Texas doesn’t get many true fall color shows, which is exactly why Lost Maples State Natural Area draws such a crowd every autumn. When the bigtooth maples in the canyons along the Sabinal River turn red, orange and gold, it’s one of the prettiest sights in the state. The catch? You’ll need a plan, a reservation and a little luck with the weather.
Where Lost Maples is
Lost Maples sits at 37221 FM 187 near Vanderpool, in the far western Hill Country of Bandera County. Texas Parks and Wildlife puts it about two hours northwest of San Antonio. From Austin, plan on roughly three hours, and from Houston, about four and a half to five. The last stretch of road winds through some of the most scenic ranch country in Texas, so it’s part of the fun.
The area is home to an isolated stand of bigtooth maple, a tree you’d normally expect much farther west, sheltered in the cool, spring-fed canyons here. That’s what gives the park its name and its fall reputation.
When does fall color peak in 2026?
Here’s the honest answer: nobody can say for sure ahead of time. Color depends on rainfall, heat and the timing of the first real cold fronts, and it changes from year to year. Texas Parks and Wildlife posts a weekly fall foliage report for the park, typically starting in mid-October. As of early October 2026, this year’s reports hadn’t been posted yet.
For a sense of timing, look at last year. In 2025, the maples stayed green through most of October, color started showing in the first week of November, it was strong by mid-November, and most leaves had dropped by the end of the month. Mid-November is often a good bet, but follow the weekly reports before locking in your date. You can also hear a recorded foliage update by calling (830) 966-3413, option 3.
Reserve your day pass, and do it early
This is the most important tip in this whole article. October and November are the busiest months at Lost Maples, and the park reaches capacity daily during the season. Once the parking lots fill, the natural area closes to more visitors, and folks without a reservation get turned away at the gate. Last fall, weekends were selling out quickly.
To guarantee entry, reserve a day pass ahead of time through the Texas State Parks reservation system or by phone at (512) 389-8900. Adult day passes are $6, and kids 12 and under get in free. If you have a Texas State Parks Pass, you’ll still want to reserve your entry date.
Choosing a trail
Lost Maples has more than 10 miles of trails, from easy strolls to tough climbs. A few of the favorites:
- Maple Trail: About 0.4 mile and easy, roughly 20 minutes. It passes a large stand of bigtooth maples and is the best pick for families, older visitors or anyone short on time.
- East Trail: About 3.1 miles, rated challenging, plan on roughly three hours. It follows the Sabinal River and includes steep sections.
- West Trail: About 3.6 miles, also challenging and rocky, around three and a half hours. It leads past springs and into shady Mystic Canyon.
If hiking isn’t in the cards, you can still enjoy the color. The park notes you can drive about a mile into the natural area and see foliage from your vehicle, and the restrooms and picnic tables are wheelchair accessible.
Tips for a better visit
- Go on a weekday. Fall weekends and Thanksgiving week bring traffic, delays and capacity closures.
- Arrive early. Morning light is lovely in the canyons, and you’ll beat some of the crowd.
- Bring water and good shoes. The park recommends about a quart of water per hour of activity on its steep, rugged trails.
- Leash your pets. Pets must stay on a leash.
- Check alerts before you leave. Trails can close for weather or poor conditions; the park posts real-time updates on its Facebook page.
- Fuel up. Services out here are limited, so fill the tank and pack snacks before you leave the bigger towns.
Good to Know
- Where: 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool (Bandera County), about 2 hours northwest of San Antonio.
- Hours: Listed as open daily 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; confirm on the TPWD site.
- Admission: $6 per adult; kids 12 and under free.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended in October and November; book online or call (512) 389-8900.
- Foliage updates: Weekly reports on the TPWD site starting around mid-October; recorded report at (830) 966-3413, option 3.
Hours, dates and prices can change. Check the Lost Maples page on the TPWD website before you head out.
Lost Maples takes a little planning, but when those maples light up the canyon walls, y’all will be glad you made the drive. Book the pass, watch the reports and pick a clear weekday in November.
Featured photo: Larry D. Moore via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
