Texas Sunset

The Texas Sunset Loop gets its namesake from panoramic vistas to the west that includes Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake.

This newly re-opened full loop encompasses the trail as it existed from a few years ago. After passing underneath the powerlines, turn right along the road and follow the climb to the left as you pass by the church. The singletrack starts at a tight left switchback and continues a descent that passes by Mountain Creek Church's large cross, then more downhill switchbacks and on across the paved road at the church entrance. A short climb back up, then on to the new fast, flowy downhill section to the lower meadow area of the Cedar Hill Preserve. This "valley" area of Texas Sunset in spring holds beautiful native wildflowers that can calm you as you mentally prepare for the longest climb at the Big Cedar Wilderness Trails. You then attack the .25 mile/11% grade switchback climb back to the church to finish the second half of the loop.

That second half was recently reworked with multiple berms on the initial switchback descent, a step-up tabletop jump and steep armored climbs for the final return push back to the trailhead area. During this portion, the trail crosses an old jeep road multiple times. It can be used as a bailout back to the church by following it uphill.

As you complete the final climb, you will turn right and follow the powerline back down to a bridge which will connect you to the SXSW trail for more miles or you can break off your ride at this point by veering left back to the trailhead.

Access Info

The new routing starts at the traditional Texas Sunset start point by the big green bike off of Ranger loop just west of the trailhead. It then passes under the powerlines, and joins the powerline road going north. Take the left uphill fork in the road and join the singletrack just past the church.