Get Outdoors at Lake Mineral Wells
Often I find myself searching for an adventure outside of my home state. But recently, I’ve been seeking beautiful places right here in North Texas. And I think I’ve found one at Lake Mineral Wells State Park!
This state park is so gorgeous and so conveniently located close to Dallas/Fort Worth. Not to mention, there are so many adventurous outdoor activities at Lake Mineral Wells. So if you’re looking for an amazing outdoor getaway close to the Metroplex then consider this one!
How to Get to Lake Mineral Wells
Lake Mineral Wells State Park is located about 40 minutes west of Fort Worth.
To get there from Fort Worth, take I-20 West and take exit 405 onto Ric Williamson Memorial Hwy. After 2.4 miles, turn left onto Mineral Wells Highway. After 13 miles the park will be on your right.
Entrance fees to the park are $7/person.
When to Visit
The park is open to the public year-round and can be enjoyed during any season. My favorite times to visit are spring when the wildflowers are blooming and summer when water sports can be enjoyed.
What to do at Lake Mineral Wells
Lake Mineral Wells State Park has plenty of activities to keep you busy for a full-day or a weekend. Here are a few of my favorites:
Hiking
Hiking is my favorite outdoor adventure and Lake Mineral Wells is one of the best spots in North Texas for hiking. The park has several hiking options with over 12 miles of hiking trails.
Recommended Hikes
Red Waterfront Trail – My #1 trail recommendation at Lake Mineral Wells. If you’re going to do one thing at the park, hike this trail. The Red Waterfront Trail is only 0.8 miles one-way but hugs the shoreline of the lake. The trail either starts or ends at Penitentiary Hollow, a small canyon with steep rock cliffs. This area is popular with local rock-climbers.
Cross Timbers Loop Trails – You can hike for miles on these wide multi-purpose loop trails. Start on the Black Cross Timbers Loop and you’ll pass an old Army infantry training ground. From the Black Loop, you can meet up with the Orange, Green, Yellow, and Maroon trails to extend your hike through more of the Texas back-country.
Trailway Spur Trail – This 0.6 mile trail meets up with the historic Mineral Wells State Trailway that was converted from a historic railway that ran from Mineral Wells to Weatherford. The trail way runs for 20 miles so walk for as little or as long as you wish.
Rock Climbing
Lake Mineral Wells State Park is the most popular rock climbing spot in all of North Texas. The Penitentiary Hollow area is full of steep rock cliffs made of sandstone that are perfect for climbing.
The park has installed bolted anchors so all you have to bring are your ropes, harnesses and climbing shoes.
Keep in mind that all climbers must register with headquarters before rock climbing and the park doesn’t allow free-climbing or bouldering.
For more information and registration, check out the Lake Mineral Wells Rock Climbing website, here.
Kayaking/Boating
Although there is a designated swimming area, the water in the lake is a little too brown for my liking. But it is a great place for kayaking and boating!
The state park service rents out kayaks on the waterfront as well as flat-bottom boats with trolling motors, canoes, paddle boards, and rowboats. For more information on boat rentals, you can call the number listed on their website, here.
Fishing is another popular activity that can be done by boat or from the lakeshore.
Camping
Another popular activity at Lake Mineral Wells is to camp. If you’re looking to extend your adventures past a day and enjoy the simple life then reserve one of Lake Mineral Wells State Park’s many campsites. I believe they even have screened shelters for rent if you’re looking for a less-outdoors camping experience.
In addition to lots of drive-up campsites, the park also has a few primitive hike-in sites that are located a few miles from the nearest parking lot. What an adventure! We may come back this summer to give it a go.
Horseback Riding/Biking
Not only are hikers allowed to use the multi-use Cross Timbers Loop Trails but also horseback riders and bikers. We saw a few different groups on horseback during our hike on these trails. So bring your bike or horse with you!
What to Bring
Well, that depends on what you plan to do while you’re there. But for most activities, plan to bring the following basic items:
- Bug Spray (the bugs can get rather bothersome on the trails)
- Sunscreen
- Hiking Shoes
- Backpack
- Plenty of Water
- Snacks/Picnic Lunch
- Camera
- Your annual Texas State Parks Pass
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One Comment
Alison
What fun!