Best Day Hikes (Walks) in Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock, Texas is certainly not known as the hiking capitol of the world, much less Texas. However, if you are looking for some exercise, have a little time to kill, and want to see some interesting sites on the South Plains, here are a few places that make taking a walk worthwhile:

Texas Tech University

Perhaps the best place for any kind of exercise in Lubbock is the campus of Texas Tech University. Tech hosts one of the largest single site campuses in Texas. According to the Texas Tech website, the campus features over 1,850 acres of buildings, parks, and athletic facilities. Across the Tech campus, there are multiple examples of unique architecture, art, sculptures, and water features.

Starting at Memorial Circle, one can make several walking trips in any direction across campus. A campus-wide trip can take up to 2 or 3 hours depending on the speed of the walker. While making the trip across campus, it's worth your while to stop off at the Student Union building where one can find multiple food and drink options, a book store, and areas to stop and rest. There are also multiple dormitories with cafeterias and snack bars, and there are restrooms and water fountains in all buildings.

A trip across Tech is best in either the early morning or late afternoons. During the day, when class is in session, it may be difficult to trek across campus while attempting to avoid students changing classes. Summer and the Christmas season are the two best times to catch the campus while the student population is low. During Spring and Fall, the hours of 8am to 4pm should be avoided due to classes. One bonus during the Christmas season is the addition of decorations to the buildings on Memorial Circle. Lights turn on at dusk, and the carillon bell tower in the Administration building plays Christmas carols throughout the evening.

Parking is limited on campus from 8am to 5:30pm, but visitors can find parking on side streets near the campus. After 5:30pm, the campus is easily accessible, and there is free and paid parking available.

Yellowhouse Canyon

The next best option for walking/hiking is Yellowhouse Canyon. The canyon, which runs from the Northwest corner of the city to the South-central area, features playa lakes, small streams, and varied terrain. The area also has several options for water-related activities including fishing, boating, and tubing. The most interesting thing about Yellohouse Canyon is it's distinct difference in landscape versus the bustling city built around it. The canyon often seems to be it's own world, allowing for an escape from the city life without actually leaving the city.

Yellowhouse Canyon can be accessed from North Loop 289 or through the Mackenzie Park entrance off of Interstate 27. Either entrance features several nearby parking areas with access directly to walking/hiking routes. The area is best visited during the early morning or late afternoon hours when the sun is on either side of the canyon. The canyon itself could take a day to walk through, but the areas located near the entrances to the canyon can be walked in a circular pattern in a couple of hours. Spring and Summer are the best time to see the canyon when the grass is green and wildflowers are in bloom. Fall and Winter are not bad times to visit, but the proximity to the water can make the area cool in the evenings.

Lubbock Lake Landmark

Lubbock Lake Landmark, a division of the Museum of Texas Tech University, is located in the Northwest corner of the city off of US 84, just outside Loop 289. The park is a historical site with archeological digs finding artifacts dating back over 10,000 years. The grounds feature a visitor center and several walking/hiking trails that traverse the facility. The park features varied terrain with multiple forms of wildlife and plant life. On the walking/hiking trails, visitors can see the remains of former archeological sites and digs that are currently in use. There is art and several sculptures on the grounds, and the visitor center features historical displays, a museum shop, and restrooms. Guided tours are also offered by appointment.

The Lubbock Lake Landmark is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, 1pm to 5pm on Sundays, and the facility is closed on Mondays. Parking is available at the visitor center during operating hours, and there is a nearby picnic area with views overlooking the facility. The park is open throughout the year, but Spring and Summer are the most likely times to view an actual archeological excavation in progress.

The Ranching and Heritage Center

The Ranching and Heritage Center is a division of the Museum of Texas Tech University. The center is located on the Texas Tech campus east of Indiana Ave. off of 4th Street. The center is next door to the Museum of Texas Tech University. The Ranching and Heritage Center features a self-guided outdoor walking tour through the facility. The tour includes various buildings, homes and historic items spanning the history of the South Plains and Lubbock area. The walk can be completed in about an hour. There is a visitor center on site featuring historical displays, a museum shop, and restrooms.

The Ranching and Heritage Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. The outdoor walking area closes at 4pm daily. The center is open year-round, and there are various activities that occur throughout the year. One of the most unique times to visit is during the Candlelight at the Ranch event held annually during the Christmas season. During Candlelight at the Ranch, the center uses volunteers to reenact what it was like to spend Christmas in the western frontier.