not found in the Hill Country. Add Great Kiskadees, Audubon’s Oriole and Green Jays and you know it’s going to be a great day!
Full Day tour
AM
National Fish Hatchery, USFW (weekdays only)
Fort Inge (weekends only)
Uvalde Cemeteries
LUNCH : Unlimited options in town
PM
A number of productive stops including -
Memorial Park
El Progreso library
Cook’s Slough
Garner Field and surrounding area