Heart of Hill Country Challenge: 26.2M, 13.1M, 6.2M, 100K/M

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Challenge yourself to complete a hiking marathon distance over 30 days on the scenic trails of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge! 

Choose your adventure: 26.2 miles (Full Marathon), 100 miles or 100K (Ultra Marathon), 13.1 miles (Half Marathon), or 6.2 miles (10K Challenge). 

Hike at your own pace or add weight with our Rucking Division.  

Or choose your Ultra Adventure of 100 MILES with our guided 4-DAY group hikes - 

• Professional guide leads you through all 100 miles
• Structured 4-day itinerary (Spring: March 5-8, 2025 | Fall: October 1-4)
• Daily support and trail strategy
• Group experience with fellow ultra hikers
• Coordinated sunrise-to-sunset hiking

LOCATIONS

WARBLER VISTA 21646 ½ E. FM 1431 Lago Vista, TX 78654

• Approx. 4miles of interconnected trails
• Features sweeping Hill Country vistas
• Primary viewing area for Golden-cheeked Warblers
• Observation deck overlooking Lake Travis
• Moderate to challenging terrain
• Restroom facilities available
• No water available - bring your own

DOESKIN RANCH 10645 FM 1174 Bertram, TX 78605

• 5+ miles of interconnected trails
• Creek-side hiking paths
• Historic ranch structures
• Native plant demonstration garden
• Varied terrain from easy to challenging
• Picnic facilities
• Restrooms available
• Water fountain at trailhead

TRAIL ACCESS & FACILITIES

• Both locations open daily sunrise to sunset
• No camping
• Pack it in, pack it out
• No bikes, dogs or horses permitted
• Cell service limited in some areas

To Register for the Spring Challenge

• Go to:  Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Spring Challenge 

To Register for the Fall Challenge

• Go to:  Heart of Hill Country Marathon: Fall Challenge 

Get up close and personal with the natural world. Experience the rich diversity of Texas Hill Country wildlife during your marathon challenge. 

The refuge is home to:

ENDANGERED SONGBIRDS

• Golden-cheeked Warbler (March-July)
• Black-capped Vireo (April-July)
• Best viewing at Warbler Vista and Doeskin Ranch trails

RESIDENT BIRDS

• Northern Cardinals
• Painted Buntings
• Wild Turkeys
• Hawks
• Great Horned Owls

MAMMALS

• White-tailed Deer
• Grey Fox
• Ringtails
• Nine-banded Armadillos
• Coyotes

BEST VIEWING TIMES & LOCATIONS

• Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife activity
• Shin Oak observation area
• Creek-side trails at Doeskin Ranch
• Ridgeline paths at Warbler Vista

WILDLIFE WATCHING TIPS

• Move quietly and slowly
• Maintain safe distances
• No feeding or approaching wildlife
• Consider bringing binoculars
• Stay on marked trails
• Early morning offers best viewing opportunities
• No dogs 

PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES

• No flash photography
• Respect closure areas
• Avoid disturbing nesting sites
• Share your photos with #HeartOfHillCountry on Instagram and Facebook

Remember: This is their home - we're just visitors. Help protect these species by following refuge guidelines.