Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

The tiny Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo are the stars of the day at this 22-square-mile preserve located west of Lago Vista. The preserve protects acres of juniper trees (if you're a local, you'll just refer to them as "cedar trees").

Because the purpose of the park is to protect these species, the schedule of the park works around the breeding schedule of the birds so you may find the park closed at certain periods.

The best place to view the vireos is at the Shin Oak Observation Deck (it closes when the vireos arrive in the spring.) There's parking at the deck. There are also several hiking trails open most of the year.

The preserve also hosts several special events every year, notably the Balcones Songbird Festival in the spring. The event includes guided nature walks focusing on birding as well as wildlife and butterflies.

Location: Drive west of Lago Vista on RM 1431; the entrance is five miles west of the intersection of Bar-K Road in Lago Vista. The entrance is on the north side of RM 1431.

Return to Lago Vista Travel Guide and Marble Falls Travel Guide