Hike Report: Kerrville-Schreiner Park

On our first day at Kerrville-Schreiner Park, we decided to do a short hike. It was a cool day for mid-May, probably in the mid 60s, and a light mist was falling. From our trailer at site 115, we took the short walk to the first trail head along the main park road. This was the Red Trail, labeled a relatively easy 1.1 mile trail. A kiosk was at the trail head. Click here for a map of the park.

Trail head for Red Trail, a "relatively easy 1.1 mile trail"

Shortly after heading down the trail, we came to a junction. The Red Trail is a loop trail, so either fork we followed would keep us on the Red Trail. We took the right fork and headed in a counter-clockwise direction. The trail wound through thickets of ash juniper. As with all the trails we would hike in the park, it was well worn and well maintained. Signs appeared from time to time indicating the color of the trail, and occasionally a letter would appear, such as “A” or “B”. We never figured out what these letters were for.

Well defined trails, with color signage posted. Also note sign farther down on right fork. Arrows are outlined in appropriately colored paint to indicate trail. The sign above the arrows states "BE AWARE Wild animals exist in the park that can be dangerous. Favorable habitat/unconfirmed sightings of: Venomous snakes, Fox, Mountain Lion, Coyote. Don't hike alone. Please report any sightings to park headquarters." But there is this potential almost any time you hike in Texas west of I-35.

Looks like someone buried their beloved pet here. The marker reads: "Snow Ball. 5-12-63 to 2-16-75"

Straight segment of the trail through ash juniper

After walking about half of the Red Trail loop, we came to a junction with the Green Trail, labeled a moderately difficult 1.95 mile trail. We walked almost the entire length of this trail, though, and did not find it moderately difficult. In fact, we found it no different from the Red Trail except in length.

The Green Trail eventually junctions with the Orange Trail, labeled a “steep and difficult” trail of 1.4 miles. Just a few feet to the right is another junction where the Orange Trail loop begins. We followed the right fork in a counter-clockwise direction. Eventually, the trail makes a sharp turn where the park property line ends. There are some nice views in different directions here. We then followed the fence line in the general direction we had just come from, basically a southwesterly direction, I believe. The trail then makes a short climb to the highest point on the trail. Aside from this climb, I found this trail to be no more difficult than the other trails. The views from the top are quite good. If you look carefully, you can see the airport, the VA Hospital, and other sites.

View from high point on Orange Trail.

VA Hospital north of the park

The trail then quickly dips back down to the loop junction and on to its junction with the Blue Trail. We followed this “relatively easy” jeep trail for 1.3 miles to the main park road.

Blue Trail, described as a "jeep trail" on the map.

If you total all the mileage, it would seem that we hiked a total of almost 5 miles (all of the Orange and Blue trails, plus most of the Green Trail and half of the Red Trail). However, it took us only an hour and a half, so I would guess the distance to be much less, perhaps 4 miles at most. We encountered only 1 other person on the trail.

The trail is in great shape, very clear and well maintained. Signage is good all along the trail.I felt it to be a relatively easy hike, mostly through ash juniper.