Park #8
February 18th, 2024
Distance: 2.84 miles of hiking. Run/walk intervals for 30 minutes
Weather: Sunny, slight breeze, high 50’s
The hubby and I are cruising along our state park challenge in the winter of 2024, but we wanted to avoid traveling for another weekend. Buescher State Park was a compromise. It’s a 50-minute drive from our home, located east of Bastrop State Park. Interesting fact: Buescher SP and Bastrop SP are connected by Park Road 1C. You can ride your bike on it, or drive this scenic byway for $3 a person. It is a narrow road with steep hills. I’ve ridden it in the past to incorporate hill training during my triathlon years. I don’t recommend biking this road as a family outing or if you only own a beach cruiser.
We parked at the scenic overlook located on Park Road 1C, where we could access the red or blue trail with the option to add loops. The warm weather brought out the visitors, and parking was scarce. It served as another reminder why people spend the winter in Texas.
This park has ample shade compared to Bastrop SP, and is a favorite during the summer when I need additional trail miles. You can expect technical sections with large and loose rocks, as well as some lovely scenic views.
I stuck to shorter run/walk intervals. I was recovering from a cold and injuries. The outing still left me exhausted, suggesting I still have some cold virus in my system. I also had sore hamstrings and glutes after the hike. Sucks to get old.
This park allows dogs on a leash, and several hikers brought their pups along. Mountain biking is also permitted if the trails are dry. Check at the entrance station to make sure they are open for biking when you arrive. On a previous visit, we experienced dangerously muddy conditions after a night of rain.
There is also a lake, with canoe rentals and fishing. It’s been closed before, so make sure you check ahead of time if that will make or break your visit.
When I explore parks in the winter, I yearn for spring. I note that most trees are missing their leaves, making the forests appear barren and dry. I have to imagine the parks with green trees and lush meadows, rather than the brown scenery. Our own backyard trees were starting to sprout buds, so spring was around the corner. But as much as I wish for the spring vegetation, in Texas, it also means the heat arrives. As I get older, I find that my body doesn’t cool down as efficiently as before, and I experience more misery. I repeat, it sucks to get old.
A benefit to visiting this state park is that our return trip takes us near East Austin, where one of our favorite food trucks, The Vegan Nom, is always worth the extra ten-minute drive. The hubby and I tend to come to this establishment after a run, or hike, or bike ride, so I don’t think I’ve ever visited when I haven’t been crusted with dried sweat. But the outside seating provides plenty of space and the opportunity for other patrons to avoid sitting downwind.
Always a fun time visiting this state park with a side trip to East Austin. See you out on the trails!