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A fun, semi-technical extension to the Joe Johnston Route.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Point to Point

1,365' 416 m

High

1,140' 347 m

Low

232' 71 m

Up

169' 51 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Government Canyon State Natural Area is open Friday through Monday, 7 am to 10 pm. Some additional openings are found around major holidays, and there may be closures after inclement weather to protect the trails. Check their website for updates, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/….

Admission for visitors 13 years and older is $6. Overnight camping is available.

Pets are allowed on the frontcountry trails only (Savannah Loop and Lytle's Loop).

Description

Caroline's Loop turns off from Joe Johnston Route about two and one-third miles into the latter, a short distance after Twin Oaks Trail. A wide singletrack, the Loop has a similar personality to Joe Johnston with a great abundance of rocks. They generally trend smaller in size, but there are also many trickier sections requiring some slab hopping.

The turnoff for the scenic Overlook Trail is only a few hundred feet into the Loop, with a lone marker showing the way. A clearing afterward features some nice cacti patches. The Loop then begins a half mile climb to its plateau. Long and steady, the climb isn't a difficult incline but is made tougher by the need to find a good line through the rocks. Planning a route through here is a rewarding challenge.

The trail tops out about a mile in and enters a shady area, a welcome relief. After a half mile the Loop begins its descent, similar to the climb but much easier moving downhill.

The final half mile of Caroline's Loop is smooth and flat, broken up by a section merged into a sandy creek bed. The trail ends a short distance from the end point of Joe Johnston Route. Markers and a rock-ringed stump show the intersection.

Flora & Fauna

The Texas Hill Country is well known for its abundant tree life. Government Canyon exhibits a number of these varieties, including mountain laurel, Ashe juniper, mesquite and live oak. Birds and deer are the most common animals encountered in the area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross

Trail Ratings

  2.8 from 5 votes

#32126

Overall
  2.8 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#879

in Texas

#32,126

Overall
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Weather


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