Last Updated on 25 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR) is a pristine landscape near the southern tip of Texas. Here you’ll find endangered species, a diversity of plants, and plenty of hiking trails to immerse yourself in the whole experience!
The top 10 Laguna Atascosa hiking trails include:
- Lakeside Drive
- Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive
- Lower West Lake Trail
- Kidney Pond Trail
- Southern Boundary Trail
- Horse Island Trail
- North Point Trail
- Mesquite Trail
- Gator Pond Trail
- Prairie Trail
In this article, I’ll dive into each trail, giving you all the details about how to find the trailhead, where to park, how long the hike is, and what to expect on each path.
Looking for other things to do in your Texas travels? Check out our Texas articles below!
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- South Padre Island Beach UFO
- 8 Best Things To Do At Laguna Atascosa
- Big Bend National Park Guide For First-Timers
1. Lakeside Drive (3 Miles)
The Lakeside Drive Trail can be hiked, biked, or driven on. It’s the only trail in the Refuge that allows vehicles. The highlight of the hike is the turnaround point at Osprey Overlook. It offers gorgeous views of the 3,500-acre Laguna Atascosa Lake!
- Where to Park: Park near the visitor center (GPS: 26°13’46.0″N 97°20’48.9″W)
- Trailhead: Just north of the secondary parking lot of the visitor center (GPS: 26°13’46.9″N 97°20’48.1″W)
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Hike Length: 3 miles total (1.5 miles one-way)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Osprey Overlook. Wide, flat trail. Easy terrain.
The Lakeside Drive is an excellent hike for beginners because it is flat and has a wide path that is more like a road. One thing to note about this trail is that vehicles can drive on it, making it a very popular trail. It’s not the best if you’re looking for solitude or a more natural hiking trail.
At Osprey Overlook, there is a pavilion with informational signs to learn about the bird species that head to the lake during migrations. You may spot as many as 20 different species of shorebird in the lake!
Before heading out on your hiking adventure, make sure you have everything you need with our day hiking gear list.
2. Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (14.2 miles)
The name is a little deceiving, as vehicles are not permitted on this trail. The Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive is one of the best hiking trails in the entire refuge, but also the longest at 14.2 miles.
The trail is a large loop that circles a few freshwater lakes and ponds and offers a beautiful view of the Laguna Madre on its eastern side at Renée’s Overlook. The Steve Thompson Trail is also one of the best places to view wildlife, and you’re likely to see white-tailed deer, tortoises, armadillos, and road runners.
- Where to Park: Park near the visitor center (GPS: 26°13’46.0″N 97°20’48.9″W)
- Trailhead (Two Options):
- Across from Visitor Center (GPS: 26°13’40.1″N 97°20’48.8″W)
- Bayside Drive (GPS: 26°10’56.4″N 97°21’07.2″W)
- Trail Type: Loop
- Hike Length: 14.2 Miles
- Difficulty: Challenging due to length
- Highlights: Wildlife viewing, birding, freshwater lakes, classic Texas landscapes, Renée’s Overlook.
If you’re up for an all-day hike, this is your best option. It offers stunning views, a chance to spot wildlife, and an immersive experience. The trail is a mix of paved and hardpan sections, similar to a service road.
Like most of the Laguna Atascosa hiking trails, the Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive is very exposed, so it’s recommended to bring sunscreen for this and any other trail in the Refuge.
3. Lower West Lake Trail (12.6 Miles)
Get your binoculars ready for the Lower West Lake Trail! This scenic path is an excellent opportunity to spot shorebirds and raptors. The trail meanders around the western border of Laguna Atascosa Lake, through a coastal prairie, and into wetlands.
This trail can be combined with a few other trails to make it into a loop, but it adds nearly 10 miles to the trip! As it is, this trail is 12.6 miles out-and-back in total, but you can turn around at any point to make this a shorter hike.
- Where to Park: Park at the Prairie Trail Lot (GPS: 26°11’42.7″N 97°24’07.8″W)
- Trailhead: Across the road from the Prairie Trail Lot
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Hike Length: 12.6 Miles total, but can be made shorter or longer.
- Difficulty: Challenging if done in its entirety due to the length.
- Highlights: Wildlife viewing, birding, raptors, freshwater lakes, coastal prairies, wetlands.
The Lower West Lake Trail meets with the Upper West Lake Trail at the turnaround point. The Upper Trail meanders along the Cayo Atascosa until it eventually empties into the Arroyo Colorado.
If you don’t have any binoculars, you can rent them from the Visitor Center. Or, if you prefer to have your own, check out the Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars! They’re lightweight and rugged, perfect for exploring the LANWR.
4. Kidney Pond Trail (5 Miles)
The Kidney Pond Trail loops around various wetlands and freshwater ecosystems that are teeming with life. This is an excellent place to spot alligators, and Kidney Pond tends to be a haven for baby alligators, so beware of mama alligators nearby!
By the way, seeing an alligator isn’t as scary as many people think! While it’s important to use caution around these ancient creatures, they can be safely observed. Check out our guide on what to do if you see an alligator for how to view these magnificent reptiles safely.
