Canyon of the Eagles Juniper Ridge Trail
A quick loop through rocky juniper woods along the highest ridge in this lakeside Hill Country park.
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Canyon of the Eagles, a 940-acre park on the northern end of Lake Buchanan, has 14 miles of hiking trails through terrain ranging from grassy shore to rocky ridges. Trails are well-marked and maps are available at the park. Much of the property is a nature preserve for protection of black-capped vireos, golden-cheeked warblers, and American bald eagles, which can be seen soaring above the water in winter.
This short loop starts from the parking area for the park’s observatory, which is open most Wednesday and Saturday nights. A gate on the caliche road to the observatory is generally locked during the day time, adding a little over a half-mile (each way) to get to the trail head.
The first part of the trail is wide and grassy, and ascends the ridge for an elevation gain of about 125 feet. Junipers, often called cedars, shade much of the trail, with some oaks mixed in and lots of prickly pear cactus. Occasional open areas sport tall grasses and, in spring, some wildflowers. In fall and spring, birds are abundant in this part of Texas, which is on a major migratory flyway.
The loop begins two-tenths of a mile in – this track goes clockwise. In another half-mile, you reach an intersection wtih the Peacock Loop Trail, which traces the length of the ridge along the top and bottom (combine this track with that trail for a 3.5 mile route). The next intersection is just one-tenth of a mile farther. Turn left. Here the trail becomes a narrow track among the trees, often rocky and rugged. In some spots, you can catch a glimpse of Lake Buchanan, one of six in a chain of lakes from here to Austin. At one spot, enjoy a nice, panoramic view of the lake. Continue along the rocky ridge back to the start of the loop, and turn left to retrace your steps to the trail head.
Canyon of the Eagles resort has 62 guest rooms scattered among the trees, all with covered porches and some with lake views, a swimming pool, and recreation room. RV and camp sites are available. The park also offers canoe and kayak rentals, and has a swim beach. The Overlook Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pets are welcome at the resort and in the park, but must be on leash at all times.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 2.3
Waypoints
Start of loop
Location: 30.890353, -98.42212
18-NOV-10 9:22:41AM
Intersection
Location: 30.885756, -98.422374
18-NOV-10 9:33:15AM
Intersection
Location: 30.886161, -98.42326
18-NOV-10 9:35:26AM
Glimpse of lake
Location: 30.886963, -98.422658
18-NOV-10 9:38:44AM
Panorama of lake
Location: 30.888482, -98.423165
18-NOV-10 9:42:43AM
Trail head
Location: 30.890771, -98.424824
18-NOV-10 9:54:30AM
Marker post
Location: 30.890726, -98.424717
Ascent
Location: 30.890827, -98.423697
Trail intersection with marker
Location: 30.890247, -98.42212
Fall grass
Location: 30.889345, -98.420672
Narrow trail
Location: 30.886224, -98.422989
Lake Buchanan through the trees
Location: 30.886877, -98.422624
Wider view of lake
Location: 30.88859, -98.423225
Rocky wash
Location: 30.888746, -98.421916
Trail beneath trees
Location: 30.890579, -98.423333
