Outer Loop

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

The Outer Loop brings together the trails of Joe Johnston, Caroline's Loop, Sendero Balcones (north), Far Reaches Trail and Recharge Trail to take the rider on an 11.8-mile ride around the GCSNA Backcountry.

There are several overlook locations built along the trail. There is a 'rustic' restroom off Joe Johnston if needed.

There are NO WATER POINTS!

If riding in the summer months, ensure you bring plenty of fluids on your person. Along Joe Johnston, if you choose to not take Caroline's Loop, you'll find dinosaur tracks along the trail. There is a restroom on Little Windmill near its intersection with Joe Johnston.

The Outer Loop route can be ridden in either direction. Although clockwise seems to be less challenging as you are going down more the rock shelves than climbing them. It begins on Joe Johnston at the Backcountry Trailhead.

From there, it is either 0.8 miles to go counterclockwise to Recharge Trail or 2.6 miles to Caroline's Loop. Caroline's Loop covers 2.3 miles and reconnects you to Joe Johnston for 0.7 miles before it turns into Sendero Balcones (north).

Caroline's Loop starts to draw you the picture of what to expect on Sendero Balcones (north) in terms of rock gardens and shelves. At the end of the north section of Sendero Balcones, you'll hit the intersection (marked with signs and a stump marker) of Wildcat Canyon, the continuation of Sendero Balcones (south) and Far Reaches Trail.

Turning onto Far Reaches Trail, the rocks become a little less prevalent, but still provide for a technical ride. Towards the end of Far Reaches Trail, it becomes a nice, rolling singletrack that you can open up on as it transitions into Recharge Trail and the end of the ride.