West Lake Hills, Texas

This small isle is a nice feature of the section of the Colorado River that flows through Austin. The isle is pretty small and is a good scenic location for a quick 1-2 hour outing. All the trails are pretty flat and easy to walk. Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a nice park i...

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...

This spot is located right off of the North Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) on the west side of Austin. It faces east and is perfect for catching the sunrise over the city or just overall chillin'. It provides easy and accessible parking. It's a popular spot for sunset and sunrise. There are ...

The Laguna Gloria Trail is a 0.4 mile out-and-back hike beginning in Mayfield Park, a popular park located in west Austin. The trail is very short and relatively easy. The trail is made of dirt and is completely shaded. It's a very calming walk and beautiful walk, full of lush greens and dependin...

The Main Trail to Meadow Loop to Taylor Creek Loop is a 0.6 loop hike found within Mayfield Park just west of downtown Austin. The trail is completely shaded and is a relatively easy hike. The trail does descend down stairs in some spots, but nothing too significant. This is a great family trail ...

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...

Sculpture Falls is a hidden gem that is part of the 7.9 mile long Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin. It's considered an urban oasis and is part of the Edwards Aquifer making the water temperatures in the summer about 70 degrees, and is a perfect way to cool off in the Texas heat! To find the trai...

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 ...

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 dog...

The trail up is a combination of manmade and natural stairs that take you up to the top. At the summit, you will find beautiful views of the area, and a pavilion where you can have a picnic lunch. To head back down by a different route, continue on the northern trail, which will take you past mo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...