Crystal Cave via Horseshoe Canyon and Bridges Trail Loop is a 1.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Concan, Texas that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Not the easiest trail I’ve ever been but the scenery was awesome. We willl do it again tomorrow
The park lists the trail as Challenging. The elevation gain is over less than a 1/3 of mile. My mother in-law was able to do it with little hiking experience. Also, my kids enjoyed seeing the bat in the back of the cave. However the cave has quite a bit of graffiti. Overall, it was an enjoyable mid day hike in March. Spent the afternoon fishing and skipping rocks at the river.
Awesome hike in morning drizzle. Couldn’t see Old balde or rest of park through fog. Trails wee great. Get out and hike!
Awesome trail, very fun! I’m a beginner and at first I wasn’t sure I would be able to to make it up the steep inclines with all the loose rocks, but I powered through and the rest of the tail was smooth sailing. Next time, I’ll wear hiking boots and bring more water. I don’t recommend bringing small children or dogs who aren’t agile.
Amazing trail - and the Frio River is like no other. Hike to the cave is really rocky and lots of incline. There is shade all the way- there is also an alternative route going down - the mountain. The views are majestic- from where the cave is- The Frio River Trail is flat and not much shade - but it’s beautiful meadow scenery
Nice, challenging in some areas. Pretty wildflowers. Few people masked up when passing.
Pretty difficult with children but they did it! Def go back crystal cave trail and not around bridges next time.
Crystal trail is a good warm up trail during winter, the climb warms up the body but can be challenging for individuals who don’t do thus regularly. Once at the top the trail flattens out and the cave is near. On the climb just remember it’s not whats at the end but the adventure... what happens and what you see during the excursion. After the cave you continue to painted rock where there are a collection of cairns. From here I continued up to the intersection of many trails and took the foshee trail over half of the spine of hills bordering the southern side of the park over to the Shady Oak, my favorite place and then down to the old entrance trail then took the wild horse creek trail to shady meadows camp ground. Great 4 miles.
Pretty trail, especially near sunset. The cave itself is nothing special, and ironically enough, warmer than the outside air in the fall. It is also defaced with graffitis, which greatly diminishes its appeal. The real highlight was Painted Rock Overlook, especially at sunset. Simply fantastic, and a poor man/woman’s Half Dome.
Very pretty. Add the Foshee Trail to your hike too. Ol Baldy’s ok but be ready to deal with hoards of people.