Briarcliff, Texas

Pace Bend is a favorite camping and day use destination near Austin, Texas. The park is approximately 45 minutes West of Austin located off of Hwy 71 and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities. There is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle for Day Use only and $15 per vehicle for p...

The "must have" campsite is along Marshall Cove in Pace Bend Park. From the park's entrance head straight along the road and take the 3rd left onto the Marshall Cove turnout. The sites are not numbered, but locating the site is pretty easy--it's on the left-hand side of the the road along the edg...

The Hamilton Greenbelt is a 5.1 mile out-and-back neighborhood hike located in Lakeway, just 15 miles outside of downtown Austin. The trail is located in a neighborhood and is extremely well-maintained. At the entrance of the trail you will find a little garden area with a small waterfall and a s...

Spend all day wandering the endless fields of bluebonnets above the banks of the Colorado River in this hill country oasis. MuleshoeBend Recreation Area is just 50 minutes outside of Austin in Spicewood, TX. It has 540 acres of trails, camping, and picnic tables. The highlight of this park is the...

Hamilton Pool Preserve, about a 45 minute drive from Austin, TX, is one of the most beautiful places to spend a hot, Texas afternoon. A short hike from the parking lot through a wooded forest opens up onto a scenic, natural pool. The small beach to one side is usually dotted with sunbathers and p...

Milton Reimer's Ranch is a limestone sport-climbing crag in Dripping Springs, Texas near Austin, Texas with hundreds of routes. The park is divided into two main sections--Reimer's and North Shore, each with their own parking lot. Approaches are quite easy and well marked. The original Reimer's a...

Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, Westcave Preserve is a beautiful and family-friendly day adventure. The trail is out-and-back about .7 miles long. It leads down into a very lush green canyon filled with a variety of plant species and ferns. At the end of the trail is the main feature...

The Vista Knoll Loop is a .9 mile hike, accessible year round. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The trail offers great views of Lake Travis, with good wildlife viewing opportunities. 

The Sunset deck at Balcones Canyonlands is an amazing family- and pet-friendly spot. Parking is only about 100 feet from the overlook and is easily accessible for any and everyone. The overlook is absolutely serene and great for a picnic. There is also a small beginner trail ("Ridgeline Trail") n...

The Cactus Rocks Trail is located in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Leander, Texas. The trail is a 1 mile loop perfect for kids, hikers, trail runners, and birding expeditions (watch for the golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered species). You will see a variety of naturally oc...

Spend the day swimming and exploring or stay the night and see everything this privately owned park has to offer! From the spring fed concrete pool, to natural spring fed swimming hole, waterfall, butterfly gardens and more! Bring your tent or even your RV! They take reservations for RV hookups o...

Commons Ford is a lakefront park offering a boathouse that can be reserved, fishing, volleyball net and picnicking. Many people go to the park with the expectation of lounging on the large grassy area for many hours so be sure to pack food, blankets, sunscreen, and tubes if you plan to float in ...

This is a great trail to get some exercise close to downtown Austin, Texas. The trail at Natural Preserve at River Place is well maintained and has stairs and plenty of elevation gain to make your legs a little wobbly by the time you get back to your car. The trail is a 5.5-mile out-and-back hike...

The Little Fern Trail is a 1.9 mile out-and-back hike that is a part of the River Place Nature Trail. It is perfect for hiking, walking, running, and biking. The trail is open for use year-round and is easy to follow, with lots of small, side waterfalls and lush greenery scattered along. The tree...

After turning off Highway 1431 you'll drive through a little quiet and narrow one road neighborhood to arrive at the entrance to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. From there you will drive down a dirt road which will take you almost all the way through Shaffer Bend's 523 acre lot, and lead you direct...

Turkey Creek trail is a 2.7 mile out-and-back hike located within Emma Long Metropolitan Park in Northwest Austin, Texas. This trail is perfect for cycling, running, walking, and general exercise. The trail is made of dirt with few inclines. Please note, however, at the beginning of the trail the...