Austin’s reputation as a live music capital often overshadows a quieter truth: it is also a hiker’s paradise. The city sits at a rare ecological crossroads where the Edwards Plateau, the Blackland Prairies, and the riparian corridors of the Colorado River converge. This geological diversity means a short drive from downtown can transport you from limestone cliffs and juniper forests to cypress-lined creeks and open grasslands.
For residents, hitting the trail is less about escaping the city and more about connecting with its natural rhythm. The local hiking culture is deeply tied to the landscape’s seasonal shifts, from spring wildflower blooms to the golden light of autumn. Whether you are training for a rugged hill country trek or simply looking for a mindful morning walk, the variety of terrain keeps the experience fresh year-round.
Understanding Austin’s trail system requires knowing a bit about its unique challenges. The famous Texas heat is not to be underestimated, and many of the best routes feature exposed rock that radiates warmth well into the evening. Likewise, flash floods can transform dry creek beds into rushing waterways with little warning, making it essential to check conditions before venturing into lower elevations.
The trails below are curated to reflect different experience levels, scenic payoffs, and proximity to the city center. Some are heavily trafficked social hubs where you will see trail runners, families, and leashed dogs. Others are quieter preserves where bird calls outnumber human voices. What they share is a distinct sense of place—an Austin identity that cannot be experienced from a car window.
We have prioritized accuracy in mileage, difficulty ratings, and access details so you can plan with confidence. Each recommendation is based on current trail conditions, official park guidelines, and the practical realities of parking and permits. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong Austinite, this guide is designed to help you find the right path for your energy level and time budget.
Below, you will find twelve of the best hiking trails in Austin, ranging from iconic urban loops to secluded hill country escapes. After the list, we have included essential safety and etiquette tips to help you make the most of your time on the trail.
River Place Nature Trail
| Address | 8820 Big View Dr, Austin, TX 78730 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
We decided to be crazy and head out to my husband's favorite trail in Plano. Absolutely beautiful area and very well taken care of. There are numerous trails off the main lake walk which people can explore to their hearts content.
I do wish there was more seating around the lake for views and just to relax and enjoy the water.
Outside of that amazing park and trails. Highly recommend for avid walkers and beginners!
Great trail. They charge $10 per person on weekends. The hike itself is moderate to hard. There are no drinking water or toilets hence plan accordingly. Bring plenty of water with you. Wear good hiking shoes. There are a couple of places where you need to cross water and it could be slippery hence be careful. If you have trekking poles bring them with you. There are a lot of ups and downs with steep climbs and can be a great cardio work out. I parked in the nearby parking lot but most people park along the road. The nearby parking lot also has water and toilets.
My girlfriend and I recently hiked the full out-and-back route at River Place Nature Trail. The trail is about 5.5 miles with roughly 900 feet of elevation gain, making it a challenging but manageable workout. It’s well marked, well maintained, and beautifully scenic. There’s a $10 per-person fee during peak weekend hours (around 8:00 AM to noon), which supports trail upkeep. Volunteer staff at the entrances make payment easy with card tap or Apple Pay. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for a rewarding hike in the Austin area.
Beautiful spot! If you do the 6 mile out and back to the ridge over look be prepared to work and bring plenty of water. It is a beautiful trail though. Watch for low hanging branches and trees and be mindful on the stairs as they are log stairs mostly and errosion has done it's duty.
Amazing trail with beautiful views throughout. Out and back trail, not a loop. definitely worth it. Free street parking.
Trail is very well maintained. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, might get challenging towards the end.
Overall, a beautiful hike n a solid workout.
River Place Nature Trail Canyon Trailhead
| Address | 4998 River Pl Blvd, Austin, TX 78730 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Enjoyed this trail but I do not recommend for beginners! I’d rate moderate/hard just because of the elevation and the climbing of stairs/narrow trail. We started at the top and made it about a mile before hiking back to the beginning.
