Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Sabinal River canyon north of Vanderpool preserves an isolated population of bigtooth maples in the Edwards Plateau — a relict population from a cooler, wetter Pleistocene climate that now survives in canyon microclimates far south of the main bigtooth maple range. Each autumn, typically late October through November, the maples turn vivid shades of red, orange, and gold against the limestone canyon walls, drawing photographers from across Texas during peak color. The 7-kilometer Can Creek trail provides the best access to the maple groves.