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Scenic Overlook
1 review
Austin, TX
Category: Local Flavor
360
2 reviews for 360
There was a time when an honest man could ride down 360, wind in his hair and not a care in the world, enjoyin' the scenery. Ayup. There was a tiiiiime.
Well, that time is over. Beautiful as the scenery is along the route, it swarms with State Troopers who are a little too strict on the speed rules and the possibility that, yes, maybe the car you're driving was stolen at gun point. It makes an honest man feel low.
There was also a time when you could drive your unmarked windowless black van down this loop, finding it pleasingly devoid of traffic. Now the bloated, top-heavy behemoths that crowd the roads here slow your advances, driving in the left lane despite driving well below the posted speed limit. Usually in the mornings. Or in heavy traffic.
Worth a trip during a nice sunny weekend day with guests from out of town, or possibly a visit at 2am for no particular reason.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (2)
Loop 360 is my favorite major road in Austin. My favorite stretch of this road is the short drive north starting at the dynamic cut through the limestone at Bee Caves Road and ending with with the Pennybacker Bridge. While I have done this drive perhaps thousands of times, it never ceases to amaze.
The limestone cut at Bee Caves was stunning when I arrived in 1984. It was like going through a sleek canyon and then it would open up to a huge sky and rolling hills. The canyon feel has decreased immensely over the years as parts of the walls have fallen and then in the 90's they cut the top half of the wall back - probably so if the big chunks of limestone fall, they do not fall on cars.
The natural beauty of this drive is what compels me to write a review as 360, also called Capital of Texas Highway, passes through or accesses the following:
1. Bull Creek Greenbelt
2. Barton Creek Greenbelt
3. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve including amazing views, hiking and creek.
4. Scenic Overlook to downtown, 1.8 miles from Bee Caves
5. Lake at south side of Pennybacker Bridge including public boat ramp and view of amazing connection at south east corner where bridge meets earth.
6. Cliffs at north side of Pennybacker Bridge for AMAZING views.
It is a winding, pastoral path through the hill country but only 15 minutes from downtown. And, as long as some bigwig politico transportation turds do NOT get their way anytime soon, driving it is FREE.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (4)
