The Hill Country’s Top 10 Cold-Weather Outdoor Activities

By Scott Allen

Winter time is tough for a lot of reasons. Cold weather makes you feel weak. The grey skies make it tough to get up in the mornings and when Texas starts getting ice on the road, forget it.

But, despite the temperature staying below 70, the colder months offer a plethora of activities to do. Here are the top 10 cold-weather outdoorsy activities that can be enjoyed anywhere in the Texas Hill Country.

1. Kick back and watch the flames.

Photo: Wikimedia

There’s a reason that man discovered fire. To melt ice? Well, I believe the reason is so that we, as humans, can enjoy the colder months – and there are few things greater than sitting underneath the big Texas stars and having your boots propped up against a fire ring (be careful not to melt your soles).

2. Hang out in a nearby hot tub.

Photo: alberni.ca

Someone nearby has one. Call Uncle Jimmy, sneak in to the town’s hotel, or even makes friends with a neighbor down the street. There’s something spectacular about sitting in a steamy hot tub while it’s 26 degrees outside.

Photo: Hill Country Deer – Shirt by Texas Hill Country

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3. Watch the stars.

The Texas Hill Country has some of the best skies for observing stars. A combination of thin air, minimum city lights, and wide-open Texas skies make this area of the state a prime suspect for seeing Orion, a well-known winter constellation.

4. Take a hike.

Photo: Knowsphotos (Flickr)

Lace up your shoes, pack some hand warmers, and chug that hot cocoa: it’s time to go hiking. Explore one of the many Texas nature zones such as Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Inks Lake State Park, or Lost Maples State Natural Area. Take in the wonders of nature and all of the beautiful wildlife that inhabit these spectacular areas.

5. Photo Expedition!