Had four days off from work, and I didn't want to waste them away at the apartment. So I performed an internet search for parks and nature preserves. Out of the four that piqued my interest, this one was first on the list. Looks like there were other trails branching off from the main one, but I stuck with the main walking path. There were benches and informational signs scattered along the route. All of them worthwhile in reading. Unfortunately, I was saddened by how much litter I found. Irresponsible and narcissistic people. Boooo! The Nature preserve was well worth the time spent and effort to drive out here. Check it out! read more

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It's way too hot right now so unless you go very early in the morning, save your Crystal Canyon hike for a fair weather day. Then you can really enjoy it. The best thing about Arlington is all the trees and hills. North Texas is mostly flat and DFW isn't known for its foliage, but there's quite a few spots in Arlington that really feel "far away." There's true hills and canyons and forests and creeks. You can be in the center of the metroplex and still feel lost in the woods. Crystal Canyon is such a spot. This park is so pretty. I appreciate all the little signs that explain the trail and history of the area. Crystal Canyon gets its name from all the crystals (gypsum) to be found in the vicinity, particularly the creek. There's a few beautiful bridges and benches. The hike is fairly short but super scenic and enjoyable. read more

This is a beautiful, albeit short trail. Previous reviewers estimated a half a mile. It's a loop - not an out and back, so the whole thing is truly just the half mile. You'd have to run this loop quite a few times to make it great exercise. The half mile crosses three bridges and is partially shaded from the dense foliage the entire way. Most of the trail is composed of small rocks but parts are packed dirt, which do get muddy and slippery after the rain. This trail is completely stroller friendly, although prepare to get some mud on those wheels! The greenery here makes it a really pretty, very peaceful walk. My kids loved picking up and looking at the unique rocks along the way. We did not see any animal life while there (and we walked to trail twice). The creek water is bizarrely a blue/green color. It almost looks dirty, but the signs explain that the color is a result of the water washing over the rocks and minerals there. The parking lot is small but with a trail this size, I think there's probably always a spot available. There was no one else there when we went on a Sunday late morning. There is a water fountain at the entrance but no bathrooms. read more

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This natural area is very popular on Yelp and Google. Since, I was in A-town for my B-day, I decided to live it up and check it out. I was really impressed with the location, the crowd and the hiking trails! There's a very small parking lot with a few spaces. This makes it hard to ease into a spot. It seems like everyone in Texas drives a truck so, it can be awkward. There's a few options on the trail. It was heavily woodsy with a few hills. It also great for photos too. As I mentioned earlier, there's a few people out exploring, which makes you feel safe. The trails are hidden, deep in the heart of Arlington. Their surrounded by apartments so, a few families are out walking. I think it would be cool if they had a tour guide to explain some of the history. I would definitely return and recommend this place to yelpers. I would find some place in Arlington to eat then go for a hike. read more

Did we come during the DRY SEASON?! I wanted to see the water flowing under the bridges but there was nothing - the trail was short. My elderly mother love that there were plenty of sturdy benches throughout the trail, trash bins, and free parking. At the end of the day - I appreciated this little trail but I wouldn't do it every visit. read more

Crystal Canyon Natural Area - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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Small parking lot brings you to the entrance of this quaint small park with rocky, dirt trails. Like others, wish this park was bigger. Nevertheless, it is a nice outdoor area to walk around and enjoy the outdoors and nature read more

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Won't be coming back. The parking was terrible and the trail is short.(.51 mils) By the time you get back to your car, you're blocked in because, someone decided to park behind you in an already tight parking spot. Skip this and take yourself to river legacy or veterans park! read more

I took my dog here for a walk. This was our first time visiting. The area was beautiful, quiet, and mostly welcoming. I loved all of the different pathway options. You could stay on the main path or take a side path, multiple options to extend your exploration. I also liked the informational boards on the area, plant-life, birds, and other scientific resources. My only downside was the amount of animal waste right on the pathways. You literally had to go around it every few feet. I would like to go back but I hope I can spend more time looking at everything the place has to offer, rather than having to watch my step. The entrance does have a dog waste station but if you are taking a pet, I recommend bringing your own waste bags for disposal. read more

Totally underrated Dallas area park. Very serene and feels like the unspoiled TX countryside. If I had to compare, it's like a tiny manicured version of Cedar Hill State Park. read more

