Parks & Trails System

(Open during daylight hours only)

The city of Fair Oaks Ranch, once a working ranch, has maintained its rolling hills, tree lined creeks and valleys synonymous with the beautiful Texas Hill County.

While striving to preserve the Hill Country feel, the Fair Oaks Ranch Homeowner’s Association (FORHA) is committed to maintaining and growing our Parks and Trails system for its members. Green space, including parks and trails, preserve ecosystems, provide opportunities to increase physical activity, and enhance our community and quality of life.

FORHA aims to provide the Parks with recreational amenities that families can enjoy now and in the future. Our Trails, while well marked, remain in a close to natural state allowing hiking, biking and horseback riding similar to the original Ranch.

FORHA hopes members will use and enjoy the Parks and Trails along with the Hill Country experience.

 


Pictured is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly at Boots Park!

Parks

Norman Vestal Park

Vestal Park (7 acres)
Paved parking with 2 Handicap spaces
Designated parking for golf carts
Access to trailheads 3 & 4
Pollinator Gardens
.35 mile granite path for walkers, joggers & bikes
Rope Climbing Structure (5 years and older)
Nest Swing
Pea Pebble Play Circle
Shaded Playground & Swing Set
Nature-inspired Play throughout the park
Multi-use open field
Picnic Tables (7) and Benches (7)
Drinking Fountains (2) plus dog and water station
Little Library

Boots Gaubatz Park

Boots Park (13 acres)
.33 mi + .12 mi granite path for walkers, joggers & bikes
9 Hole Recreational Disc Course
Trailhead to JW Trail and to Primitive Area
Paved Parking
Covered Pavilion
Shaded Playground
Swing Set
Multi-use open field
4 Picnic Tables & 5 Benches
Drinking Fountain
Little Library

Cibolo Creek Nature Trail Park & Pinta Loop

  • 1.5 mile trail + .16 loop for walkers, joggers, bikes and horses
  • Paved Parking
  • Dog Waste Stations
  • 3 Picnic Tables & 5 Benches
  • Catch & Release Fishing 
  • This is the only linear trail park in the city and it is a very popular trail for members and their dogs, birdwatchers, walkers and bikers.
  • This Trail connects to Trail 3 at one end (near Ralph Fair Road) and the John Weir Trail at the other end (near the trail’s parking lot).

Trails

The Fair Oaks Ranch Homeowners Association maintains over 13 miles of beautiful oak-lined trails that wind throughout the City of Fair Oaks Ranch. Members may enjoy hiking, bicycling, jogging and horse back riding on these trails. However, motorized vehicles, including golf carts and ATVs are prohibited. Note: Trails are not ADA accessible. All trails are marked with trail signs. Please refer to map for trail entrances.

Trail 1

Difficulty: Easy

Distance (one way): 1.2 miles

This trail follows Post Oak Creek and is heavily wooded which provides wonderful shade. It is fairly easy to navigate with only a few creek crossings. This trail connects to Trail 2.

Trail 2

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance (one way): 2.3 miles

Of all the trails, Trail 2 is probably the most challenging and great for horseback riding. Trail 2 crosses Post Oak Creek several times and goes up on a hillside where the trail narrows, making it great for a thrilling bike ride as well! This trail connects to Trail 1 and 3.

Trail 3

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance (one way): 3.26 miles

The biggest variety of interesting vegetation can be seen on this trail and it is the longest trail in the trail system. Starting at Vestal Park you pass through sotol yucca before you enter sections of legacy oak trees with plenty of shade. This trail winds behind the city campus and along Ralph Fair Road before it intersects with Cibolo Creek Nature Trail Park and Trail 2. It makes for a great horseback or bike ride as well as a trail run. There are two picnic tables in the shade along this trail.

Trail 4

Difficulty: Easy

Distance (one way): 3/4 mile

Trail 4 is short and one of the most shaded trails in the system. It is easy to navigate and at times you feel like you are in someone's back yard. Just follow the signs and you will stay on FORHA property. The trail head is easily accessible from the west end of Vestal Park and dead ends at Dietz Elkhorn.

John Weir Trail

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance (one way): .56 miles

This is the shortest trail in the system at .56 miles one way. It connects Boots Park and Cibolo Creek Nature Trail Park. This trail is easy, however there is a steep incline toward the Cibolo Creek as you cross over when it is dry.   If you are riding your bike or a horse please wear a helmet.

Primitive Area

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance (one way):

For members who are seeking to hike in a more primitive area, you may access this by going to the Cibolo Creek behind Deer Meadows Estate Subdivision. This area has no man-made trails or signs because it is located in the flood plain of Cibolo Creek. This creek has beautiful rock formations and cliffs that you will not see anywhere else in the trail system. The best time of year to hike the primitive area (marked on the trail map) is after the first frost until the weeds start getting tall (normally January through March). The easiest way to access the primitive area is a short hike from the Boots Gaubatz parking lot to the Cibolo Creek. Turn left under the Deer Meadows Estates bridge to go up the creek. FORHA property is located along the left side to the middle of the creek.

The Arbors Preserve Nature Trail

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance 1.5 miles(loop):

The Arbors Nature Preserve and Trail is the newest common area of FORHA.  The trail is accessible by way of parking behind The Arbors neighborhood.  The trail begins on the other side of the Cibolo Creek and makes a 1.5 mile loop through the 72 acre preserve.  This trail has two picnic tables, a dog waste station and two bird blinds for birding enthusiasts.