Hiking Trails

All of our hiking trails are earthen paths. Some of the trails are uneven due to their composition of rock and soil. For your safety and to get the most out of your hiking adventure, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes with rubber soles. 

Interpretive Guide Booklets for the Modesta Canyon Trail and Clayton's Overlook are sold at the Powell Visitor Center Information Desk.

Modesta Canyon Trail: (1.75-mile loop) A moderate to strenuous hike that starts out across 1/4 mile of grasslands, with a 200-foot descent into a narrow canyon with extrusive igneous rock on one wall of the canyon and intrusive igneous rock on the other wall of the canyon. At the bottom of the canyon are Texas Madrone trees and a natural spring feeding into a couple of small pools that host a fragile ecosystem of tree frogs, salamanders, and crayfish. The trail continues to Lion’s Head Hill, returning to the Powell Visitor Center along the upper rim of the Canyon. 

Clayton’s Overlook: (1.5-mile loop) A moderate hike that ascends 220 feet to the hilltop, where you can take in a 360-degree view of the area.  An interpretative geology exhibit at the top of the hill provides a detailed description of the formation of each of the mountains in view, including excellent illustrations of the formations.

Outside Loop: (2.5-mile loop) A strenuous hike that includes  Modesta Canyon, Lion’s Head Hill, a spectacular view of a rhyolite quarry, and Clayton’s Overlook. You get it all on this trail.

Upper Loop Trail: (0.5-mile) A moderate hike amid a variety of grasses.

Scenic Loop: (0.25-mile loop) Our easiest trail can be found inside the Botanical Gardens. Discover beautiful vistas and amazing rock formations among the outcropping of volcanic rock just beyond the Pollinator Garden.

​Guided Tours 

Guided tours of the Nature Center are available for groups (minimum 10 participants). We will schedule one of our volunteer Certified Interpretive Guides to lead your group on a tour of one of the following areas: the Botanical Gardens and Cactus & Succulent Greenhouse, Modesta Canyon, Clayton's Overlook, Bird Blind or the Mining Heritage Exhibit.

When planning your visit, be sure to add extra time for loading, unloading, and shopping. 

Contact [email protected] or call 432-364-2499 if you are interested in scheduling a group tour.