Spring ‘25 update part I

xTexas Trail Project organizer Charlie Gandy

>> Watch the video instead here!

1) It's not ready yet!

The route is a draft route in progress it's not a fully completed trail.

Right now, we're still looking for ground-proofers with expert skills in hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. This means that you are the type that can fully support your own water, food, and shelter needs without any resources or help from us beyond the mapped-out route, or any support help that isn’t a part of your own team.

The route is not designed for thru-hiking, biking, or horse riding in late spring (such as now) or summer ever. Full stop. It's designed for late fall, winter, and early spring. We’re not sure how to make this any clearer.

At present, there are too many sections in the mid to western portions with no water, food, or shelter resources right now for 80 miles.

2) Our summer & fall activities

We'll be continuing to meet with landowners to see about gaining access across their property. Whenever possible we’ll be working to navigate the trail off paved roads, especially sections with busier traffic.

We'll continue to meet with those who want to purchase land along the trail.

We're developing shelter prototypes this summer including incorporating the solar panels we've been given, and our goal is to test them out next winter.

In November we'll be doing a group-ground proofing in the Hill Country similar to what we did for the 1st 100 miles in East Texas (the Sweaty Taste of the xTx). More details coming soon.

3) The upcoming xTx thru-hike-orama

From January thru March 2026 Charlie will be thru-hiking the xTx trail and I'm inviting you along. More details coming soon. You can do part of it or all of it.