Directions: Take Highway 71 west past the Pedernales River. Approximately 2 miles past the Pedernales River turn right on Paleface Ranch Road. Continue on Paleface Ranch Rd. (go straight at the 3-way stop) until you get to Co. Rd. 414; this road tees into the road you’re on from the right and there are several fine landmarks to help find it, including a sign on the left for the Exxon/Kountry Kitchen, Windemere, and the George Jones Donkey Farm (no kidding). Turn right on Co. Rd. 414 and this road will end at Muleshoe, about 2.8 miles later. The road really curves a lot, but just stay on it and you’ll get there.
Trail Description: The Muleshoe trail is a perfect complement to the trails we already enjoy in the Austin area. It is a 7.5-mile loop trail with 95% wooded singletrack with some moderate climbs and descents, a few drop-offs, lots of twists and turns, and a couple of small creek crossings…. oh, yeah and a nice big lake to cool off in after the ride. The fact that it makes a big loop with jeep roads intersecting at 5 points along the trail makes it nice for beginners and families who might not want to complete an entire loop and provides good access to the trailhead/parking area. And for the intermediate/advanced riders, its a trail you can go fast on and have a lot of fun. (Watch out for feral hogs—they’re out there!)
This trail is a wonderful example of what can happen when mountain bikers work in partnership with land agencies combined with persistence, organization, and of course, a lot of hard work. As usual, a relatively small group of dedicated volunteers have made this trail a reality.
Fee: $5 entry fee per vehicle.
http://www.lcra.org/parks/recreation_areas/muleshoe.html