The trail is 2.5 miles one-way and can be combined with other trails to make a loop. Combining Kidney Pond with Scum Pond and walking down Lakeside Drive takes you on a 4.4-mile loop, for example, instead of retracing your steps on the Kidney Pond Trail.
However you enjoy this trail, you’re sure to experience beautiful views, wildlife, and a breath of fresh air!
- Where to Park: Park at the Kidney Pond Trailhead parking lot.
- Trailhead: On the south side of the small trailhead parking lot.
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back or combine with others for a loop
- Hike Length: 5 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Wetlands, alligators, birding, raptors.
Wetlands are a haven for mosquitoes and other annoying biting insects. It’s recommended to pack some bug spray to make your adventure more enjoyable. We love using Murphy’s Naturals because it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals to you or the environment. Just note that you’ll have to reapply it more often than DEET-based sprays.
5. Southern Boundary Trail (4.4 Miles)
If you’re looking for one of the best trails to spot wildlife, the Southern Boundary Trail is a great choice. The Refuge protects the trail to the north while agricultural fields line the trail to the south, making this a corridor for wildlife activity. There’s even a sign warning you to be aware of wildlife at the beginning of the trail!
Keep your bug spray on hand, as bugs can be an issue. Snakes may also be present on this trail due to its overgrown nature. Our guide on what to do if you see a snake can help you navigate any interactions you might have with a danger noodle.
- Where to Park: Park at the small pull-off on Buena Vista Blvd. (GPS: 26°12’31.0″N 97°21’08.1″W)
- Trailhead: On the other side of a gate right at the pull-off.
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Hike Length: 4.4 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate due to overgrown trail
- Highlights: Wildlife, birds, solitude
The Southern Boundary Trail can get overgrown, making it a little challenging to walk through, but it is an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife.
6. Horse Island Trail (7.4 Miles)
The Horse Island Trail explores a strip of land near the northernmost point of the Refuge. It offers gorgeous views of the water and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
It takes a bit longer to drive to the trailhead, but this just means you’ll have more solitude on the trail than some of the other main paths in the LANWR.
- Where to Park: A small dirt lot near the trailhead along a dirt road. (GPS: 26°19’03.1″N 97°21’53.1″W)
- Trailhead: Just north of the dirt lot is a 4-way intersection. The Horse Island trailhead is to the right (east).
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Hike Length: 7.4 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate due to sections of overgrown trail and length.
- Highlights: Wildlife, birds, solitude, water views.
The turnaround point of Horse Island Trail has spectacular views of the Laguna Madre, where you might spot shore birds. It certainly makes the hike worth it!
7. North Point Trail (7 Miles)
This 7-mile trek starts at the same 4-point intersection as the Horse Island Trail, but wanders north instead of east. The turnaround point is what makes this trail truly special. It ends where the Arroyo Colorado empties into the Laguna Madre, with sweeping views of the water.
Like the Horse Island Trail, this path is at the northernmost point of the Refuge, meaning you’re likely to have some solitude as you hike through a variety of landscapes with water sources on either side.
- Where to Park: A small dirt lot near the trailhead along a dirt road. (GPS: 26°19’03.1″N 97°21’53.1″W)
- Trailhead: Just north of the dirt lot is a 4-way intersection. The North Point trailhead is straight across from the parking lot and heads north.
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Hike Length: 7 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate due to sections of overgrown trail and length.
- Highlights: Wildlife, birds, solitude, river, Laguna Madre.
The North Point Trail is a good choice if you’re looking for uncrowded trails, water views, and a chance to spot wildlife. Bring some snacks for the turnaround point while you enjoy the pristine landscape! Head over to our guide on the best hiking snacks for power-packed ideas with real, whole ingredients!
8. Mesquite Trail (1.5 Miles)
Getting back into beginner-friendly territory, the Mesquite Trail is a nice and easy loop through a mesquite and thorn scrub forest. You’ll also be introduced to some history of the area by passing by a cemetery dating back to the 1800s.
The nice thing about the Mesquite Trail is that it’s a loop, so you won’t have to retrace your steps through the same scenery like other Laguna Atascosa hiking trails.
- Where to Park: Park at the main Visitor Center parking lot.
- Trailhead: The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the parking lot and is clearly labeled with a wooden sign.
- Trail Type: Loop
- Hike Length: 1.5 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Birding, scrub brush.
Because of its proximity to the visitor center and easy terrain, the Mesquite Trail is a popular path, so it’s unlikely you’ll be the only person on the trail. It also makes it less likely that you’ll spot wildlife (but not unheard of!).
9. Gator Pond Trail (6.6 Miles)
This out-and-back trail is moderate in length with plenty of opportunities to spot alligators and other wildlife, along with shorebirds and raptors. It follows the eastern shore of Laguna Atascosa Lake and meanders through wetlands.
Shortly after the quarter-mile mark, there is a short offshoot trail to a gator observation deck where you can look for alligators from an elevated perch.
- Where to Park: Park at the Osprey Overlook parking lot (GPS: 26°14’04.9″N 97°21’54.3″W)
- Trailhead: The trail can be accessed from the southwestern side of the Osprey Overlook parking lot or from Lakeside Drive road, just before the Osprey Overlook parking lot.