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This is a great nature trail! Beware: the parking is VERY limited. There wasn't too many people so it made my walk very private without feeling alone. Will be going back to explore the rest of the little trails here! read more

Very short hike probably less than 0.5 mile of rock covered trail. Not a bad hike, and it was well preserved. Nice lunch break get away from sitting under florescent lights. Only about 9 parking spaces available though. There are signs that help you identify different animals and plants around. They even have an area near the trail head where you can try to find fossils and crystals which the kids enjoyed (on the elevated land toward the right of the parking lot). There is also a sign to help identify which crystals you might have found ( and help you realize the rock you found was really just a rock and not a special crystal LOL). There's some trash scattered around, but it's not too bad. Overall it's a cute serene area, but I wish the trail was longer. read more

Crystal Canyon Natural Area - View - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Texas

This is such a nice little hike. Very open with lots of scenery. There's benches and bridges throughout the hike so you can stop to rest/look around. The water is pretty cool too. Would definitely come back to this area. read more

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I discovered that this park existed in a book I was reading about the Metroplex. I'd never heard of Crystal Canyon even though I've driven past the park many times. I'm grateful to my gps system because I almost missed the tiny park entrance which leads into a small parking lot across from an apartment complex. This is an eco-preserve. You're supposed to stick to the trails although there were several signs of people getting off the trails to carve into the soft sandstone and set off (illegal) fireworks. I would definitely recommend closed-toe shoes. I'd probably also recommend pants rather than shorts. There are the usual Texas critters (snakes, bobcats, etc.) as well as the usual leaves-of-three flora (poison ivy). The trail follows a paved and gravel path. There are loose rocks so if you're unsteady on your feet, you may want a walking cane. There are several signs posted to make you aware of the flora, fauna, and natural features of the park. There are also several benches along the trail so you can sit and observe. The trail is roughly .5 miles long. If you're sensitive to the heat, you may want to walk in the cooler parts of the day although there was plenty of dappled shade. There's a water fountain at the trailhead. The crystal referred to in the title comes from gypsum which is found all along the path. Dogs are welcome as long as you pick up after your dog. read more

Nice hike. About 1 mile around the paved path. Well marked with some off shoots. Sorry to see all the trash around. Well marked for interesting things. They did a good job. I would come back. This would also be good for someone disabled as the elevation changes are slight and the path is hard pack or concrete. read more

Crystal Canyon Natural Area - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Texas

Very nice spot to walk and get away and feel safe...I shouldn't have watched the Revenant the Day before I was on edge the entire time but I'm sure there weren't any Grizzlies waiting in the brush...lol...every couple I saw was on there phones...what's the point of going if you're going to be on the phone the entire time..I had my phone out to take a few pics not texting and having a conversation but I digress...it's a lovely spot to visit and get a little exercise in!! read more

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Nice walk, my dad used to take me here when I was younger. The parking is very limited but the perfect amount I think for how short a walk this is. The place is beautiful though not the most unique. Though it's a damn shame that it's just absolutely trashed and littered when you reach the upper portion. Heartbreaking really, I want to come back and just clean what I can. Pass that this place really is nice, loved the educational signs along the trail, greenery is beautiful. I'll likely come back, most definitely will bring a bag though to clear out the place a bit, until next time!! read more

Arlington Parks did a fine job with this natural area. A rock covered trail meanders up and down through the wooded canyon. Bridges span creeks and signs along the trail explain the flora and fauna. This is a beautiful area. I hope they expand the trail southward through the canyon (it seems like there is plenty of land). read more

Nice gravel path as I traveled throughout the trail. There were several bridges along the path with a creek running underneath, but they're dry now for the lack of rain this Summer. Also, there are post throughout the trail that let's you know about the wildlife and vegetation if you're lucky to see anything crawling or flying. read more

Crystal Canyon Natural Area - Parks Near Me - Arlington, Texas

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I love this little hidden gem in the middle of north Arlington. I am a natural trail runner/explorer. Please DO NOT pave any of the natural trails at this lovely little canyon, for us nature lovers and all the animals who live there. Leave it as it is..natural. River Legacy(down the street) has been ruined, in my opinion, with all the cement and the throngs of bikers. read more