Narrow trail from where we started so it did make it a little difficult to pass since I had my dogs.
Overall, still very enjoyable and beautiful scenery! I am looking forward to being able to complete or start at the opposite end of the trail!
Started at the bottom near the lake and hiked up to the other entrance then turned around and hiked back down. This hike is no joke. Must have at least 2000 stairs each way. And the climbs are steep and narrow. I think there and back is 6 miles total. Bring water, good shoes and be ready to sweat lol
Love this place. About 2.5 mile hike one direction. Usually takes 2.5 hrs. However I think there is alot of fertilizer and pollution runoff coming from golf course and surrounding areas. So sad to see the creek in algal bloom or with residue film on surface. It's free during the week. Take cash during the weekend or go volunteer. I actually don't know what their volunteer status is. Love this trail.
$10 per person fee. Bring lots of water and some snacks. This hike is a pretty serious hike and is about 6 miles out and back with 1,200 Ft of elevation. Set aside 3 hours at least. Very beautiful views and lush greenery. This is probably my favorite hike I’ve been on.
The only disappointing part of this excursion was that we did not know ahead of going that there was a $10 charge per person to go on any of the trail. There were elderly ladies at both entrances collecting — they were very friendly and overly advising and talkative but probably to some that is helpful. The trail itself is challenging if you go all the way. We hike a bit and this one challenged me for the distance and the elevation. But it is very well maintained, very well marked trails and very very beautiful. It is also very wood-sy —so very shaded which in Austin heat was a good thing. It is an out and back, not a loop and the elevation in most instances was steps - natural steps made with a landscape timber. About 5.5 miles total out and back total distance. We heard bull frogs, birds of all kinds. If you go all the way to the end of the approaching road there is a small park with small parking lot, there is also a lot on street parking which you see before you get all the way to the park. Restrooms (primitive but not an outhouse) at the park.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
| Address | 3755 S Capital of Texas Hwy Apt B, Austin, TX 78704 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
We recently hiked a stretch of the Barton Creek Greenbelt (around 4.25 to 7.25 miles) with our 9-year-old, and it turned out to be a wonderful family experience. The trail offers a great mix of shaded paths, rocky terrain, and peaceful surroundings. Even though we saw a good number of people biking and walking, there were also stretches where it felt quiet and almost secluded, which made the hike even more enjoyable. The creek was dry during our visit, but the natural beauty of the area still stood out.
One of the most interesting parts of the hike was spotting scavenger birds and vultures, which gave us a real sense of being in a natural, living ecosystem rather than just a city trail. It added a slightly wild and adventurous feel to the experience. Overall, it’s a beautiful and well-balanced trail—perfect for families looking for a bit of adventure, nature, and calm all in one place. Definitely worth visiting, especially after rains when water is flowing.
The limestone cliffs and shaded canopy really make this place feel like a hidden world right in the middle of the city. I love how the atmosphere changes from peaceful creekside spots to that intense rocky climb at the end that always leaves my legs feeling like jelly. It is such a solid spot to just get lost in nature for a bit, especially if you have a dog that loves exploring the trails as much as you do.
I went on a weekend morning to get a few miles in and spend some time outside without leaving town. The trail had a nice mix of shade, rocky stretches, and creekside areas, with limestone walls that make it feel tucked away from the city. It was busy in spots, but still calm enough to enjoy the walk ��. The creek was mostly dry when I went, so Twin Falls and the other water spots were more like rock areas than swimming holes. The paths were in decent shape, but the markings could be better, and I was glad I had my phone map with me. Some sections were easy, while a few rocky climbs made it feel like a real workout. I saw plenty of dogs, though not everyone had them leashed, so that is something to keep in mind. Parking was not hard for me, but I would not leave anything visible in the car. Overall, it was a peaceful, pretty hike with a very Austin feel, especially if you go in knowing the water depends on recent rain.
