GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHING BLUEBONNETS IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Springtime in the Texas Hill Country is nothing short of magical. As the weather warms and the landscape awakens, vibrant fields of bluebonnets blanket the rolling hills, creating a photographer’s paradise. If you’re planning a trip to this region to capture its natural beauty, here are some tips to ensure your bluebonnet photographs stand out.

Pedernales Falls State Park: A Beautiful Texas Hill Country Getaway

There is something special about discovering a Texas state park that turns out to be much larger and more beautiful than you expected. That was my experience at Pedernales Falls State Park in the Texas Hill Country

Pottery Ranch in Marble Falls: A Quirky Texas Hill Country Stop

While driving through the Texas Hill Country, we passed a place that immediately caught our attention. You know those places where you slow down and think, "What exactly is that?" Pottery Ranch in Marble Falls was one of those stops.

From the road, it looked like much more than a typical store. There were colorful displays, unusual outdoor decorations, sculptures, and all kinds of interesting things scattered around the property. Of course, we had to turn around and take a look.

Unfortunately, the store was closed when we arrived, so we didn't get to explore the inside. But honestly, the outdoor displays alone gave us plenty to see.

Krause Springs: A Peaceful Hill Country Swimming Hole in Texas

If you're looking for a place to cool off and enjoy a quieter side of the Texas Hill Country, Krause Springs in Spicewood, Texas, is worth a visit.

Located about 30 miles west of Austin, Krause Springs is a privately owned, family-run property that has been welcoming visitors since 1955. The 115-acre property is home to 32 springs, along with swimming areas, gardens, picnic spaces, and camping. It is also listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites.

What I Saw at Jacob's Well — and How Much Has Changed.”

 

When my sister and I visited Jacob's Well Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country, we were expecting something very different from what we found.

My sister had seen pictures of Jacob's Well online showing people jumping and diving into a beautiful blue swimming hole. It looked like such an unusual place that, even though it was about a two-hour drive for us, we decided to make the trip.

What we discovered was much more interesting — and a little different than those pictures had led us to expect.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a beautiful place to see, but it was not at the top of my list when my sister and I were traveling through the Texas Hill Country.

Located about 17 miles north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock is best known for its huge pink granite dome and the beautiful Hill Country scenery surrounding it.

This was one of the places my sister really wanted to see, so we made the drive.

Inks Lake State Park: A Quick Drive Through the Texas Hill Country

Inks Lake State Park is one of those places that makes you want to come back and spend more time exploring.

Located in the Texas Hill Country near Burnet, the park sits along the shores of Inks Lake and is known for its clear blue water, rocky scenery, hiking trails, swimming areas, and beautiful sunsets. 

Cross Mountain Park in Fredericksburg, Texas: A Short Hike With a Big View

My sister and I decided to spend the night in Fredericksburg, Texas, and while we were there, we decided to check out Cross Mountain Park.

It actually took us a couple of attempts to find it. The entrance is easy to miss if you are not looking for it, and when we finally found the park, I have to admit that calling it a “park” felt like a bit of a stretch.

At least it did back then.

But once you make it to the top, you quickly realize that the little park is worth the stop. The view of the Texas Hill Country is beautiful, and the large cross at the top is hard to miss.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area: A Texas Hill Country Bluebonnet Adventure

While my sister and I were traveling through the Texas Hill Country photographing bluebonnets, we happened to meet an employee of the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). We asked him if he could recommend a beautiful place to photograph, and he suggested Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area.

We decided to take his advice, and I am so glad we did.

He was right. Muleshoe Bend was exactly the kind of Texas Hill Country scenery we had been hoping to find.

Wildseed Farms: A Beautiful Stop in the Texas Hill Country

One of the stops my sister and I made during our trip through the Texas Hill Country was Wildseed Farms, just outside Fredericksburg, Texas. If you love flowers, gardens, shopping, or simply enjoy getting outside and exploring beautiful places, this is a stop worth adding to your itinerary.

When my sister and I decided to travel to the Texas Hill Country in the spring to photograph bluebonnets, we started researching places we wanted to visit. Of course, I pulled out my bucket list.

At the very top of my list of places to see in Texas was Hamilton Pool Preserve.