8 Places to Get Outdoors in Odessa, TX
Odessa may not be known for its mountains or plentiful water sports but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find fun adventure around the city.
If you’re a mountain biker, a fisherman, love running, or just want to get outside on a clear West Texas day, here are the top picks for outdoor recreation in Odessa, Texas:
Odessa Mountain Bike Park
For those of us that are used to mountain bikes being more synonymous with actual mountains, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the Odessa Mountain Bike Park has over 18 miles of trail with varying difficulties inside 95 acres tucked behind Park’s Legado.
Location:
Parking lot behind Odessa Fire Station #5
7155 Eastridge Road
Odessa, TX 79765
UTPB Duck Pond
You may be impressed to find that the University of Texas Permian Basin duck pond in Odessa is more than a lone pond. Instead you’ll find a water habitat brimming with a wide variety (and generally a large quantity) of ducks and other waterfowl — equipped with tables and shade from which to enjoy them. Free.
4901 E University Blvd
Odessa, TX 79762
UPTB Walking Trail
Walk, hike, or bike. You can choose from a nature trail or a paved sidewalk with three paths to choose from. The outer loop is nearly 3 miles, the inner loop is 1.5 and the nature trail is .5 miles. Free.
4901 E University Blvd
Odessa, TX 79762
Comanche Trail
The Comanche Trail (particularly the West entrance) is a strikingly shaded, picturesque trail that feels like the furthest thing from the West Texas landscape that you may have seen in a while. The 1.5-mile trail is paved making it enjoyable for everyone in the family — whether you’re pushing a stroller or jogging with an ornery dog. For disc-golfers in Odessa, there are 3 courses for you to play at. Park at the West or South Entrance.
Comanche Trail Fishing Pond
Looking for a place to enjoy the still of water? Or perhaps to relax while fishing the stocked pond? The Comanche Trail fishing pond may be the perfect place for you to enjoy the outdoors in Odessa, TX. As long as you have a proper fishing license through Texas Parks and Wildlife, head out to the Comanche Trail community fishing pond. Check the regulations for bag limits. Free.
The pond is located at the South Entrance.
301 W I-20
Odessa, TX 79766
UTPB Stonehenge Replica
We can’t explain it either, but for whatever reason, local Odessa residents decided to create a replica of the mysterious English megalith is still reason enough to visit it if you’re in town. It is the same length horizontally as the real Stonehenge but is a few feet shorter. You may find yearly celebrations of the Summer Solstice taking place here, as well.
4901 E University Blvd
Odessa, TX 79762
McKinney Park
Mckinney Park is a 22-acre property. In addition to baseball fields and other courts, there is a splash pad and playground for the kids. The City of Odessa holds events such as the annual Christmas light display in the Permian Basin, Starbright Village.
625 W Pool Rd
Odessa, TX 79763
Memorial Gardens Park/ Buffalo Wallow Park
Located off of 42nd Street, Buffalo Wallow Park offers a great walking loop around Buffalo Wallow lake. Kids can feed the ducks and other waterfowl that seem to always be hungry for seeds and crumbs. Around the Lake are various sculptures.
4730 E 42nd St
Odessa, TX 79762
Did we miss your favorite outdoor recreation spot? Email us and we’ll be sure to add it or feature it in a future post. Check our long post on things to do in Odessa, TX.