Ways to Escape the Hustle and Bustle in the City

Like many nature-loving people, you may find living in the city bittersweet. On one hand, you have access to countless employment and entertainment opportunities as well as world-class amenities like healthcare specialists and professional sports teams. On the other hand, dwelling in a bustling city can leave you feeling drained and longing for the solitude and peace only nature and being outdoors can bring.

If you live in an urban part of Texas, you’re in luck.  Although the second largest U.S. state is home to several major cities, like Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, Texas remains largely rural, which gives urban dwellers many opportunities to escape hectic city life and seek refuge in the outdoors.

Hike a Mountain

If you enjoy hitting high altitudes, take advantage of the many hiking opportunities Texas has to offer.

The most popular mountain hikes in Texas are in the Big Bend National Park. This park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state, with towering cliffs, deep canyons and stunning views.

At the heart of the park are the Chisos Mountains, offering a variety of trails ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

Another great mountain hiking destination to explore is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the state’s panhandle. There, you can enjoy beautiful red rocks (comparable to the Grand Canyon) and several miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

Ride a Horse

With its wide-open grassland prairies, rolling hills and diverse terrain, it's no wonder that Texas is a popular place for horseback riders.

The Lone Star State offers a variety of trails for riders of all skill levels. From beginner-friendly trails in state parks to more challenging routes in the Hill Country, there's something for everyone. You can explore the rugged terrain of Big Bend National Park or take a leisurely ride along the beach in Galveston. There are also plenty of ranches and stables that offer guided rides and lessons if you’re interested in learning more about horseback riding.

Go to the Beach

If being around water calms your soul, travelling to the state’s southeastern border will bring you to the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Unbeknownst to many people, the beaches in Texas are some of the most beautiful in the country. From Galveston to South Padre Island, there are plenty of options for beachgoers and water enthusiasts. If sunbathing for hours isn’t your thing, the beaches offer plenty of activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking and more. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops along the shoreline so you can grab a bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs.

Go Fishing

One of the ways to unplug yourself from busy city life and recharge your energy in nature is by going fishing.

Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, either alone or with friends or family members. It can be a peaceful and calming experience to sit by the water and wait for a bite.

With its many rivers, lakes and coastal areas, Texas is a great place to go fishing. The most popular type of fishing in Texas is freshwater fishing. There are over 200 species of fish that can be found in the state's rivers and lakes, including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and more.

Many of these species can be caught using a variety of techniques such as fly fishing, spin casting, trolling and baitcasting.

Saltwater fishing is also popular in Texas. The Gulf Coast offers anglers the chance to catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, tarpon and other species.

Hunt

If you enjoy the challenge of hunting and sharing your time outdoors with family and friends, Texas is an excellent place to hunt, with a wide variety of game animals and birds available.

The state is home to white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina, wild turkey, geese and many other species.

Texas also has a variety of public hunting lands available for hunters to use, including state parks and wildlife management areas (WMAs). These public lands provide access to some of the best hunting opportunities in the state and are managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for wildlife conservation purposes.

Residents and members at Ranger Ridge have access to unbeatable hunting opportunities on the preserve without some of the hassles traditionally associated with hunting exotic game.  

Find Refuge and Connect with Nature in the Lone Star State

Located just one hour west of Dallas–Fort Worth, Ranger Ridge is a paradise for those who cherish their connection to nature and wish to share it with others.

Whether you’re interested in horseback riding, hiking or hunting (and passing your skills to younger generations), you’ll find what you’re looking for here at Ranger Ridge.

Are you looking to join a community of like-minded people passionate about the outdoors? We’re here to help you fulfill your dream.

To learn about our exclusive memberships or book a tour of our community, call (817) 618-6773.