Southwest Region Fish and Wildlife Service-thingstodo

Things to Do

Shin Oak Observation Deck

The Shin Oak Observation Deck is set in the middle of excellent Black-capped Vireo habitat at the north end of the Refuge. The Observation Deck is open almost year around (excluding a few weekends in the fall). However, we are obligated to minimize the disturbance to the surrounding nesting vireos. We accomplish that by closing the deck for a short period just as the vireos arrive. The closure this year has been set for March 23- April 9, 2009. The deck will reopen April 10. Please call ahead because these dates are subject to minor revisions. That period corresponds to the time the vireos are arriving on site, establishing their breeding territories, and acquiring mates; these are critical times for the birds. When they settle in to nesting activities thereafter, we feel comfortable in opening the deck to visitors. There are no hiking trails at that site, just a parking area, a short path to the deck, and the deck itself. Typically, 3 to 5 territories of Black-capped Vireos are established within earshot and viewing distance from the deck. With patience an observer can get good binocular looks at a bird and the birds can be heard singing almost continually. This is the only regularly available public viewing area for vireos in the Refuge.

Balcones Songbird Festival
April 24-27, 2009
Enjoy the fun and look for Hill Country birds, explore the backcountry, watch the raptor show, participate in kids activities, and much more! To learn more, go to www.balconessongbirdfestival.org

NATURE TRAILS

Doeskin Ranch

We have about five miles of foot trails at Doeskin Ranch Public Use Area (Doeskin Ranch Public Use Area Lines).

Doeskin Ranch parking lot area paving work is scheduled for the end of June and July, 2009. Doeskin Ranch is still open to the public from RR 1174. However, the paving contractors are using the entrance (south road) as their entrance and exit road. Visitors are to enter and exit Doeskin Ranch via the north access road (normally the exit road).

It is open year-round from sunrise to sunset (except during a few weekends in the fall for public hunts). The easiest trail to walk is the 0.4 mile Pond and Prairie Trail followed by the 0.6 mile Creek Trail. An interpretive brochure is available for the Creek Trail. The Rimrock Trail offers a vigorous 2.2 mile hike up through some Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat and onto the plateau top. Hikers must stay on trail surfaces because it is in endangered species habitat. By taking the adjacent ½ mile Shin Oak Trail, visitors can continue seeing panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country. In the hilly back country, the Indiangrass Trail offers 1.5 miles of solitude in prairie, field, and forest. Doeskin Ranch was designated as a National Recreation Trail in June 2005.

Warbler Vista and Sunset Deck

Paving work is scheduled for Warbler Vista beginning August 1, 2009 for a few weeks, but Warbler Vista will still be open to the public. The Cactus Rocks Trail parking lot and the Sunset Deck parking lot/ and a parking lot accessible path will be paved. The nature trails at Warbler Vista will be always open to the public during this construction period.

On the south side of the refuge, Warbler Vista offers 2.5 miles of foot trails within the Warbler Vista Public Use Areas.(PDF,1.73M) A new trail system is open for hiking at Warbler Vista, Cactus Rocks Trail traverses more than a half mile of Doeskin trail scenic, prime Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat. An interpretive brochure is available. Vista Knoll Trail crosses through some warbler habitat and then descends onto some terraces with views of Lake Travis and the surrounding terrain. This trail can be reached via Cactus Rocks Trail or at a second trailhead 1/2 mile further along the entrance road past the Cactus Rocks Trail parking lot. The wooded 3/4 mile Ridgeline Trail connects the Vista Knoll Trail to Sunset Deck. This accessible deck facility offers a view of Lake Travis while providing the opportunity to hear or see Golden-cheeked warblers and other birds. The deck can also be reached by vehicle. Warbler Vista, Sunset Deck and the trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset.