Texas is getting its very personal long-distance cross-state through path thanks to at least one formidable outdoorsman with a imaginative and prescient. The Cross Texas Path (xTx) would prolong 1,500 miles from Orange to El Paso, winding alongside a number of the Lone Star State’s most scenic landscapes, passing cities and lots of historic websites, gaining roughly 56,000 toes in elevation alongside the way in which.
The nonprofit group behind the xTx describes it on its web site as “the long run Pacific Crest Path of Texas.”
Veteran path hiker, bike-riding adventurer, and Texas native Charlie Gandy is main the cost in establishing the xTx. The previous Mesquite and East Dallas resident first had the thought when he was mountaineering the Tahoe Rim Path (TRT) in June 2024.
He noticed the ability that cross-state trails needed to join folks, uplift communities, and remodel the people on them. He was a number of days into his hike when it hit him.
“I may see a route throughout [Texas],” Gandy advised GearJunkie. “I simply wasn’t positive how I used to be going to get it completed at that time.”
Whereas folks may technically hike the route now, Gandy hopes to have it formally established within the close to future. At that time, will probably be open season for thru-hikers, bikers, and horse riders who need to traverse the state of Texas by path.
At the moment, he’s asking for assist from hikers, bikers, and equestrians who can assist “floor proof” sections of the path. Then, in spring 2026, Gandy intends to thru-hike the complete path himself, and he’s inviting anybody to affix him on the journey.
xTx: The Pacific Crest Path of Texas
Gandy graduated from the College of Texas and labored below the governor earlier than beginning a number of companies of his personal. He’s a serial entrepreneur, however he additionally has a historical past within the nonprofit world. He based BikeTexas.org, the primary statewide bike advocacy group in Texas. Now, he’s additionally based xTexas.org.
In his spare time, he’s additionally an avid and pretty achieved hiker. “I’ve hiked all the fourteeners in Colorado and nearly all of them in California and elsewhere,” he advised me.
He revealed his plans for the xTx on the Texas Trails and Lively Transportation Convention in September. He known as the initiative form of a wild experience, however mentioned the response from each the mountaineering group and a lot of the locals he’s heard from has been constructive.
“This can be a large, bushy objective that I get to undertake,” Gandy mentioned. “It form of has a lifetime of its personal.”
The path can be a mixture of singletrack and about 40% gravel roads. It would showcase the various environments, scenic landscapes, and cultural selection that span the most important state within the contiguous U.S.
Gandy additionally hopes the xTx will draw guests who will deliver enterprise to the communities it passes by means of. “It’s a brand new alternative to have a distinct sort of buyer on the town,” he mentioned.
Gandy’s nonprofit, xTexas, is working to get the route formally established and acknowledged by the state. In true Texas model, he’s already received an “xTx” iron he intends to model fence posts with as path markers.
Crossing Texas: No Simple Endeavor
Texas shouldn’t be solely the most important state within the U.S., however it additionally has extra privately owned land than another state. That has made designing the route considerably difficult for Gandy. He is aware of that it’s going to change as he begins having extra conversations with counties, cities, and personal landowners.
Nonetheless, his preliminary route discovering was completed merely utilizing Experience with GPS, mapping completely different situations together with his targets in thoughts. To date, he mentioned, he’s ground-proofed a lot of the japanese portion of the path. However he nonetheless wants assist. That’s why he’s asking for help.
“Proper now, we’re nonetheless in search of ground-proofers with skilled expertise in mountaineering, mountain biking, and horse driving,” Gandy wrote on the web site. “Which means you’re the sort that may absolutely help your personal water, meals, and shelter wants with none sources for assist.”
At current, Gandy mentioned, a number of sections of the path lack water, meals, and shelter for as a lot as 80 miles. That’s a giant a part of what he wants assist with proper now. The xTx web site profiles a number of ground-proofers who’re already serving to him outline the path. If you wish to turn out to be one in all them, you’ll be able to attain out to Gandy by means of the xTx web site.
