Colorado Bend State ParkAbout Colorado Bend State Park
A Texas state park on the Colorado River near the community of Bend, noted for karst topography and the park’s signature waterfall, Gorman Falls.
The chief attraction is Gorman Falls, a roughly 70-foot travertine waterfall set in a fern-filled grotto. The park also offers river access, hiking and camping opportunities amid limestone bluffs and wooded canyons.
Outdoor recreation in the park includes day hiking, backcountry and developed camping, swimming and angling along the Colorado River, and exploring karst features such as springs and sinkholes.
Managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife, the area was set aside and developed as a state park to protect the Colorado River corridor and the distinctive natural features found there.
Located in central Texas near the small community of Bend in San Saba County, along a scenic stretch of the Colorado River.
- Gorman Falls: Gorman Falls is approximately 70 feet tall and is the park’s signature natural feature; flow varies seasonally and after rain.
What to See#
- Gorman Falls: A roughly 70-foot travertine waterfall set in a shaded grotto that is the park’s primary natural attraction and frequently photographed feature.
- Colorado River corridor: The park’s stretch of the Colorado River and adjacent riparian corridors provide swimming, fishing and riverside hiking opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Colorado Bend State Park
Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and seeing waterfalls; summer is hot but water activities are possible; winter is cool and quiet.
Weather & Climate near Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 34°C. Moderate rainfall (722 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 1° - 14° | 5° | 33 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 3° - 17° | 8° | 49 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 51 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 11° - 25° | 18° | 61 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 20° - 32° | 26° | 78 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 21° - 34° | 28° | 46 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 21° - 34° | 28° | 59 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 18° - 31° | 25° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 7° - 20° | 13° | 52 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 2° - 16° | 7° | 39 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Colorado Bend State Park
The park is about 45 miles northwest of Austin by road. From Austin take US-183 N and US-190 W/US-281 N toward Bend; follow local signage to Park Road 4 south to the entrance. The nearest sizable towns with services are Lampasas and Burnet.
Tips for Visiting Colorado Bend State Park
- Reserve primitive cave tours ahead of time-access to the caves (including Gorman Falls) is often limited and guided or permit-only.
- Use the Gorman Falls trailhead early in the day-this is the park's busiest short hike and the falls are most photogenic in morning light.
- Bring a map of the ranch roads; cell reception is unreliable in parts of the park.