Rimrock Loop at Doeskin Ranch

Sounds like the the sequel to the Gunfight at OK Corral, huh? For Christmas I got a book on hikes around Austin and this was the first hike we chose.

Rimrock  Loop is part of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Austin. Technically, it’s a little over 26 miles west of Cedar Park. It’s definitely off the beaten path. When we arrived, there were two other cars in the small parking lot and on the trail we only ran into one other couple. Although we took this hike in late February/early March, it just didn’t seem to be a well known hiking spot. Fortunately for us, it was a great find. It’s a light to moderate hike, only three miles or so. There was a little bit of elevation change as the hike took you up a ridge (maybe 200-300 feet), which will bring any flat-lander to some heavy breathing and pain in the legs (especially if you’ve got a 30 pound kid on your back).

Supposedly, this area is home to the golden cheek warbler, which is one of the reasons this entire area is protected. Either they weren’t around or I didn’t know what I was looking for. Regardless, it was a great hike for this little family of three. Titus did okay, as long as we kept him occupied with munching on peanuts and raisins or gave him a stick to hold (as long as he didn’t hit his dad in the head with it).

I can’t really judge as I haven’t been on too many hikes in the Austin area, but from what I can assume, this is a great little hike. I highly recommend getting out to hit the Rimrock. You’ll have some nice views and the hike feels substantial for what low-landers are used too. 🙂