Spring Branch, Texas

NOTICE:For this activity it is necessary to have someone with lead climbing and belaying expertise. There is a wide range of difficulties on the routes. A guide that has climbed at this wall before is recommended. GETTING THERE:You can enter Gus Fruh from a couple of different points starting in ...

The trailheads are located in neighborhoods and parking isn't really too much of an issue. The shortest entrance is located off Barton Hills Dr. A quick google search and you will find it and the labeled trail. You walk down into the Barton Creek Green Belt and your spirits are uplifted. That cra...

The Cathedral of Junk is a hidden gem within the Austin City Limits, actually located in the Artists backyard. Construction was started back in 1988 by Vince Hahnemann and he still continues to add to it to this day! Climb to the top of the tower to rock out on the drum set or maybe even catch a ...

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...

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...

Outside of the fantastic job market, one of the most magical things about Austin is how quickly you can go from city life to being immersed in nature. Nearly every day, I take a quick jaunt down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt with my trusty companion, Sage the Chocolate Lab. We live within walking...

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is managed as part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and consists of 227 acres of beautiful Hill Country woodlands owned jointly by Travis County (164.4 acres) and St. Edwards University (62.6 acres). Wild Basin is open to visitors who can hike the 2.5 miles of t...

McKinney Falls is separated into the Upper and Lower Falls along Onion Creek just 15 miles outside of Austin. The pin I dropped on the map gets you to the parking lot at the Upper Falls. From there it is a very short walk past the Smith Visitor Center to the falls. The upper falls offers some sha...

The Homestead Loop hike is a 3.1 mile loop featuring the Lower Falls of McKinney Falls State Park. The hike is pretty intermediate and is mostly shaded. There are not many inclines. It is both dog- and kid-friendly. The trail does cross small streams, so be weary to bring water shoes/sandals.  Th...

The Onion Creek and Homestead Trail Loop is a 6.5 mile loop hike within McKinney Falls State Park, just outside of Austin city limits. The trail is long however pretty beginner level as there are not many inclines. The trail features two waterfalls: the Upper and Lower falls which are popular swi...

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...

This look out point is less than a quarter mile hike and is located within the Rollingwood neighborhood, just west of Loop 1 (Mopac Expressway). It faces east and is a great location for catching sunrise. The trail to the overlook is crushed gravel, but is very flat. This overlook is kid- and do...

Getting There: Lady Bird Lake is located just South of Downtown Austin. One of many ways to access Lady Bird Lake is from Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool. Free parking is available in the park with direct access to Barton Creek. It is here, that you can launch your own person...

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...

Barton Springs Pool is a historical staple in the city of Austin. Located within Zilker Park, the location is easy to find and even has easy accessible parking. Now with that being said, it is recommended to arrive somewhat early in the day if you don't want to be resorted to fishing for a parkin...