Part botanical garden, part nature park, the trails of Hugh Ramsey Park travel through typical chaparral and developed gardens. You’ll see cacti, lots of butterflies, and maybe a bird or two. The Ebony Trail is the portion of the park that has been developed into a botanical garden, going past different gardens, such as medicinal plants, and gardens dedicated to individuals. The park isn’t fully developed yet - more trails are being developed and a visitor’s center is scheduled to be added.
For a 1.25-mile loop, start at the trailhead at N26° 11.144, W97° 39.831 and head north. The trail travels through Texas ebony woodlands, wrapping around back to the south. At N26° 11.154, W97° 39.734, take the trail to the left (east). The trail dead-ends at an overlook, N26° 11.219, W97° 39.622. Double back a few feet to the intersection at N26° 11.212, W97° 39.640 and turn left (southeast) to the banks of the Arroyo Colorado. The trail to the left dead-ends at the arroyo; the trail to the west splits into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is dryer; the lower portion is right on the banks of the arroyo. They both go to the same point, so travel either one to their western intersection at N26° 11.049, W97° 39.912. Follow the trail to the northeast to N26° 11.062, W97° 39.894. Here, if you turn left (northwest), you can shorten the walk and go through the botanical garden. But go right (east) to N26° 11.057, W97° 39.791. At this intersection is a bird blind hidden under the trees. Keep on the trail, heading northeast. Eventually you’ll be back at your starting point.
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