Trail Overview

Rivers and Ribeyes is an easygoing, scenic 62-mile route serving as a picturesque side trip to the longer Texas Hill Country Tour or the Texas Traverse. This trail features primarily graded dirt roads with a flat profile, sitting at elevations between 1,074 and 1,508 feet. The journey is smooth and accessible for any high-clearance vehicle, offering stunning views as it winds alongside the cool waters of the Llano River. Beyond the easy driving, the route is packed with excellent spots to stop, fish, or cool off in the refreshing river. A primary highlight of the trip is a stop at the historic Castell General Store in the small community of Castell, famous for serving exceptional Texas barbecue and ribeye steaks. For those looking to extend their adventure overnight, Leifeste Campground offers an idyllic lakeside setting perfect for camping, relaxing, and paddling or kayaking in the clear turquoise waters.

Photos of Rivers and Ribeyes

Want to see more?
View All Photos

Difficulty

Water crossing depths are mostly low, but can be violent during flooding.

Technical Rating

Jarred Rhymes

Jul 26, 2026

1999 Chevy Tahoe

Open

Normal

Trail is open but the river crossing was alittle high/swift for me to try alone

Chris Meshell

Jul 25, 2026

2021 Ford Bronco

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

The stretch from Rocksprings to Junction was a little challenging due to the recent rains washing out alot of the river crossings. Met two different people that turned around due to some of them. Until the crossings are fixed I recommend high clearance and 4 wheel lock due to soft bottom rivers. First crossing is closed out of Junction otw to Fredricksburg but can be bypassed by using 377 to cr314 where you can rejoin the Tour trail. The closer you get to Fredricksburg the faster the trail gets. Worth the day trip for sure!!

Jeremy Simpson

Jun 11, 2026

2017 Chevy Z71

Open

Dusty

Beautiful scenery and a completely different experience from the East Texas trails I’m used to. Most of my experience is on red dirt roads through the piney woods, so the rocky Hill Country terrain and river crossings were a nice change of pace. Some sections were rougher than expected, but nothing too extreme. Great views, plenty of places to stop and take photos, and worth exploring if you’re looking for something outside the usual East Texas backroads.

Daniel Brees

Jun 07, 2026

2007 Lexus GX

Open

NormalDustyWashboard

Nice, easy, fun trail for a day out in Mason! Any car could drive it with no problem

G 2

Feb 08, 2026

Open

Trails open. Not a super exciting trail today. Rivers are low, barely got a tire wet. Not much dirt road, but I think the dirt was probably smoother than the pavement. Everything is still in winter foliage, no doubt prettier on spring. Enjoyable Sunday drive though. 4x4 not required.

John Ramirez

Jan 01, 2026

2018 Toyota 4Runner

Open

Normal

Paved backroads with single lane creek and river crossings. Cattle guards and livestock are free roaming. Make sure you stay off private property and respect the land.

Jayden d

Sep 22, 2025

Open

Chantel Bowdoin

Apr 13, 2025

Open

NormalDusty

Some parts of the trail are paved and some of the trail is gravel. Gorgeous scenery, easy trail

Brian Cahill

Jan 26, 2025

2004 Lexus GX

Open

Normal

Jay-Jay Hernadez

Jan 02, 2025

Open

NormalDusty

Water was low in crossing

Christopher Elmore

Dec 28, 2024

2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Open

Dusty

The beauty of the Texas hill country. The river view was amazing. Rolling hills and prairies along with deer. Watch out for loose livestock. The old oaks were amazing to see.

Mark Moore

Oct 26, 2024

Open

DustyWashboard

Preston Kessinger

Jun 16, 2024

2021 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Dusty

A variety of county roads, both gravel and paved, that wind their way around private properties in and around the Llano River. Very scenic with opportunities for water activities as well as a couple camping options nearby. Multiple water crossings even in drier conditions. Weather: Partly cloudy, Temperature 90-95F, Dewpoint 72, winds S at 10-15mph. Side note: Ran into angry property owner (or friend of a property owner) near the west end of the trail, right at the junction with US 87. I was parked on the side of the road and he said I was on private property and "could be shot". Other than that, it was a fun day of scenic driving with a little bit of dirt and water mixed in. See my trail report video: https://youtu.be/5a5NtySbOm8

Judd Kennedy

Apr 20, 2024

2022 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Normal

Mostly dirt roads interconnecting various loose livestock ranches. Fun drive along the llano river. Nothing technical but beautiful drive!

Brian Bownds

Apr 15, 2024

2023 Ford Bronco

Open

Normal

Trail is combination paved and unpaved county roads with a few concrete low water crossings. Wildflowers were in full bloom and were abundant and beautiful. I highly recommend this trail during wild flower season.