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San Marcos, Texas

Looking for the best mountain biking in San Marcos? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Marcos. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Mountain Biking Spots in and near San Marcos

  • Austin, Texas

    Three Falls Hike

    7.35 mi / 600 ft gain
    The Three Falls Hike is a 7.35 mile out and back hike located in the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas. The hike is heavily trafficked. The trail takes you past three waterfalls, which during the summer time serve as extremely popular swimming holes. Please note that the flow of the waterf...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

    3.0
    3.23 mi / 141 ft gain
    This hike is about 3.2 miles in total and is an out-and-back trail found within the Barton Creek Greenbelt stretch. The trail follows along the Barton Creek and is popularly known for the two major waterfalls it entails: Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, which are very popular swimming destinations...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Violet Crown Trail: 360 to 290 Trailhead

    1.8 mi / 239 ft gain
    The Violet Crown Trail: 360 Trailhead to 290 trail is a 1.8 mile point-to-point hike that stretches from Loop 360 to Highway 290. Only a portion of the trail follows alongside Barton Creek before heading south towards HWY 290 while the creek veers off to the west. Dogs are more than welcome as lo...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Barton Greenbelt Trail Via Barton Creek Plaza

    6.6 mi / 380 ft gain
    The Barton Greenbelt Trail via Barton Creek Plaza is a 6.6 mile out-and-back hike located within the Barton Creek Greenbelt. This trail follows along the creek and features a couple prominent waterfalls that also serve as popular swimming holes in the summer months. Depending on the rainfall for ...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike Hill of Life Hiking Trail

    4.5
    3.1 mi / 328 ft gain
    The Hill of Life hiking trail is an out-and-back hiking trail around 3 miles long total. Parking is parallel parking on the street and can be found in the neighborhood where the trailhead is located. The trail begins with a half mile descent down a very rocky and gravel-ridden trail. The descent ...
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  • Gonzales, Texas

    Hike the Ottine Swamp Trail

    4.0
    1.2 mi / 13 ft gain
    The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.Wide gravel partly shaded trail that is well maintained. $3 / person over 12 (or free with a Texas State Park Pass) to enter the park.
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Shoal Creek Trail

    5.0
    5.47 mi / 173 ft gain
    The Shoal Creek trail is located along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt which stretches the length of central/downtown Austin. It is a 5.4 mile out-and-back trail following along Shoal Creek. Much of the trail runs through residential area. And though it runs parallel to a creek, itis a city trail and n...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Mayfield Park Lake Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Mayfield Nature Preserve is a 21-acre park located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. This nature preserve is unique from all other parks in Austin in that it that features free-roaming peacocks. It's a beautiful park full of beautiful nature and the trail leads down near the lake. The trail is...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Turkey Creek Trail

    2.72 mi / 259 ft gain
    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...
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  • Lakeway, Texas

    Hike Hamilton Greenbelt

    5.1 mi / 374 ft gain
    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...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Little Fern Trail

    0.5 mi / 140 ft gain
    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...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Bull Creek South to North

    3.67 mi / 335 ft gain
    The Bull Creek Trail is an Out-and-Back trail along Bull Creek; it's a pretty beginner to intermediate hike. The trail follows along Bull Creek which runs between the hills of the Austin Hill Country. There are several waterfalls which can be found along the creek. The trail has multiple access p...
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  • Austin, Texas

    Hike the Lower Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail

    5.0
    2.86 mi / 78 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Lakewood Drive (see map) to access the trail. This trail is good for all skill levels and is dog-friendly. 
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  • Johnson City, Texas

    Hike Wolf Mountain, Juniper Ridge And South Loop Equestrian Trail

    6.6 mi / 374 ft gain
    The Wolf Mountain, Juniper Ridge and South Loop Equestrian Trail is a 6.6 mile loop hike within Pedernales Falls State Park, right outside of Johnson City, Texas. The trail is pretty wide and great for all sorts of exercising and social distancing. The trail is relatively moderate, with few incl...
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  • Johnson City, Texas

    Hike Juniper Spring Via Wolf Mountain And Juniper Ridge

    8.4 mi / 462 ft gain
    Juniper Spring via Wolf Mountain and Juniper Ridge is a 8.4 mile loop hike within Pedernales Falls State Park, right outside of Johnson City, Texas. This trail is moderately trafficked. The trail is pretty wide and great for all sorts of exercising and social distancing. The trail is relatively ...
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  • Johnson City, Texas

    Hike Wolf Mountain And Juniper Ridge Trail Loop

    11.2 mi / 472 ft gain
    Wolf Mountain and Juniper Ridge Trail Loop is a 11.2 mile loop hike within Pedernales Falls State Park, right outside of Johnson City, Texas. The trail is pretty wide and great for all sorts of exercising and social distancing. The trail is relatively moderate and well maintained. There is littl...
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