KarunaNews Story

The current xTx trail, intended for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, navigates entirely along existing public routes—shoulders of state highways, backcountry gravel roads, and established trails. It connects travelers to state and national parks and showcases Texas’s vast and varied landscapes, all while remaining on public land. The xTx team is now planning the trail’s next phase, which includes routing around concerning areas and moving sections of the trail off public roads and onto private property through public access easements. “The vision was that, if we hit the ground running, we could create a trail that made use of existing facilities at first,” xTx founder Charlie Gandy said. “Then, over time, we could transition the trail onto private ranches that offer unique features, facilities, and other standout elements.” Gandy had the inspiration for a creating long-distance trail in his home state of Texas while hiking through snowy trails in Lake Tahoe, California. Building a trail across private lands requires navigating a complex network of interests. Ranchers, farmers, conservationists, outdoor users, and local governments all view land through different lenses, xTx Acting Executive Director Beckie Irvin said, and the xTx team aims to build trust and connections across those communities. The team has a lot of allies and excitement is building for this vision of a long-distance trail that gives people access to the vast ecological range of the state.