Beautiful area and lots of trails to explore. Trails aren’t marked very well so make sure to take a GPS or download a map. I took a wrong trail and had to back track to get back on the right path. Beautiful area and trails are maintained well enough. Not much water in the creek at all. Passed by Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls and neither of them had any “falls” to them at all. Still such a beautiful area.
This is a little tricky intially to understand where is the starting point. When nearing to this address, we found some cars parking along road. We parked our car here. And there is Way right side where we need to get inside to walk into nature trail. Keep enjoying walking into about 1- 1.5 miles walking until you see beautiful waterfalls. Overall good experience.
McKinney Falls State Park
| Address | 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy, Austin, TX 78744 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 243-1643 |
The park is big so if you want to go on a long hike, it's a good place to visit. The waterfalls though are short &small. It's an okay state park. They have a gift shop at the entrance.
Great place to day trip or camp. They have the upper and lower falls where you can get into the water.
$6 per person for $13 and older. Which is great anf supports this popular state park.
Lots of parking and many different trailhead so you can jump in at different points.
Visited on May 24, 2026, and had a great experience. This is a wonderful park for families with plenty to do, whether you enjoy hiking the trails, relaxing by the water, or camping for the weekend. The scenery is beautiful, and there are several spots where kids can safely enjoy the water.
A few tips for first-time visitors: bring plenty of food and water, and pack some ice to keep your drinks cold throughout the day. If you’re visiting with children, water tubes can make the experience even more fun. Also, plan on getting your feet wet—an extra pair of slippers or sandals comes in handy, especially around the swimming areas and at Site #2.
Overall, a great outdoor destination near Austin. Just come prepared with the right gear, and you’ll have a fantastic day. Highly recommended!
The state park offers some nice little hikes. The waterfalls are very small and I think I just had in my head that they would be a little bit bigger. The trails are well groomed and there are plenty of informational placards about the history of the area. It was a weekday the day I went and so there were very few people there. But it was very close to my hotel and I would say worth the $5 I paid to get in. If you're looking for any sort of challenging hike, this is not the place for you.
Place was definitely worth going to even though we didn’t get a chance to swim since it’s been really dry this summer. Caught up with the free tour. I would highly recommend it. The guide was super knowledgeable and friendly.
Sculpture Falls
| Address | Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, Austin, TX 78746 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
May 25th 2026, we had a good rain storm last week so water was running. Very pretty. Got lost on way back, trails are not marked very well. They really need portable toilet 🚻 s out there. People 💩 💩 on the trail 👣 and leave toilet paper 🧻 around. I saw three of those. We are very fortunate to have such a beautiful greenbelt. Austin is such a special place. Thank you city council 💙. It is amazing that the affluent people have not that made private and built mansion s. It needs to stay public.
Free parking at the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trailhead, although signs warn of break-ins, we saw none. A beautiful and relatively easy hike through the woods to the small but textured Sculpture Falls. It had rained hard the night before, so there was actually water flowing over the rocks and the pool at the base was clear and clean. In drier times, it becomes stagnant and quite dirty. People were swimming in it while we were there. A great way to spend a morning - especially after a night of rain.
Had a great time! Its a nice hike. An hour or 10 minutes depending where you park. You can swim and relax here and many people come here. Apparently we came at a great time because it had rained the weeks before and the river filled up. Depending on the time of year falls could be dryed up.
A beautiful oasis tucked back between the greenbelt. A gorgeous place when water is flowing through the creek.
A good hike down to it from the entrance of the trail . Popular during holidays or weekends.
It used to be a place of communion with nature. Now it's often frequented by people with loud music and beverages.
Great hiking trail with well maintained areas and a few washed out and overgrown areas. If you’re in decent shape, don’t mind getting your feet wet or climbing over a couple of slippery rocks. This is the place to go hiking. Ample free parking, but I recommend using Google Maps or a good trail hiking app so that you don’t lose your way. Yes there are trail markers but you should always have a back up plan.