- Trail Type: Out-and-Back
- Hike Length: 6.6 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Highlights: Alligators, observation deck, Osprey Overlook, shore birds, raptors.
The trail starts on Lakeside Drive and ends at General Brant Rd. Many intersecting trails can make this journey into a shorter loop, such as taking the Mud Trail or the South Boundary Trail and returning via Scum Pond.
10. Prairie Trail (4.1 Miles)
The last trail on our list is a 4.1-mile loop in the southern reaches of the LANWR. Like many trails in the Refuge, it is almost completely exposed, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
The trail loops around classic Texas landscape and wanders past a few water sources that are fantastic opportunities to spot alligators and shore birds. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow with a service-road type feel.
- Where to Park: Park at the Prairie Trail Parking Lot.
- Trailhead: The trailhead is clearly visible at the south end of the parking lot.
- Trail Type: Loop
- Hike Length: 4.1 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Wildlife, birding, and a pretty landscape.
The Prairie Trail is open to hunting during certain seasons, so it’s always a good idea to wear bright colors during these times. Texas Parks and Wildlife has a hunt schedule for more information on when hunting is allowed at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Trail Tips For Laguna Atascosa
If you’re just traveling through or have never hiked in Texas before, you may not know about a few key things to look out for when adventuring on Laguna Atascosa hiking trails.
- Exposure: Most of the trails at LANWR are exposed to the sun. Bring some sun protection like a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring plenty of water to replace what is lost through sweating.
- Wildlife: A variety of wildlife call LANWR home. Alligators, wild pigs, bobcats, coyotes, and the endangered ocelot, to name a few. Stick to the trails to avoid disturbing animals, and never approach, feed, or harass the wildlife.
- Rattlesnakes: These venomous reptiles are present in the Refuge. Take care when walking through rocky areas and tall grass, and listen for the tell-tale rattle.
- Ticks and chiggers: A common occurrence on overgrown trails. Check pants often for ticks and chiggers when walking through or next to tall grass.
- Seasonal closures: Some trails and areas close during hunting season or due to damage. Check the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge site for closures.
- Off-road driving: Off-road vehicles and driving off roads are all prohibited in the Refuge.
- Prickly vegetation: Thorn scrub, yucca, and Spanish dagger plants can prick and poke unsuspecting hikers. Keep an eye out and consider wearing long pants on your hike.
- Preparedness: Some of the hikes on this list are long and desolate. Pick up a map at the Visitor Center before adventuring, and consider bringing a compass or downloading offline maps before heading out. It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re hiking.
We always hike with a first-aid kit in case of accidental trips, slips, and falls. We love the HART Outdoor Day Hike First Aid Kit because it’s lightweight and packs down small, making it convenient for day hikes.
Hiking With Pets At Laguna Atascosa
Laguna Atascosa is very pet-friendly, allowing dogs on all trails as long as they are leashed at all times. Your pup will love exploring all the new sounds and smells at the Refuge!
While we all love bringing our pets on our adventures, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cacti: Cacti are present on the trails. Keep a watchful eye out or use booties to protect your dog’s paws.
- No shade: As mentioned before, Laguna Atascosa hiking trails are very exposed. Aim for shorter trails if you plan to bring your pup or start early in the morning.
- Water: Dogs are not permitted in any water bodies around the Refuge, and I wouldn’t recommend it anyway because of alligators! Bring plenty of fresh water for your canine companion.
- Leash: While it’s very tempting to let your dog explore off-leash, wildlife can be enticing and even dangerous for our lovable furballs. Keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and your pup.
Dogs (except service dogs) are not allowed inside buildings.
Laguna Atascosa Hiking Trails: Wrap-Up Session
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a hiker’s paradise. Diverse wildlife, including the endangered ocelot and endangered Aplomado Falcon, call this Refuge home. Migrating birds flock to the freshwater sources by the thousands.
Hiking on one of the twenty hiking trails totaling over 60 miles is the best way to experience the diversity of LANWR and to really immerse yourself in this wild, scenic landscape.
To recap, here are the top 10 Laguna Atascosa hiking trails to see extraordinary views:
- Lakeside Drive (3 miles)
- Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (14.2 miles)
- Lower West Lake Trail (12.6 miles)
- Kidney Pond Trail (5 miles)
- Southern Boundary Trail (4.4 miles)
- Horse Island Trail (7.4 miles)
- North Point Trail (7 miles)
- Mesquite Trail (1.5 miles)
- Gator Pond Trail (6.6 miles)
- Prairie Trail (4.1 miles)
Each trail is unique, offering different views, wildlife opportunities, and challenges. If you’re looking for the best beginner-friendly trails, consider Mesquite, Lakeside Drive, Kidney Pond, or Prairie Trail.
For a more challenging trek, consider the Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive, Lower West Lake Trail, Horse Island Trail, or North Point Trail. And don’t forget, you can bring your furbags with you!
Until next time, give your furbags an extra pet and keep exploring! For more hiking guides like this one, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!
