Explore Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Wild Basin’s second Saturday guided hikes are a great way to learn about the native Texas Hill Country, Wild Basin’s history and the connection to the Balcones Canyonland Preserve. Join us for one of our second Saturday guided hikes with one of our seasoned trail guides and naturalists. Guided hikes begin on the deck of the Wild Basin Creative Research Center.

Wear closed-toe shoes, dress comfortably for the weather and bring drinking water. There is no water supply at Wild Basin. Evaporative toilets are available at the parking lot restrooms.

Space is limited to a max of 15 people and a paid hiking/vehicle pass is required.

Wild Basin protects 227 acres of Texas Hill country habitat and offers almost three miles of hiking trails. Visits on weekends and holidays requires a vehicle reservation pass for property access.

Check-in required within 15 minutes of the event start time.

Reservation Details

Usage Fees:
Adults: $5.00
Youth ages 6-17 : $3.00
Children ages 1-5: Free
Group Rate 1 Vehicle: (4 to 6 adults): $15.00

Choose a date on the calendar to reserve a vehicle pass or call.

Same day reservations are not available by phone.

Wild Basin is a nature preserve. Pets, bikes, picnics, smoking/fire, weapons, and collecting are all prohibited. Everything is protected on the preserve.

Get ready to hike. Be prepared for rugged Hill Country terrain and varying weather conditions. Carry a digital Wild Basin Trail Map. Bring water to carry with you on the trail. The Visitor Gallery may be open on the Second Saturday of each month.

Wild Basin follows state and local health orders, and the St. Edward’s University Healthy Hilltop Community Standards. The preserve may close at any time and without notice due to current community conditions.

For financial assistance on weekends, you can submit a fee waiver request

Inquiries may also be emailed to wb_reservations@stedwards.edu or you may call 512-327-7622.

When submitting an inquiry, please allow up to two business days for a response.