Mae Simmons Outer Loop Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Wildlife

A great trail in an unexpected location Lubbock isn't known for wonderful terrain, but this trail has a little bit of everything West Texas has to offer. Surprising hills and challenging singletrack makes this a must-run for the Hub City. The west section features open prairie with lots of prairie dogs and jackrabbits; keep an eye out for burrowing owls along the way as well. The hills are decently challenging, and this trail offers a great view of downtown Lubbock. The east section has some rocky canyon-type running and a surprising amount of wooded areas for West Texas. Crossing under the old railroad bridge will offer views of open cotton fields and wind turbines. Early in the evening or morning, you may see bobcats near the radio towers.

Park on the street right at the entrance to Dunbar Lake, where you'll find the north entrance to the trails. The trailhead will be right off the road. I like to take the trail counter-clockwise, but it's a loop so run either way.

The beginning section is pretty open, with a few quick, steep hills across some pretty open grassland with lots of prairie dogs. About a mile or so in, you'll see a parking lot to your right and a short trail leading off toward it; keep straight and run into the brush. This is what I would call the second part to the trail. You'll run through a nice wooded area with a lot more quick steep up and downs. There are other trails crossing this area, but keep taking all rights to stay to the outer loop.

You'll eventually wind around to another open area where you'll head toward an unused railroad bridge, the trail will lead underneath it. You'll go through a small wooded area here and come out onto a gravel road. Stay straight and head up the hill; veer off towards the left, there is a water treatment plant off to your right. Keep going up this hill until you hit a farm gate. The trail will continue along the fence-line to the left.

The trail will go through some scrub brush with some nice views of cotton fields. Take this all the way around and the first chance you get, take a path off to the right to start heading back. Once again back in the middle section just keep to the right, and you'll stay on the outer loop. Just follow the outer loop back across the open prairie until you loop back around.

Watch for Texas Horned lizards, and you might see bobcats near the radio tower in the early morning or late evening. Lots of prairie dogs and jack rabbits.