Colorado Bend State
Park, a 5328.3-acre facility, is located west of Lampasas in San Saba and Lampasas
counties. The park site was purchased partly in 1984, with the balance acquired in 1987;
the park was subsequently opened in 1987.
History: The park is located at
the former sites of the Gorman and Lemons Ranches above Lake Buchanan.
Activities:
The park currently offers the outdoor enthusiast access to primitive camping, hiking,
fishing, which at certain times is terrific, swimming, mountain biking, birding, and
nature watching, and guided tours. The park has 15.8 miles of hiking trails and 14 miles
of mountain bike trails. When Lake Buchanan is near normal levels, the river is navigable
from the park's boat ramp all the way to the lake, approximately 10 miles. This is a trip
on slow moving water through the beautiful canyon lands of the Colorado.
Tours: Other activities include
guided
tours to Gorman Falls on the weekends. The only way to view the falls, from the park,
is on the guided tour. Reservations are NOT required for the Gorman Falls tours. The park
also offers guided, wild cave tours, both walking and crawling. Due to various hazards in
the caves such as low oxygen levels and poisonous gases and the fact that the caves are a
non-renewable natural resource, ALL CAVES in the park are closed except through guided
tours. Reservations are highly recommended for the cave tours due to the limited number of
people which can be taken on any given tour. Contact the park (325/628-3240) to make
reservations and check questionable weather conditions. Substantial footwear is
recommended for all tours.
Facilities:
Link to
park facility, camping and fee information.
Link
to park facility map In PDF format
Flora/Fauna: Birders can enjoy
viewing some of 155 species of birds found in the park, including specialties such as
golden-cheeked warblers, black-capped vireos, and bald eagles. Gorman Falls is located on
the western bank of the Colorado River, approximately 10 miles above Lake Buchanan and
includes a portion of Gorman Creek which feeds Gorman Falls. Gorman Falls is an
impressive, 60-foot-high waterfall. The falls' travertine formations and associated lush
vegetation are very scenic. Small travertine dams have formed quiet pools of clear water
which support a variety of aquatic communities. Special mention needs to be made that due
to the protection of the fragile environment of the Gorman Falls, the area currently can
only be visited through guided tours.
Elevation: 1025. Weather: January average is 46.2, July
average is 85.9. First/last freeze: November 20 / March 11. Open: 7 days a week
year-round, except for Public Hunts (which are held during the week) - call for dates. Busy
Season: Spring White Bass Run.
Directions: The park is west of
Lampasas, southeast of San Saba. From the intersection of US Highways 281 and 183 in
Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and follow the signs 4 miles to the park
entrance. From San Saba, take US Highway 190 about 4 miles to FM 580 and follow the signs
13 miles to Bend; follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance (2 miles of dirt road).
The headquarters and main camping are 6 miles past the entrance on the dirt road (unmarked
County Road 442). (Access road subject to flooding.) Note: No Gasoline Service in Bend.
For camping reservations,
call 512/389-8900. For more information or caving reservations , call the park at
325/628-3240. Current conditions including fire bans and water levels can vary from day to
day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.
Visit our website for more information
Area
Attractions: Close by attractions include Inks Lake
State Park, Longhorn Caverns, and Fort Hood. You may
want to refer to nearby parks. |
