Hike #4: Rio Grande Nature Area

We wanted to explore the area around the Rio Grande,which runs north to south on the west side of town.  I have to say that we were a little disappointed with this "hike" (although it was really more of a walk/stroll).  About half of the trails in this area don't allow dogs on them at all and none of the trails really went along the river.  I think it would be a nicer place to walk when it's not so hot because a lot of it was in the sun (which was also a surprise/disappointment because our book talked a lot about the huge cottonwood tree grove in the area, so we thought there would be a little more shade).

  

There were little paths here and there that we could use to access the water, but overall it was kind of underwhelming for something called the "big river."  To be fair it is definitely the biggest river/body of water that we've seen since coming here, but I guess I'm just missing hikes with nice water access.  We also obviously got spoiled in Texas with all of the water themed dog parks!  At least Bailey got to get a little bit of a cool down at one point!

     

About half of the part that we walked was actually paved and would be a nice place for a bike ride in the fall of spring.  It runs between the trails on the river side and a drainage ditch (that's actually kind of pretty) on the other side.