Turkey Creek Trailhead
| Address | 1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 346-1831 |
Turkey Creek is one of my favorite places to spend time outdoors! It’s a beautiful spot with plenty of shade, and my dogs absolutely love it. They have so much fun jumping in the water and exploring the trails. It’s peaceful, well-maintained, and the perfect place to enjoy nature with your pups. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor adventure!
Turkey Creek off-leash dog park offers a beautiful 3-mile loop hike. The terrain has a slight incline, and the sandy dirt trail is lined with roots and rocks that can cause tripping hazards. Throughout the hike, there’s usually a creek, but if it dries up, there’s a spring called the oasis that always has some water.
This park is designed for dogs who are already social with other dogs and people. However, it’s important to note that the parking lot is prone to car break-ins. To avoid this, it’s advisable to keep your doors unlocked and remove any valuables from your vehicle.
Beautiful scenery and good long trail to walk with your unleashed dogs, we had zero issues with anyone or any dogs that we encountered along the path. People were friendly and the trail had dog poop bags for the public to use for free, the trails were very clean and well maintained. I am pretty sure there is a good amount of creeks with water on rainy season but in our case we had very little water encounters along the way as there hasn't been much rain lately. There is a small parking lot at the head of the trail which was convenient as well as trash cans. If you havent unleash your dog in a public setting this is a great place to do so and dogs a very calm an easy going once free.
Very beautiful small Trail and easy to navigate. It’s a bit Rocky at some points but overall it’s a quite a small trail but scenic. It’s quiet compared to other trails I’ve been to so it was a peaceful experience. I arrived there midday and in the evening it gives quite a vibe. Will definitely recommend if you ever come across Austin!
The trail is 2.75 miles and well maintained. Very dog friendly with most dogs being off- leash. It was great for my dog because most of the trail is shaded and there were several spots for the dogs to play in the water. I will be going back.
St. Edward's Greenbelt
| Address | Parking lot, 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
We came here yesterday for a relaxing time in nature and a bit of birding. We were on a short hike when, after 20-25 minutes, we started receiving fraud alerts for purchases made with my wife’s credit cards. We were initially confused but decided to head back to the car to deal with the credit card situation, only to find that the front passenger window was smashed and most of our belongings were gone. Her purse, including her wallet and passport, was gone, as she was set to travel today. My son’s expensive camera gear and important research data were also gone.
We live overseas in a very safe country and were very naive when we came here. It was a hard and painful lesson. I see that this is happening a lot in this location and am wondering if anyone has managed to find some of their belongings discarded somewhere. Where should we look for the discarded items?
Also, why are the authorities not addressing this location? It could be an easy task. A simple police or detective operation should put an end to, or at least deter, future burglaries.
I love this spot. The parking lot can come up quickly so make sure you don't miss it. The trails range from easy to more of a workout if you decide to cross the creek and go up the hill. It's a nice workout.
Visited this place in November — the weather was absolutely perfect for a hike! The nature is stunning: golden autumn leaves, peaceful atmosphere, and a wonderful place for a soulful walk. It’s so close to the city, and there are trails for every preference — from short walks to longer hikes. A true golden autumn forest! 🍂
Beautiful trails and scenic area! Went on a Saturday morning and while there were people it was not overly crowded. Dog friendly, but there are many areas where you climb larger rocks. Creek was nice and is visible through many areas through the trail!
Don't come here until Austin get out of drought condition. Also there are other posts about car break-in so be careful. A lot of trash at the parking lot btw. Some people just don't take care of things.
Currently the weir is dry and the creek drying up. Without water, the scenery is not as vibrant as before. You can tell they been sun bleached. If you get close to the water you can see there are still small fishes living in the water.
