Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Finding the trailhead: From Loop 1604 in San Antonio, go 3.5 miles west on FR
471 to Galm Road and turn right (north). Travel for about 1.5 miles to the park en-
trance at 12861 Galm Rd. DeLorme: Texas Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 77 B11. GPS (park
headquarters): N 29 55.276' / W 98 74.429'
The Hike
Follow the feeder trail at the back of parking lot C, using the multiuse trailhead that leads to the Savan-
nah Loop. Be sure to follow the brown carsonite trail markers with the grass symbol pointing in the
direction of the start of the trail. The trail is located in the section of the natural area known as the
frontcountry.
Continue on the flat, gently rolling terrain and look for animal tracks, including those of the coyote,
which are residents. The amount of wildlife in the area has earned the natural area recognition as
HOTE 085 on the Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail. After passing trail marker 4, head northeast, away
from the creek, to a left bend where the trail heads north.
Prickly pear cactus, some cedar elms, and mesquite are scattered in the woods. It's possible to see an
eastern hognose snake near the trail; they will huff and puff and spread their necks to resemble a cobra.
They are harmless and put on an interesting show. Stay on the trail, for venomous western diamond-
back rattlesnakes also inhabit the park, but they really try to avoid people. You're more likely to see
squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and wild pigs. The wild pigs usually travel in groups, and the tusks grow-
ing out of their mouths help them present a ferocious image. They take cover if startled by people.
Nearly three-fourths of the park lies north of the fault line that makes up one of the largest karst pre-
serves in the country. A karst is where groundwater seeps into an aquifer through sinkholes and frac-
tures in limestone, in this case filling the Edwards Aquifer.
Lytle's Loop intersects the Savannah Loop. Continue straight (north) on Savannah Loop. Wild tur-
key and hawks can frequently be seen here. Patches of mountain laurel grow along this corridor.
The trail narrows a bit and then enters a wooded area that has some open meadows where bluebon-
nets, the state flower, Indian paintbrush, and other wildflowers can be seen from March through May.
Birds like this area; depending on the time of year, cardinals, painted buntings, and summer tanagers
may be seen.
The trail makes a sharp turn to the left, and the direction abruptly changes from north to southwest.
The loop ends at trail marker 1, where you backtrack on the feeder trail to the parking lot.
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