Frijole Ranch Trailhead — Attraction in Texas

Smith Spring Trail is a nice hike. It's 2.3 miles with a 400 foot elevation gain. An easy to moderate hike. About halfway you'll find a very shaded oasis with a small creek that runs down the mountain and disappears underground. There is a small bridge taking you to the other side of the creek where you'll head back down to the old ranch house at the trailhead. But plan to spend some time exploring the oasis area.

Get your feet wet and follow the creek down a little way below the foot bridge where the view opens up right above the small waterfall for the perfect photo op. This is a great spot to spend a hot summer day, have lunch, and cool your feet in crystal clear water. Take a picnic and spend a few hours before hiking back down but DO NOT underestimate your water consumption. In the Summer take 4-5 cold water bottles per person to be safe.

We did the hike in late July (100 degree weather) with our six year old grandson. He was tired but loved...

Beautiful and fascinating old ranch house and grounds within Guadalupe Mountains National Park. There is a really cool old house, schoolhouse, spring house, and stables and barnyard. Even have some of the old fruit trees from the orchard. Surrounded by gorgeous old oak trees. This small homestead also serves as the trailhead and parking area for the gorgeous smith spring trail, a short but incredibly magical hike that leads you up to a spring surrounded by beautiful trees. It is a little ways up the road from the main pine springs visitor center and trail head. You have to drive past the horse area to get to the main ranch and trailhead. There is water and restrooms at the trailhead and...

Came here to do some hiking. I did the Smith spring loop. Not a bad trail, not challenging either. I enjoyed it. The terrain is not for the unbalanced person. Also do not bring your dog. It's not allowed and you'll get a ticket like me. It's very very poorly marked and I couldn't find it anywhere in the posted rules or on the website. There's a tiny sign by the entrance that is not clear or...