Texas Hill Country
If you’ve been led to believe the Lone Star State is pancake flat, our weeklong bike tour through the rolling Texas Hill Country will prove otherwise.
This extremely popular cycling adventure begins and ends in the heart of Hill Country in Fredericksburg. From there we’ll make our way on quiet farm and ranch roads through this region celebrated for its dazzling displays of spring wildflowers — most notably bluebonnets — that grow so thickly they sometimes appear to be distant lakes on the horizon. We’ll visit historic settlements including Blanco, Luckenbach, and Johnson City, riding along crystal-clear streams and oak-covered hills, and we’ll camp beside rivers with names that evoke the old Southwest (like Guadalupe and Pedernales). Along the way, we’ll sample Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex specialties.
"This was an outstanding adventure for me. Our leader and the other cyclists were all great!"
Day 1. Fredericksburg, Texas, 0 miles
We’ll gather with our tour leaders and the rest of the group in the afternoon in Fredericksburg, the Heart of Hill Country. The town was settled in 1846 by German immigrants. Their influence remains, especially in the cuisine and the renowned German-style biergartens — perfect places to kick back with a drink and some good food. In Fredericksburg, we’ll have a hearty meal, an orientation meeting, and some time for the tour mechanic to help tune our trusty steeds. When it’s time to hit the hay, we’ll snooze beneath the starry Texas sky, dreaming of bluebonnets and barbeque to come.
Day 2. Fredericksburg to Johnson City, 58 miles
On our first riding day, we’ll get a taste of what the “Hill Country” is all about. We’ll have plenty of ups and downs as we head north, with views of the rolling hills and sweeping valleys dotted with oak, juniper, and cactus. Pedernales State Park, designated in 1971 after the state acquired the former Circle Bar Ranch, will be our campground tonight. The park is located along the banks of the scenic Pedernales River. Be sure to take advantage of the easy hike to the scenic Twin Falls when we reach our destination.
Day 3. Johnson City to Blanco, 43 miles
The climb up from the Pedernales River will get your blood pumping early, but then we will settle into the rolling farm roads of Hays County, settled in the 1880’s on our way to Blanco, where life paces itself a little slower. Take a moment to check out the town square, the buggy barn, maybe the Texas Cannon Brewery at the edge of town or even go for a swim in the beautiful Blanco river at our campground.
Day 4. Blanco to Stonewall, 44 miles
Our route to Stonewall takes us through Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. The visitor center contains a wealth of interesting information about the region and the 36th President of the United States. We will be staying in the heart of Texas wine country. There are several wineries very close to tonight’s campground.
Day 5. Layover day in Stonewall, 0-47 miles
Today has many options. You can hang out at our fabulous campground, ride to nearby wineries, or visit Fredericksburg by bicycle or shuttle. Fredericksburg has a brewery, several wineries, restaurants, and museums. Once in Fredericksburg, you can park your bicycle and walk to most anything you wish to visit. In addition, there will be three optional rides that features Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, and the famous Alamo Springs General Store & Café.
Day 6. Stonewall to Enchanted Rock, 44 miles
There is a lot to see and do today. We’ll start by following the Willow City loop, known for its picturesque display of wildflowers. From there, our ride takes us to our campground at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The park’s imposing namesake, a Herculean dome of pink granite, covers a full square mile and rises 425 feet above the surrounding countryside.
Day 7. Enchanted Rock to Fredericksburg, 36 miles
Today, as we return to Fredericksburg, where our adventure began. We’ll ride through some beautiful ranch land and up to vistas where we can enjoy the views and cement the lasting memories of the Hill County’s rolling hills and sweeping valleys before saying farewell.
Know before you go
Information for eBike riders:
Because every rider, eBike, road condition, and elevation profile is different, it is ultimately up to the participant to judge best whether their battery will last through each tour day. We recommend using pedal assist in its lowest setting or off when not needed to maximize battery range. Bringing a second battery is also recommended, and it can be carried by staff and available at a designated stop during the day.
