Hiking Austin & San Marcos
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The Texas Hill Country offers some fantastic hiking trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite trails:
McKinney Falls State Park:
Located southeast of Austin, this park is a short 30-45 minute drive from San Marcos.
Explore 9 miles of diverse terrain and trails.
Take a refreshing dip in the serene pools near the upper and lower falls.
Enjoy camping, fishing, bouldering, and geocaching.
Don’t miss the 2.8-mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail for a smooth, paved ride around the park.
Visit the impressive 100-foot-tall Cypress tree known as Old Baldy, which was voted Austin’s Tree of the Year in 2012. Fun fact: scenes from the movie “Predators” were filmed here.
2. The San Marcos River Walk:
This 2.5-mile paved walkway begins at Sewell Park and follows the beautiful San Marcos River all the way to Capes Camp, and passes several movie set locations including the original Tarzan.
Perfect for a leisurely stroll, biking, or skating.
Be sure to wear sandals, as there are great spots to dip your toes in the water.
If you’re joining Austin Glow on the river, this trail runs alongside part of their guided route.
Keep an eye out for informative signs about local critters and wildlife. You can extend your walk around Spring Lake Natural Area upstream of City Park:
Accessible from various points, our favorite starting point is next to the Meadows Center.
Pay for parking in their lot, but the trail itself is free and open to the public.
Explore 251 acres of winding, rocky, and well-maintained trails.
Don’t miss the sundial located less than a mile down the Tonkawa trail.
4. The Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, Texas, spans 7.25 miles from Zilker Park west to the Lost Creek neighborhood. This urban oasis offers a variety of outdoor activities for enthusiasts and athletes including the confluence with the Colorado River where our Austin Glow Tour visits the cool spring water.
Hiking: Explore the 12 miles of trails via several access points throughout Austin. Let’s dive into some of these access points and their unique features:
Trail’s Head at Zilker Park (2201 Barton Springs Rd): This section begins near Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park. It’s the closest access point to downtown and offers a leisurely 1.2-mile trail that’s wide and flat, making it ideal for a short walk. Cyclists also frequent this part of the trail.
Campbell’s Hole: Accessible via Spyglass Drive from the west or 2010 Homedale Dr. from the east, Campbell’s Hole is a swimming hole that’s often less crowded than other popular spots along Barton Creek. You can reach it by hiking from Trail’s Head (east) or Gus Fruh (west).
Gus Fruh (2642 Barton Hills Dr): Known for its limestone rock wall called Urban Assault, Gus Fruh offers a deep swimming hole. It’s accessible from a residential neighborhood or via a 1.4-mile hike from the Main Access Point along Capital of Texas Highway.
Main Access Point (3755-B Capital of Texas Highway): Located right along Loop 360, this highly trafficked section of the trail leads to Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. Expect rocky trails, steep cliffs, shade trees, and aqua swimming holes.
Twin Falls (3918 S. MOPAC Expy): Another popular trailhead with parking along the highway. Twin Falls is a favorite spot for hikers seeking out the falls for a refreshing swim.
Swimming: Enjoy swimming holes like Campbell’s Hole, Gus Fruh, and Twin Falls.
Rock Climbing: Urban Assault at Gus Fruh is frequented by climbers.
Biking: Many cyclists use the Greenbelt trails.
Scenic Views: Dramatic changes in topography provide stunning vistas along the way.
For more detailed information, you can also check out the Visit Austin guide2.
Pedernales Falls State Park is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of hiking trails. Here are some of the best trails to explore:
A. Pedernales Falls Trail:
o Distance: 0.6 miles
o Rating: 4.6 stars (from 763 reviews)
o Elevation Gain: 104 feet
o Description: An easy trail with a scenic overlook of Twin Falls. Perfect for a leisurely hike.
B. Madrone Trail:
o Difficulty: Moderate
o Description: Named after the abundant madrone trees along the trail.
o Length: Approximately 5 miles.
C. 5.5-Mile Loop Trail:
o Description: Take Trammell’s Crossing across the river (be ready for wet feet) to explore a less-visited area of the park.
D. Jones Spring via Wolf Mountain and Juniper Ridge:
o Rating: 4.3 stars (from 112 reviews)
o Description: A popular camping trail with beautiful views. Explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Remember to respect wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of Pedernales Falls State Park! 🌿🚶♂️🌄
For more details, you can also check out the AllTrails guide2. Happy hiking! 🏞️
Purgatory Creek Natural Area:
Covering over 830 acres, this area features rocky trails leading to a large limestone grotto carved by Purgatory Creek.
The map is divided into Upper and Lower Purgatory.
Lower Purgatory is popular for mountain biking and trail running due to its rocky, intermediate terrain.
Access the Lower Purgatory trail at 2102 Hunter Road San Marcos, TX.
Upper Purgatory (7153 Valencia Way) is great for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. An ADA trail was built here in 20192.
4. Mount Bonnell
is a popular spot near Austin, Texas, known for its stunning views and accessible hiking trails. Here’s what you need to know:
A. Mount Bonnell Trail:
Length: 0.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Description: This short loop trail takes approximately 11 minutes to complete. It’s a favorite among hikers, runners, and walkers. The trail offers staircases leading to beautiful vistas of the surrounding area. While there isn’t much shade, the open sunlit views make it worthwhile. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Parking is available in a small lot on Mt. Bonnell Road, where the trailhead begins1.
Other Trails in Covert Park at Mount Bonnell:
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell has additional trails waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for more hiking options or want to enjoy the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Check out the AllTrails guide for more details2.
So, grab your hiking shoes and head to Mount Bonnell for breathtaking views and a memorable outdoor experience! 🌄🚶♂️