As we swap our felt hats for straw hats in Texas, our eyes also turn to the open road. With thoughts of Texas road trips top of mind for summer 2021, enjoy this wonderful photo-roundup of our beautiful and infinitely varied state.

All photography courtesy Keith Smathers Photography

1. Camp Eagle, Rock Springs

Reflections on the Nueces River at Camp Eagle, a 1,400-acre outdoor retreat located near Rock Springs, Texas, about an hour west of Kerrville. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

2. Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena

At 2,500 acres, Armand Bayou Nature Center is the largest urban wilderness preserve in the United States. The Pasadena, Texas nature preserve is filled with walking trails. This watchful alligator was spotted from a trail. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

3. Hillister, near Woodville

Solitude in the early morning overlooking a hay meadow near Hillister south of Woodville, Texas. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

4. Rosebud, Texas

An early morning start for the Texas Gravel Championship as riders pass through downtown Rosebud, about an hour east of Temple, Texas. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

5. Bandera, Texas

This beautiful hillside view is on a private ranch near Bandera, an hour and a half northwest of San Antonio, Texas. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

6. Dinosaur Valley State Park

A majestic view of the Paluxy River flowing through Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

7. Lake Belton

Near Temple, Texas, the calm beauty of Lake Belton in the early morning. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

8. South Padre Island

A seagull swoops across the bay at South Padre Island near San Isabel in south Texas. Photo Keith Smathers Photography

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Cover: The Nueces River. Photo courtesy Keith Smathers Photography

Keith Smathers is a professional engineer working towards the day he will dedicate his time to his second love in life…photography. (Of course, his wife Ana Marie is his first true love.)
Contact Keith for professional mountain biking, motocross, portrait and family event photos.