Focus on the Backroads » Photo Journeys

Focus on the Backroads: Lost Maples State Park/Utopia TX

Utopia imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal. Utopia does exist in the Texas Hill Country. Is it perfect, probably not….but it is a great destination if you are looking for the perfect get away.

Located 85 miles NW of San Antonio, Utopia was settled in the early 1850’s. By 1880 the population was 150 people, there were two gristmills, a cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, a store, and three churches. Current population is 227.

Lost Maples State Park is located about 10 miles west of Utopia. The 2,174 acres were acquired by the state of Texas in 1974 and the park opened in 1979. In 1980, it was designated a National Natural Landmark by the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service. The park contains 11 miles of hiking trails, campsites, and primitive camping. It is bordered by the Sabinal River and contains two small lakes and several ponds. Lost Maples is included on many of the top 10 list for spectacular fall color which peaks in November. There are a large number of Bigtooth Maple trees within the native Ash, Oak, and Basswoods.

Utopia may be ‘imaginary’ but you can experience a glimpse of Utopia hiking the trails of Lost Maples.

I would suggest contacting Fox Fire cabins in Vanderpool for lodging.

Other points of interest in the area:

Gardner State Park
Utopia Golf Course – was the setting of 2011 movie Seven Days in Utopia starring Robert Duvall
Utopia Musicfest – a two day music festival in October
Lonestar Motorcycle Museum – Vanderpool, Texas

A must is eating at THE LOST MAPLES CAFE in Utopia. Of course they are world famous for their pie!

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