Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
miles. The park entrance is at 19399 Northwest Military Hwy. on the left. Eisenhower
Park is about 19 miles northwest of downtown. DeLorme: Texas Atlas & Gazetteer:
Page 156 A3. GPS: N 29 37.295' / W 98 34.466'
The Hike
The combined Yucca/Cedar Flats/Shady Creek Trail hike starts near the kiosk, which features a large
trail map and pocket-size maps. Be sure to take one of the small maps that also include an interpretive
guide for plants that are identified by short marker posts along the trail. The guide was an Eagle Scout
project of Boy Scout Troop 650. Restroom facilities and water fountains are available. Parts of these
trails have no shade, so wear a hat and sunscreen, and take plenty of water.
Head southwest from the Yucca trailhead and follow the paved trail along the southwest park
boundary. In a short distance pass the intersection, on the right, with Cedar Flats Trail. Pass by some
prickly pear cactus. In spring they can have spectacular yellow and red blooms. Even though cedars
and small live oaks border the trail, there is little shade. There are benches at intervals alongside the
trail.
In about 0.25 mile reach a Y that leads to a small loop in the Yucca Trail. Take the right branch, con-
tinuing southwest. The trail surface changes to shredded cedar. The trail squiggles right and left as it
approaches a hard right bend, heading north. In the spring and fall, watch for a variety of butterflies.
Portions of the trail have an arching cover of cedars, providing welcome shade.
About 1 mile from the trailhead, reach the T junction with the asphalt-paved Cedar Flats Trail. Take
the right branch, heading east by northeast toward the junction with Shady Creek. The trail slopes
down, and 6- to 10-inch stones form a border on the edges. Watch for short, numbered interpretive
markers. Yucca plants, with their swordlike leaves, are scattered in the openings under the cedar trees.
Reach the Y where Shady Creek joins Cedar Flats, and take the left branch. This 0.3-mile loop is the
most difficult section of the hike and may be bypassed by continuing on Cedar Flats. Shady Creek has
a natural surface, including limestone outcroppings. Continue following Shady Creek north, and then
at the Y with Hillview, take the right branch, staying on Shady Creek, heading east and then south.
There is a multijunction at a wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and continue on Shady Creek. Follow
the trail as it leads in and out of a creek bed. Continue along the creek bed until reaching a T with
Cedar Flats. Take the left branch, heading east and then southeast back to the trailhead.
