A Winter Journey on the Cross Timbers Trail

posted in: OutdoorsDevon

There is a unique kind of silence that only winter can provide. When the summer crowds depart and the dense foliage of the Texas-Oklahoma border thins, a new world emerges—one defined by long shadows, crisp air, and the rhythmic crunch of boots on frozen earth.

In my latest video, I invite you to step away from the noise and join us for a quiet, “no-talking” ASMR hike along the legendary Cross Timbers Trail at Lake Texoma.

The Magic of February at Juniper Point

Starting at Juniper Point [00:01], the trail immediately plunges you into a classic woodland of oak and cedar. In February, the forest wears a rare coat: patches of lingering snow [00:48] that provide a stark, beautiful contrast to the deep reds of winter berries [01:00:00] and the rugged, rocky path.

A Trail of Rugged Beauty

The Cross Timbers Trail is famous for its elevation changes. That’s one of the things that I enjoy about it. As you follow the winding path, you’ll experience:

  • Rugged Terrain: Navigate over root-covered paths and rocky inclines that keep the hike engaging [04:19:00].
  • Hidden Wonders: Discover moss-covered trees [02:48:00] and quiet ravines where the winter sun filters through the bare branches.
  • The Sounds of Nature: Without narration, the “soundtrack” of this hike is pure nature—the whistle of the wind through the pines and the steady rhythm of hiking poles [03:56:00].

The Reward: Cliffside Vistas

The highlight of this journey is reaching the cliff overlooks [02:22:00]. In the summer, the heavy green canopy often hides the scale of the lake. But in winter, the “see-through” forest opens up, offering expansive, unobstructed views of the blue waters of Lake Texoma stretching toward the horizon [02:18:00].

Why Hike Cross Timbers in the Winter?

While many wait for spring, winter hikers know the secret: the trail is yours. The stillness of the shoreline and the rare seasonal contrast of Oklahoma snow create a calm, immersive experience that is hard to find any other time of year.

Ready to find your own moment of zen? Put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and watch the full immersive hike below.

Watch: Cross Timbers Trail Winter Hike | Lake Texoma

A Winter Backpacking Adventure in Caprock Canyons

posted in: OutdoorsDevon

There is a unique kind of silence that only comes with winter in the high desert. Recently, I set out to capture that stillness at Caprock Canyons State Park, and the experience was a powerful reminder of why I love heading into the backcountry when the temperatures drop.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the full journey yet, you can catch the video here:

WATCH: Winter Backpacking in Caprock Canyons | Snow, Wind, and Solitude

The Call of the Canyons

I arrived at the park just after a fresh snowfall. Seeing the striking red rock canyons highlighted with bits of white snow was incredible—it felt like stepping into an entirely different world. As a solo hiker, these quiet trips allow me to focus entirely on the environment, prioritizing the atmosphere of the place over everything else.

A Study in Extremes

The sky remained clear for the rest of my trek, which brought its own set of challenges. The overnight temperatures were brutal, hovering right at or below freezing.

When I woke up on the second morning, my primary goal was simply to get moving as quickly as possible. In those conditions, movement is your best heater. However, the desert had another surprise waiting for me: the wind. The gusts on that second morning were surprisingly powerful—at one point, a blast caught me so off-guard it nearly blew me over literally.

Shedding the Layers

One of the most interesting aspects of winter backpacking in this region is the dramatic temperature swing. By the middle of the second day, the biting cold of the morning felt like a distant memory. The sun warmed the canyons considerably, and I went from shivering in my insulation to being genuinely hot and shedding layers just to stay comfortable. It was a classic example of why a versatile layering system is the most important tool in your pack.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are an experienced thru-hiker or someone looking to get into ultralight backpacking, I hope this look at Caprock Canyons inspires you to see the “off-season” as an opportunity. There is a profound peace to be found in the solitude of a winter trail, even when you’re battling the wind to stay upright.

Join the Conversation Have you ever dealt with those massive desert temperature swings? What’s your go-to strategy for staying warm on those freezing mornings? Let me know in the comments of the video!

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