“In some circumstances, it’s very engaging for mountaineering; in some circumstances, it’s not. In some circumstances, it’s actually engaging to experience a motorbike, and in different circumstances, it’s inconceivable,” he mentioned. These are the on-the-ground kinks he’s figuring out now.
xTx Through-Hike: The Route
Miles 0-200
The xTx japanese trailhead is in Orange, La., on the border. From Orange, it heads to Pine Forest and tendencies north. It crosses the Neches River, passes by means of Wildwood and Goodrich, and arrives at Lake Livingston.
From there, it continues due east to Waverly and Sam Houston Nationwide Forest, and on to Navasota, which is sort of 200 miles on the nostril from Orange.
These first 200 miles meander alongside bayous. Lots of the cities you go by means of are small, with Cajun affect. From there, it enters the rolling hills north of Houston.
Miles 200-500
From the 200-mile mark, the path begins passing by means of historic cities the place vacationers can keep in mattress and breakfasts or native inns. The path heads southwest, traversing La Grange after which passing between Houston and Austin. At mile 367, you cross Interstate 35, and the path begins to turn out to be much less flat.
The xTx thru-hike then approached Canyon Lake and Baldy Mountain close to Canyon Metropolis. Then, the path as soon as once more turns due east towards Consolation (the city). Hikers will then cross the Guadalupe River and summit Bandera Move earlier than connecting with the Medina River, which they’ll parallel till mile 490, at Tuff, Texas.
Miles 500-1,200
Once more, the xTx turns south, now towards Utopia, after which Davenport Hill, turning north at mile 552. The path winds as much as Barksdale, over to Satan’s River State Pure Space, and on to Sanderson.
After that, the xTx enters one in all Texas’s most visited pure areas, Large Bend Nationwide Park. The path takes hikers by means of the park and exits from the northwest nook towards Marfa.
From there, the path approaches its largest ascent to the very best level alongside its size. Passing by means of 6,205 toes close to the McDonald Observatory. It continues northward towards Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park. If you wish to summit Texas’s highest level, Guadalupe Mountain, that is your probability.
The House Stretch
The final 200 miles dip up into New Mexico, crossing the border twice as hikers make their approach alongside the house stretch to the path’s western terminus in El Paso, Texas.
That’s the final route, in accordance with Gandy. It’s nonetheless evolving as he and others ground-proof the path. However he’s getting nearer. By spring 2026, he intends to traverse the complete Lone Star State on the xTx. If he can efficiently do it, he’ll be the primary thru-hiker to finish the route.
If you wish to see probably the most up-to-date route, try the xTx webpage displaying Gandy’s map.
Getting xTx Through-Hike Throughout the End Line
Gandy hoped to have the complete route outlined and the path formally established by spring 2026, when he embarks on the primary tried thru-hike of the xTx. Certainly, this enterprise is “large and bushy,” as Gandy mentioned.
However the payoff could possibly be a grand Texas legacy, one thing that locals will use to get outside and train and that can draw completely different sorts of tourism to a few of Texas’s smaller, off-the-beaten-path communities.
He’s contributed $10,000 of his personal cash and raised $10,000 extra, however he says he nonetheless wants round $30,000 to finish this undertaking inside his timeframe. On the xTexas web site, you’ll be able to be taught extra about his progress and plan, and donate to the nonprofit.
“It’s enjoyable what’s unfolding right here,” he mentioned. “I’m glad that the group is responding the way in which they’re.”
xTx Through-Hike: Regional Breakdowns & Highlights
Jap Piney Woods to Hill Nation
Ecosystems
In the event you begin east and hike west, your journey will start within the Jap Texas Piney Woods ecosystem. This area is akin to what you would possibly anticipate finding in Louisiana, elements of Oklahoma, or Arkansas.
Large Thicket Nationwide Protect, north of Beaumont, Texas, is a good place to see this sort of pure atmosphere. There’s an entry level simply 25 miles into the xTx thru-hike.
The rolling hills of this space are dominated by pine, oak, sweetgum, and black tupelo bushes. Hikers will undoubtedly see squirrels, opossums, rabbits, and even snakes.