Hill of Life
| Address | 1710 Camp Craft Rd, Austin, TX 78746 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
This trail is amazing. Super dog friendly with shaded hiking trails area with great views of Hill of life falls and sculpture falls. If you park at the Hill of life neighborhood trailhead it’s a short hike to the hill of life falls. The water is not too deep and slightly cleaner to get in to. Moderately crowded in the early mornings however the trail gets more foot traffic later in the day. A decent hike for your dog. Make sure to wear good traction hiking shoe to avoid slipping from loose gravel and rocks. also please make sure to check the levels of Algae, carry a bug spray and water on the trail. Avoid parts of the water with any visible signs of algae blobs. If ingested might be toxic for your pets. Parking is paid in a super safe neighborhood. Carry an extra pair of teva or keen water shoes if you plan to get into the water. The slippery rocks make it painful to walk barefoot. Enjoy a nice sunny day on the trail and you won’t be disappointed.
Epic hike on a Sunday morning
Hiking down the hill, we worked up a good sweat and as soon as we saw the water--we had to get in.
Super sweet sensations!
After a bit of swimming, we made our way to sculpture falls.
*Careful out there*
When along the way, this gorgeous new born snake found us--on a cliffside path just overlooking the trail.
This small (~8") yet mighty snake is a cottonmouth.
We demonstrated much respect and extreme caution when taking this picture.
Be safe y'all
The hike is beautiful but slightly difficult but river made it so worth it. It was very clean and not crowded for a Saturday evening. Parking is set in a neighborhood and must be paid. It was a nice neighborhood so your car will be safe. Definitely would go again
This is one of the more enjoyable hiking spots in Austin. Not truly a hike in my opinion as most of the trail is flat, but the hill itself is a decent workout going back up at a fast pace. As others have stated, it’s a good idea to wear hiking shoes or shoes with good cushion/support as there are rocky patches here and there. For those looking for an extended hike, a 6-mile loop is possible if you trek all the way to Mopac and back.
A handful of things to be aware of if you decide to go in the Spring or Summer: the trail gets quite crowed at times with hikers, bathers of the creek, and mountain bikers, and the parking can be challenging (you have to park in the neighborhood, no parking lot present). You have to pay for parking, LAME, so you may want to install the Park ATX app before heading out to streamline things before you arrive.
I was in Austin for New Year's trip and decided to hit some trails - I started by making my way up to Sculpture Falls, but unfortunately it was very dry.
Decided to continue up to the Hill of Life Dam and definitely was satisfied with my decision.
Good little waterfall, some beautiful bluffs along the trail. The ascent up to the Hill of Life trailhead (or down from there to the dam) is a little bit technical and can be strenuous depending on your physical ability, but overall definitely worth it and a hike I would certainly recommend.
Twin Falls
| Address | 3918 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
Loved our hike, so so pretty. At the end of this trail is a beautiful pool of water and small waterfalls. Great place to meditate, reflect and relax after the hike. Highly recommend it for couples and families
We went there in Nov and it was dry. A nice trail to walk but come prepared with water as there isn’t any to drink. Visit only around spring time. Checked some reviews after my visit and saw the same. At my time luckily no break ins. But still be careful. Can’t take strollers or wheelchairs so if you have new born be prepared to carry
PS - I have added the map in the pictures
We visited Twin Falls along the trail, which is clearly a highlight of the Greenbelt. Although there was no water flowing this time, you can still imagine how beautiful it would be after a good rain. The rock formations and open space make it a great spot to relax and explore, especially for kids. We even spotted scavenger birds and vultures, which added to the feeling of being in a real, natural ecosystem. Overall, it’s a scenic and slightly adventurous trail that’s perfect for families—definitely worth visiting, especially when the water is flowing.
This is a great hike... I actually like hiking here. There's a lot of uphill and downhill or you can take the other trail that's more flat. The reason I give this trail only 3 🌟 is because safety. I would not recommend doing this trail alone, especially if it's not during peak times (10-5) on weekends. A lot of cars VISIBLY get broken into here. There was nothing but shattered glass throughout the entire parking area. Just be careful. There are PLENTY of other places you can hike or walk a trail and feel safe and know your belongings aren't likely to get stolen or even come back to a broken window.
