Longhorn Cavern State Park Backcountry Loop
Hill Country limestone maze through cedar breaks
This limestone-carved network winds through the Texas Hill Country’s roughest terrain, where bootleggers once stashed contraband in natural caverns and Confederate soldiers manufactured gunpowder. The route follows old ranch roads and hunting trails around Longhorn Cavern State Park, threading between cedar breaks and crossing seasonal creek beds that carve deeper into the Edwards Plateau with each flash flood. You’ll hit the notorious Devil’s Backbone ridge section where the trail narrows to single-track with limestone ledges dropping off both sides.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD for the rocky creek crossings and steep limestone shelves. Spring brings wildflowers but also muddy conditions; fall through winter offers the clearest skies and firmest ground. No permits needed for the backcountry loop, but water and fuel up in Burnet before heading out. The payoff is classic Texas Hill Country solitude and some of the best stargazing in the state, with designated primitive camping spots overlooking the Llano River valley.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1450 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Burnet, Texas |
| Land manager | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | tpwd.texas.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but the limestone rock sections have uneven shelf rock and embedded boulders that can catch low-hanging skid plates. A lift helps but isn't mandatory — just know your clearance before you commit.
Is the backcountry loop accessible in summer?
Technically open, but summer in Burnet County means 100°F+ heat, no shade worth mentioning in the cedar breaks, and rattlesnakes are very active. October through March is the window — cooler temps and firmer ground after rains dry out.
Do you need a permit to run this trail and camp overnight?
Yes — Texas Parks and Wildlife manages this land and requires a permit for backcountry camping. Contact TPWD directly through tpwd.texas.gov or call the park before you go; fees and availability can change and showing up without a permit is a problem.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The roughest stretch is the limestone shelf rock toward the mid-loop where the trail narrows and off-camber ledges force slow, deliberate tire placement. It's not a winch-and-strap situation, but one bad line can put a rocker panel on rock — take it slow and walk it first if you're unsure.
Are the water crossings passable after rain and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
The crossings are low-water limestone bottom in normal conditions, but Hill Country flash flooding is real — after heavy rain, check conditions before driving because they can become impassable fast. Burnet is roughly 10 miles from the park entrance and has multiple gas stations, so fuel up there before you head in.
Trail track
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