Cities
Lots of the cities hikers go by means of alongside this part of the hike can have a Cajun affect due to its proximity to Louisiana. You’ll discover loads of BBQ joints and Blue Bell ice cream outlets alongside the way in which.
Wildwood is a really good (largely gated) group. It affords many recreation alternatives, because it’s near Lake Kimball and Large Thicket Nationwide Protect. The lake on the town has a artifical seaside and seaside volleyball courts.
Coldspring is one other notable city you’ll go by means of, proper after Lake Livingston. Like many in Texas, it’s a small group and serves because the seat of San Jacinto County. Not distant, you’ll be able to entry Sam Houston Nationwide Forest, the place yow will discover campsites and dispersed tenting.
Navasota is the final city of be aware throughout the first 200 miles. It’s thought-about the “Blues Capital of Texas” and is a good place to catch some dwell music. That is the place Texas declared its independence from Mexico, and it is filled with historic buildings and church buildings.
Central Hill Nation to Large Bend
Ecosystems
Texas Hill Nation sits atop what’s geologically referred to as the “Edwards Plateau.” This limestone formation is distinguished by its deep canyons, rocky hills, caves, and freshwater springs.
Hikers will go by means of grasslands, juniper and oak woodlands, and savannas dominated by oak and mesquite. Autumn sage, yucca crops, and succulents are endemic to the realm and develop plentifully. Preserve your eyes open for Texas tortoises, that are additionally recognized to roam the realm.
Cities
La Grange is the primary large city of be aware that hikers will go by means of on this part. It’s possible you’ll acknowledge the city’s identify from the basic ZZ Prime track. Or, perhaps you’ve seen the play The Finest Little Whorehouse in Texas, which was primarily based in town’s historic Rooster Ranch Brothel. Rooster Ranch closed in 1973, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the landmark only a few miles outdoors of city.
New Braunfels is subsequent up, a German-influenced city of round 110,000 folks. It celebrates its German-founded heritage with occasions like Wurstfest and monuments like Gruene Corridor. There’s even a waterpark named Schlitterbahn Waterpark. It’s positioned on the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, making it a preferred place for out of doors recreation actions like paddleboarding, tubing, and kayaking.
Consolation is one other German-influenced city alongside this part of the xTx route. Individuals comprehend it for vintage buying and wine tasting (a probably harmful mixture). A lot of Consolation’s downtown is designated as a Nationwide Historic District, and lots of the buildings are over 100 years outdated.
One of many final cities of be aware hikers will enter alongside this part is Sanderson, Texas — also called “the Cactus Capitol of the World.” It’s primarily a ranching and railroad group on the confluence of three separate ecological zones. Its pure ecology lends itself to a whole lot of several types of cacti (therefore the city’s nickname).
Western Desert Part & Large Bend
Ecosystems
When you go past Sanderson, you’re squarely within the Chihuahuan Desert, the place mountain and desert ecosystems converge. Hikers will discover grasslands, shrublands, and forests. The temperatures swing wildly, from scorching sizzling days to chilly nights. It’s essential be ready for warmth and plan forward to keep away from stepping into harmful conditions (extra on this later).
The Chisos Mountains close to Large Bend Nationwide Park abut the Chihuahuan Desert and supply a barely cooler and wetter local weather and atmosphere. There are various mountaineering trails scattered all through the Chisos; nevertheless, most require a automobile to entry. In the event you’re thru-hiking the xTx, they might make for a protracted detour.
Lastly, the Rio Grande River ecosystem is lush with vegetation and attracts many animals (and bugs) to its shores. This is among the most vital water sources in western Texas, and the xTx follows it for roughly 30 miles by means of Large Bend Nationwide Park. Alongside this part, there are quite a few entry factors the place hikers can dip into the river.
by way of Flickr Artistic Commons)
Cities
Marfa is the primary city you’ll go by means of after you exit Large Bend Nationwide Park and begin working north towards El Paso. It’s value a cease when you like quirky desert communities. Not solely is the city recognized for its minimalist artwork scene, however it’s maybe most well-known for the “Marfa Lights” or “Marfa Ghost Lights.” These unexplained illuminations have been witnessed for the reason that 1800s and nonetheless lack clarification right this moment.