It’s a risk parking at the place due to break ins, one of the vehicles next to mine was broken into. But the hiking trail in itself was beautiful. Of course it has ups and downs so shoes highly recommended. It was a very hot 🥵 day the day we went and I recommend you take a backpack with waters and whatever else your taking. It was a beautiful place once we got to the second waterfall because the first one was dry.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
| Address | 3800 Mt Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Great place to watch sunset .
Breathtaking of Austin city and the river. Also before the stairs there are two juice sellers. They are very friendly. You can enjoy refreshing juice on your way up or down.
The stairs isn't difficult. After the stairs take the trail to the right as well .
I personally was able to take the stairs in sandals. It’s not a far climb but be sure to bring water and sunglasses if visiting in the summer time. Spectacular view once at the top.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is absolutely worth visiting! The views from the top are stunning and give you an incredible overlook of the Colorado River, Lake Austin, and the beautiful Austin skyline all in one spot. It’s one of the best scenic views in the area and a perfect place to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the outdoors.
The short climb to the top is well worth it, especially around sunset when the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. Whether you’re visiting Austin or you’re local to the area, this is definitely a must-see spot. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and the unforgettable panoramic views!
Most of Texas is private property. In Texas private property law is taken very seriously. Criminal charges, felonies, even death are in the realm of possibilities for those who ignore posted no trespassing signs. Anyone trespassing on property, even worse, committing a crime of theft or violence. If caught be ready for law enforcement to come down hard on you. Assuming the land owner doesn’t catch you red handed in the act with his/her side arm.
That being said Texas is huge. It feels like new discoveries are being made weekly. Central Texas is one of the hotspots rewriting the history books as I type this. If you are over the age of 35 most of what was taught in school. Pertaining to the peopling of the Americans is largely wrong.
More and more evidence of human habitation going back as far as 16000, 17000, even 20,000 years in Central Texas is continually coming to light. The history books, if they include the indigenous American people. Can’t ignore the evidence. People have been living in central Texas at minimum, 20,000 years.
Texas would have been a refuge for life during the multiple glaciation periods people had endure.
Despite the colonial push to erase all memory of the indigenous American tribes. They may have been successful in the genocide of all the people. But the settlements, the rock Art, the millions of flint arrowheads, the kill sites with mammoths, giant sloths and mastodons exist. It exists in the geological record. Human beings were in North America long before mainstream archaeology is willing to admit, even with this never ending source of more and more convincing evidence.
Mount Bonnell represents something special. It’s a High Point in Austin. You can see almost the entire city. It’s open to the general public. It’s free to visit, it’s beautiful and it’s ancient.
It makes me wonder about all the ancient sites on private property just waiting to be discovered.
If visiting Austin Mount Bonnell is an absolute must.
A must see if you're in Austin! I went here with my sister and her dog on a Saturday weekend morning. The view of the Colorado river is truly breathtaking! 😍
There's a short hike on stairs at the entrance of the park. A bit steep, but manageable. There's a lot of areas to sit and just watch the river and listen to the sound of the wind. All in all, it's a 5-star experience. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
| Address | 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | (512) 327-7622 |
We hiked the outermost loop, which isn’t long but has a fair amount of elevation change and is rocky! I wish I’d worn my hiking shoes although we still had a great time. Trail was totally empty when we visited on a weekday morning. Lovely waterfall!
The visitor center is fabulous. Very family-friendly! Want to come back with my kiddo soon.
I have been here many times and I have previously written a review. Today I got some great videos with lots of water in the creek. Today was mostly hike, instead of run, trails mostly still wet, mostly shady SAUNA, lots of creek water, beautiful!
