Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is home to many native Texas wildlife and plants, and was specifically established to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Moon and sun in a total eclipse
Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

Due to the large crowds expected in the Austin, TX area to view the total solar eclipse, access to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will be by vehicle reservation only on Monday, April 8, 2024. Reservations are currently sold out and the waitlist is full, but visitors are welcome to check back for any changes on the reservation website. Gates at all public use areas of the refuge to include Headquarters, Doeskin Ranch, Warbler Vista, and the Shin Oak Observation Deck will be closed and locked at sunset on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The general public will be able to access all public use areas again at 3 p.m. on April 8, 2024.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visiting Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to do just that: unplug. Go for a hike and look for signs of wildlife. Smell the flowers along the trail. Bring your binoculars and look for birds overhead. Use your smart phone or camera to capture the beauty of the wild. Spend some time reading or journaling at one of our observation decks. There are many ways to connect with nature at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge!

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is home to many native Texas wildlife and plants, and was specifically established to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. This refuge also helps to protect water quality in central Texas and lies just north of Lake Travis, the drinking water reservoir for the Austin metro area. You can experience this rugged landscape by visiting one of our observation decks or hiking one of our 10 miles of foot trails.  

      What We Do

      The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

      Our Species

      Originally established to protect two endangered species, the conservation work done by our staff, partners, and volunteers also benefits all the other wildlife that live here.  

      Our Library

      Balcones Canyonlands Hunt 2022

      Hunting regulations at Balcones Canyonlands NWR for the 2022 season