In the event you’re into army historical past, Fort Davis isn’t removed from Marfa, and the xTx passes proper by means of it. It’s residence to one of many oldest and greatest preserved Frontier Navy Posts within the American West. The College of Texas McDonald Observatory can also be there, which hosts common occasions and particular viewing nights for the general public.
The ultimate Texas city on the east-to-west xTx route is El Paso, proper on the border with Mexico. Often known as the “Boot Capital of the World,” this could be an incredible place to deal with your self to some new kicks, in celebration of your 1,500-mile accomplishment. El Paso can also be recognized for its Tex-Mex delicacies, which is considered a number of the greatest within the west.
What to Convey on the xTx Through-Hike
Packing for a 1,500-mile hike throughout quite a few ecosystems, desert climates, and every little thing from cities to nationwide parks isn’t any small activity. It would require planning, list-making, unpacking, repacking, trial and error, and in the long run, there’s a giant probability you’ll find yourself having left one thing you would like you introduced. Such is the plight of journey.
Relaxation straightforward, although. GearJunkie put collectively the next packing listing, tailor-made for the xTx path.
This can be a nice start line, however it’s not complete. We encourage hikers to riff off of this listing and customise it to their wants and mountaineering habits. It isn’t an ultralight listing — subtract or add gear as wanted.
Clothes
Gear
Hazards on xTx Through Hike
Each thru-hike brings its personal distinctive challenges. However we aren’t going to sugarcoat this for you: The xTx is a deadly hike. Not simply due to its size and the lengthy, distant stretches, however due to the tough climates, the creatures, and the proximity to the Mexican border at sure factors.
Even supposing you is perhaps sleeping in inns or B&Bs many nights, this isn’t an enterprise for the faint of coronary heart. What follows is a listing of hazards that hikers ought to pay attention to earlier than setting out on the path.
Warmth & Hydration
The primary largest problem to thru-hiking the xTx goes to be warmth. Texas is a sizzling place, and there are stretches of this path that lead by means of some very desolate and traditionally highly regarded areas. A few of these stretches is perhaps safer to hike at evening or within the early morning.
In the event you’re mountaineering throughout the day, ensure you’re ready with sufficient water and have refill factors mapped out. Put on solar safety, and keep alert for the signs of warmth exhaustion, like complications, dizziness, cool, clammy pores and skin, muscle cramps, and fast coronary heart charge.
Gandy is specific on the xTx web site about when folks ought to (and shouldn’t) try this path.
“The route shouldn’t be designed for thru-hiking, biking, or horse driving in late spring, or summer season ever. Full Cease,” he writes on the web site. “It’s designed for late fall, winter, and early spring. We’re unsure the right way to make this any clearer.”
Snakes & Bugs
Within the japanese portion of the xTx, it’s best to preserve your eye out for toxic cottonmouth snakes. As you get deeper into the desert atmosphere, you’ll need to preserve an eye fixed (and ear) out for rattlesnakes.
Each of those snakes might be deadly in case you are bitten, and hospitals are few and much between for lengthy stretches of the xTx path.
Bugs can pose simply as large a hazard. Mosquitos in japanese Texas might be brutal. Scorpions and tarantulas aren’t unusual within the desert. There are widow spiders, Chinese language red-headed centipedes, wasps, kissing bugs, brown recluse spiders, pink ants, and lots of different toxic bugs that decision Texas residence.
Shake your boots out earlier than placing them on within the morning. Be cautious when overturning stones or sticks. Usually, simply keep alert and conscious.
Individuals
In fact, persons are all the time probably the most harmful hazard whenever you’re mountaineering lengthy distances. A lot of this hike follows roads and highways — be cautious of strangers providing rides, and preserve your guard up when you cease in small cities or at gasoline stops. Lots of the cities the xTx passes by means of are pleasant, welcoming, and well mannered — however outliers exist, as effectively.
The xTx additionally will get fairly near the Mexico border at factors throughout the second half of the hike. You possibly can encounter folks coming throughout, or be mistaken for one. Once more, simply journey together with your guard up and keep alert.