I enjoyed my time there. So many helpful signs along the trails made it easy to explore without feeling lost. The nature was absolutely beautiful — even though the tall grass and trees blocked a clear view of the waterfall, I still managed to capture some great photos and videos. 🌿💦
Let me share with you what I was able to capture here. 📸
This place is full of small paths/climbs/viewpoints. A gem of natural life nearby, well preserved thanks to generous donations of various people and st edwards university.
You must have reservations. Luckily it's only $5 per car. We had a wonderful hike. Some challenging spots on the rocks along the trail, but there are plenty of sand and dirt trails that are gentler than the rocky outgrows.
Very clean and very beautiful, especially the waterfalls.
Bull Creek District Park
| Address | 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 974-6700 |
It was a blast! We had alot of fun at the slides.
The pool section of the creek where the rope swing was now sucks. The City of Austin let the vegetation take over the bank of the creek. It used to be a beautiful field with a beach to go into the water. At the rope swing area. And the water at the area with the natural water slides was super fast.
Best small park in the area so far. Has a stream and trails across the stream. Leads to other trails. Has some elevation and can get a little steep. Some photos from a different connected park with the waterfall.
A great spot for picnics and shallow-river water-wading. Some good rocks for climbing over and greenery to soothe your wretched soul.
Hikes and nature walks inside the city. Small waterfalls with clear water and swimming holes where I saw a guy catching big catfish 👍 amazing place to get away from stress
Beautiful scenery all around! A perfect spot to enjoy the water or hike along the trail. The rocks and bouldering areas are a highlight, making it great for climbers as well. There are plenty of swimming spots to cool off, and the views are stunning throughout. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a scenic hike, a refreshing swim, or some fun rock climbing.
Tips for Hiking Austin’s Trails
Austin’s trails are exceptionally accessible, but the local environment comes with specific hazards and unwritten rules. The following tips come from years of experience on these paths and reflect the collective wisdom of the city’s hiking community. Reading them before you lace up your boots will help you avoid common beginner mistakes and respect the fragile ecosystems you are visiting.
Start early or go late. During summer, the difference between a 9 a.m. and an 11 a.m. start can be dangerous. Aim to finish exposed sections before noon, or wait until after 6 p.m. when the stone begins to cool. Always check the UV index and carry more water than you think you need—one liter per hour is a safe baseline in July and August.
Respect the creek crossings. Many Austin trails cross dry or low-water creek beds. If water is flowing after recent rain, do not attempt to cross unless you can clearly see the bottom and the current is slow. Turn around rather than risk a flash flood, as water levels can rise rapidly even when the sky above you is clear.
Stay on marked paths. The thin soil and limestone ledges around Austin are fragile. Cutting switchbacks or creating social trails accelerates erosion and destroys native plants. If a trail is muddy enough to leave deep footprints, choose a different route or wait for drier conditions.
Watch for wildlife, not just snakes. While western diamondback rattlesnakes and copperheads do live here, you are far more likely to encounter poison ivy, fire ants, and prickly pear cactus. Learn to identify poison ivy’s three-leaf pattern, and check your shoes and socks after brushing against vegetation.
Bring a physical map or download offline files. Cell service is unreliable in many of the deeper greenbelts and preserves west of the city. A fully charged phone is not a substitute for knowing your route. Many trail junctions lack signage, so a GPS app with offline maps can prevent a short walk from becoming an unplanned loop.
Austin’s trails reward those who come prepared and tread lightly. The city’s rapid growth has placed enormous pressure on its public lands, and every hiker plays a role in preserving these spaces for the next generation. Pack out all trash, keep dogs on leashes where required, and yield to uphill traffic on narrow single-track sections.
The best way to know Austin is to walk it slowly. Each trail on this list offers a different chapter of the city’s natural story, from the limestone shelves of the Barton Creek Greenbelt to the shaded canopies of Walnut Creek. Lace up, fill your water bottle, and discover why locals say this city is best experienced on foot.
