“The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland.” – Jack Maguire

Indeed, the bluebonnets of Texas have made their way into the symbolism and lore of our great state. Along with being the state flower, bluebonnets were believed to be messengers from the heavens by the Native American tribes of Texas. Their seeds were strewn throughout missions by early Spanish priests. This lead to the mis-belief that the Spanish brought the flower with them to the New World. However, two different varietals of the flower are native to Texas and found no other place on earth.

Hill Country Bluebonnet Tours

See fields like this during peak Bluebonnet Season in Texas Hill Country, from late March to early April.

Peak bluebonnet season is late March to early April. So make sure to plan your trip soon!
Although there are many driving routes, sometimes called bluebonnet trails, throughout the state, a good place to start is near the city of Burnet, which is known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. Burnet is roughly 40 miles northwest of Austin. Follow Hwy 29 west out of Burnet for 3-1/2 miles, then turn right (north) on Ranch Road (RR) 234 and follow it about 6 miles. Turn left on Graphite Mine Road, which will eventually meet up with Hwy 29 again. Turn left on Hwy 29 to return to Burnet.

A variation of this drive will give you different but equally spectacular views of bluebonnets and a view of Lake Buchanan. Follow TX Hwy 29 west and again turn right on RR 234. If you stay on this road, you’ll have 15 miles of vistas before it finally dead-ends. You can return via the same route or make the turn on Graphite Mine Road.

If you want to see even more of the Hill Country, simply stay on TX Hwy 29 west all the way to Llano, a distance of about 30 miles. In Llano, turn left (south) on TX Hwy 16 and follow it to Fredericksburg (39 miles). In Fredericksburg, turn left (east) on U.S. Hwy 290 and follow it 32 miles to Johnson City, then follow U.S. Hwy 281 north 37 miles to Burnet.

Hill Country Lodging

We have member bed and breakfasts all over Texas Hill Country. Make your bluebonnet tour an overnight or weekend event! Plus, innkeepers can guide you to little known bluebonnet fields or hikes in their region with amazing views.