Easy, Shaded Hike at Charro Ranch Park

Experience the simplicity of nature on this flat, easy hike in Driftwood, close to Dripping Springs.

✅ Trails for Children

❌ Swimming

✅ Bathrooms (port-a-potties)

❌ Playground and Sports Fields

✅ Free Admission for Park and Trails (and free parking)

✅ Stroller-friendly Trails

❌ Reservations needed

Charro Ranch Park is tucked away off of FM 150 near the heart of Dripping Springs, but it’s rarely busy and allows you to escape into the beauty and simplicity of nature.

Charro Ranch Park is located at 22690 W. FM 150. The 64-acre park was donated to the City of Dripping Springs by Lucy Reed Hibberd in December of 2008 after being in her family for about 50 years. Mrs. Hibberd developed trails, created areas for reflection, and installed signs identifying tree species in order to create a natural setting for passive activities for the community of Dripping Springs to enjoy nature. (website)

The park is free, and gates are open from 5 am to 11 pm.

Easy Trails for Hikers and Bikers

Whether hiking with tiny tots, older kids, or adults, these trails are a great choice! You can take a short hike with a stroller making several stops to check out all of the flora and fauna or you can ride bikes with older kids through the narrower outer trails.

Most trails are dirt or mulch paths and can get narrow in some areas with high grass on either side. They range in distance from .13 of a mile to 1.23 miles, but they’re all connected so you can make your hike as short or as long as you’d like.

Free Parking at Trailhead

Google Maps will take you directly to the entrance. You can park for free in the small parking lot. Then, you can choose a trail just steps away from your car. It can become a bit of a labyrinth as your start out, so be sure to have a picture of the trails and their names from the board at the trailhead. Trails are marked by pictographs along the paths.

Interesting Sights and Pavilion

There are a few stops along the trails that allow you to interact with what other nature-lovers have built, such as a human sundial and wooden bridge.

There is also a small pavilion for picnicking and bird-watching. It’s close to the parking lot, so you can leave your food and drinks in the car instead of hauling them with you on the trails.

Close to Breweries, Wineries, and Restaurants

Before or after hitting your daily step count, stop by Twisted X Brewing, Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood or Duchman Winery, Paloma Dining and Events, or Le Muse Coffee Shop. I always love adding on a local hot spot or additional sightseeing when visiting a new hiking trail!

Charro Ranch Park is a great stop for a no-frills, easy hike right on the border of Dripping Springs and Driftwood.

Let us know what you think after you visit! For other family hike recommendations in the Texas Hill Country, check out our page, This Week’s Hike.

Follow @dripping_with_kids on Instagram or this blog so you don’t miss out on the best places to go in the Texas Hill Country! We’d love to hear about your favorites as well.