Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area Backcountry Loop
Cedar breaks and creek crossings on the Colorado
This 15-mile loop winds through the Colorado River bottomlands at Muleshoe Bend, following cattle trails and old fence lines through some of Central Texas’ densest cedar country. The route crosses Muleshoe Creek multiple times on rock slabs and through mud bogs, passes limestone bluffs with Native American petroglyphs, and climbs through cedar breaks that haven’t seen vehicle traffic in decades. The creek crossings near the old homestead ruins can be tricky after rain, requiring precise wheel placement on slick limestone.
Moderate to difficult terrain depending on water levels and recent weather. High-clearance 4WD essential for the creek crossings and loose limestone climbs. Spring is ideal when wildflowers carpet the valley floor, but summer heat makes this a dawn-patrol run. No permits required, but respect private property boundaries marked with orange paint. Dispersed camping allowed in designated areas. Cell service is spotty in the river bottom. This is genuine Texas Hill Country backcountry that few people see beyond the main recreation area.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | March-May, October-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Spicewood, Texas |
| Land manager | Lower Colorado River Authority |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | lcra.org |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Muleshoe Bend without any mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD truck or SUV can run this trail, but skid plates are a real asset on the rocky creek crossings and cedar-choked two-track. A lifted rig with all-terrain tires makes it more comfortable, but it's not a requirement.
When does the trail become impassable — after rain or in summer?
After heavy rain the creek crossings can rise fast and turn the bottomland sections into a muddy mess that will swallow stock vehicles. Summer is runnable but brutal — heat in the cedar breaks is no joke and flash flood risk spikes. Stick to March–May or October–November if you can.
Does Muleshoe Bend charge an entry fee and do you need a permit?
The LCRA charges a day-use fee; as of the last update it runs around $5 per person, collected at the self-pay station at the entrance. No advance permit is required for day use or dispersed camping, but check the LCRA site directly before you go since fees and rules do get updated.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what should I be ready for?
The creek crossings are where rigs get in trouble — rocky bottoms, steep approach angles, and water depth that changes after any upstream rain. Pick your line before you drop in, keep momentum steady, and don't trust the depth just because the truck ahead made it through.
Is there any reliable water or a gas stop close enough to matter for trip planning?
There's no potable water on the trail — carry everything you need in. Spicewood is the closest town but services are minimal; fuel up in Marble Falls or Bee Cave before you head out, both about 20–30 minutes away depending on your direction.
Trail track
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