Ever get that craving for some Texas Hill Country? With the challenging hills and curves and incredible views, how could you resist?
Kerrville is a centrally located base camp which provides easy access to most of the Hill Country. Spring and fall provide the ideal conditions for riding. The summertime can be pleasant in the Hill Country especially riding early or late in the day. Plan on spending the hottest part of the day riding along the Guadalupe, Frio or Medina Rivers.
The Kerrville-Bandera Loop is approximately 170 miles and will take five hours or more to drive depending on sightseeing.
First Leg: Kerrville-Hunt – approximately 18 miles.
Take SR-27 to SR-39. Ride along the Guadalupe notice how often the river has been dammed with low dams to form large swimming pools that seem to invite you to stop and cool off. Go ahead, many people do! The ride along the Guadalupe is the most beautiful and peaceful in the State. It is lined with resorts that offer all kinds of river fun – rafting, swimming, kayaking, white water rapids and picnicking.
Second Leg: Hunt-Vanderpool – approximately 40 miles.
Take WR-39 about 20 miles then head sought on Ranch Road 187. Another 20 miles will bring you to Vanderpool. You will find long curves with gentle hills and lots of pretty ranches. Watch for antelope, ostrich, emu, buffalo and other unusual animals. At the intersection of Hwy 337 and Hwy 187 is the “Lost Maples Country Store” (gas station). Be sure to fill up those tanks, the next gas station is 15 miles in Medina.
Third Leg: Vanderpool-Utopia – approximately 11 miles.
Take Ranch Road 187. You are in the flatland. Watch the blind curves, look out for low water crossings along this route. If it has been raining you might find the river running over the bridges.
Fourth Leg: Utopia – Leakey – approximately 23 miles.
Take Ranch Road 1050 west to Leakey. This route is made up of short, choppy hills and blind curves. Just before you get to US-83 you will cross the Rio Frio (“Cold River”). Great spot for a photo shot. Take a short diversion and turn left onto US-83 about a mile to Garner Park, 9 miles further to Concan and more picture perfect Hill Country scenery.
Fifth Leg: Leakey – Vanderpool – approximately 16 miles.
East on Ranch Road 337 from Leakey. Tip: Leakey is a dry county, the nearest place to purchase beer is 30 miles in either direction. The café opposite the town square will take you back 50 years and serves up real tasty burgers, fries and mild shakes. Head east out of Leakey on RR 337, you will see the most scenic stretches of highway in Texas. Take a break on the top of the 1st major hill, look back across the valley at this spectacular view. The next 16 miles are full of hairpin turns, switchbacks, steep inclines, sheer drop-offs and an occasional house or cottage tucked away on the hillside or hidden in a valley. This will bring you back to “The Lost Maples Country Store.”
Sixth Leg: Vanderpool – Medina – approximately 21 miles.
At the junction of 337 and 187, go south about 1 mile and then east on 337. Not a wild-ride but there are plenty of curves and long steep grades. Enjoy the view of the Paradise Valley on your right. Medina is the apple capital of Texas and if you are there during apple harvest, be prepared to find apples prepared in every way imaginable.
Seventh Leg: Medina – Bandera – approximately 14 miles.
This is relatively flat country with plenty of curves. The road follows a path along the banks of the Medina River. Just across the Medina River Bridge is a good place for a picnic and swim in the river.
Eighth and final leg: Bandera – Kerrville – approximately is 26 miles.
Bandera is “The Cowboy Capital of the World”. Bandera is like a scene from an old Western. Real rodeos with real working cowboys are held weekly during the warmer weather at the “Twin Elm Ranch”. Almost every bar, dancehall and honky-tonk features live music from C & W to Blues. If you are a “Blues” fan a visit to Arkey Blues is a must. Bandera is BBQ Country. You have several choice places to fill up on BBQ and beans to Chicken Fried Steak.
It’s time to head back to Kerrville. This 26 mile run up Ranch Road 173 is filled with hills, curves and wildlife wandering onto the roadway. You have just been on one of the most spectacular back road trips in Texas. Hope you enjoyed the ride and the scenery.
Remember, Ride smart, ride safe, enjoy the view and wind and Stay Alive!
