Tucked within the picturesque Texas Hill Country and next to the serene Frio River, Frio Country Resort provides an excellent base while you explore the natural wonders of the region. Knowledgeable guides welcome you on nature tours, eager to share the secrets of the flora, fauna, and geological formations in the Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the moment you arrive at your lodging at Frio Country Resort, you’ll be greeted by the warm hospitality and laid-back charm that define this beloved retreat.
Our 6 Favorite Local Nature Tours of the Texas Hill Country
1. Hill Country Nature Quest: Join the tours led by Nature Quest, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics related to Texas Hill Country’s diverse wildlife. You’ll get to explore and discover various bird species, including bluebirds, small cavity nesters, and raptors. You’ll also learn about medicinal plants, bats, hummingbirds, butterflies, insects, champion big trees, native plants, natural history, wildflowers, invasive plants, and how to make your backyard a wildlife habitat.
2. Frio Bat Flight: Experience the Frio Bat Flight Tour in Texas and witness millions of Mexican free-tailed bats taking to the sky. This cave is open to the public and has the second-largest population of bats in the world. Watch for other wildlife, including Cave Swallows, Rock and Canyon Wrens, and ring-tailed cats and skunks. You may even witness several species of raptors swooping in to catch their prey amidst the swirl of bats.
3. Birding Nestbox Tours: The Bluebird Trail consists of 30 nest boxes and six viewing stations. Each viewing station has benches and provides an excellent opportunity to observe small cavity nesters. These include Ash-throated Flycatchers, Eastern Bluebirds, Bewick’s Wren, Black-crested Titmouse, Carolina Chickadees, and their nests, eggs, or baby birds. On the bird nest tour, you will have the opportunity to observe the nest boxes and learn how to distinguish between different types of nests, eggs, and fledglings.
4. Birding Trail Tours: Explore the 250-acre Indian Blanket Ranch on guided walking nature tours, birding by chair, or in an open six-passenger touring golf cart. The ranch’s nature trails have 123 bird species, including White-tailed Kites, Long-billed Thrashers, and Cassin’s Vireo. Keep your camera and binoculars handy to spot rare specialty birds and butterflies, white-tailed and Axis deer, lizards, and other critters.
5. Champion Big Trees Tours: These guided walking and driving nature tours allow you to see National Champion Big Trees on private properties and ranches. Along the way, your guides will point out critters, birds, plants, and flowers.
6. Nature by Kayak Tours: Discover the stunning beauty of the Frio River on a 3-4 hour kayaking nature tour. Please note that the tour organizers do not provide kayaks. However, they will be happy to assist you in finding a rental location for your kayak and transportation. If you are new to kayaking, they will also provide instructions on paddling and maneuvering your kayak.
