- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
62 reviews for Barton Creek Greenbelt
Had the pleasure of going back to the GB today. AWESOME! So many fun trails for biking.
Cool waterfalls and swimming areas. Great views. Awesome trails.
I absolutely love this place. I'll Probably be here at least once every weekend!
1 Previous Review:
-
9/28/2009
Just plain awesome. Smack in the middle of a large city you can run,bike, go wild!
Want to pretend you are the only human left on Planet Earth? There are several trails less travelled all over the Greenbelt that can get you there, I promise. Had it not been for my very excited dog, I might just still be down there right now sitting perfectly still and possibly floating.
However, there would not be any meditation for me on this day for my dog, Sissy, you see, was bred to endure days of cattle rustlin' in the Australian Outback and, therefore, felt quite at home scaling the Gaines Greenbelt that meanders kinda south then north and east to Barton Creek Greenbelt. She was out to show me how a blue heeler finds innerpeace, and boy did she.
The trees were so thick I couldn't find the sun to use as a navigation tool and instead let Sissy lead the way. And she was not in the mood to stop and let me hear the silence. Three hours later, we were finally walking along the dry creek bed and found the entrance at 360...which lies to the south of the creek and far south of my apartment complex. (Sissy's inner-compass apparently could use some tuning)
While we were forced to walk up Mopac to get back home, it was completely worth it to see my pup lay like a dead log on the cool floor for several hours, exhausted and perfectly still.
With Summertime rearing her ugly head, inside this ancient forest is where I think you may find me more and more as I get itchy for shade trees, cool earth and some peace and quiet.
People thought this was:
- Useful (14)
- Funny (11)
- Cool (19)
Mountain biking in the middle of the city? HELL YEAH!
The trail is fun and people are all generally very nice. I can' t speak for the whole trail but the first 3.5 miles from zilker to 360 are nice, easy, and fun.
Highly recommended for both hiking and mountain biking.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
This review is part of my Rave Runs across the USA, Canada and the world.
Running the Barton Creek Greenbelt for me start at Zilker Park and follows the trail/creek. Most times of the year, there are waterfalls and swimming holes. During the summer (and droughts), these may dry up. Pack plenty of water depending on the distance, temperature and humidity.
I have run as far as the Hill of Life (basically the end of the trail) and back. A cool dip in Barton Springs after a long run can be an awesome reward for such an achievement.
You can walk through a forest in the middle of the city...
My favorite entrance (so far) is a residential one in Barton Hills. Quiet, lovely. My friend calls it the Hobbit Trail--tree covered trail-tunnels that criss-cross the creek (dry or wet depending on rain trends). The shade makes hiking in the middle of the summer bearable.
You will want to know how to ID poison ivy--it's often right against the trails where you can brush up against it--and there can be lot of it. But easy enough to avoid.
A special plea to off-road bike enthusiasts: PLEASE stay off the walking paths. (These are the paths with the stiles in place to discourage and remind bikers that these are not meant for them).
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
It's my goal to eventually travel through all of the greenbelt. It's all so beautiful, relaxing and peaceful. Where else can you find such an expansive nature setting and trails in a major city? It's amazing to me that the greenbelt can snake its way around and under major roads and urban areas. You could easily drive right over it, without knowing it's there, which makes it so cool. It's like you have discovered your own secret adventureland. (well you and lots of other people)
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
If my dog could talk, I think he would say "Today was the best day of my life! I love the Greenbelt!!"
My boyfriend and I drove 2 cars to Zilker and dropped one off then drove the other car to the Scottish Woods Trailhead. We then hiked from there all the way to Zilker. It took about 3.5 -4 hours including a stop for lunch and random splashes in the water for the pup. When we got to Zilker we drove back to Scottish Woods to pick up the other car before heading home to take a much needed nap.
We had so much fun. I can't believe how secluded you can feel right smack in the middle of the city. And every person we seldom came across (it's Feb. so not very crowded yet) was extremely nice and friendly.
I always heard there was a rock climbing wall out there but never came across one. Well today we saw tons of rock climbers, and wow that looked hard. There were rocks that you had to go upside down to climb! And we saw a guy swing into a wall (that was probably an accident). I think I'll just stick to hiking...
The 2-car drop off was a great idea. We got to see the trails without having to turnaround. And by the time we got to Zilker, we were definetly too tired to hike another 7.5 miles back (I am kind of a running nerd and I brought my Garmin Forerunner to measure our distances). I also recommend going in the Scottish Woods to Zilker direction unless you want to do a pretty challenging uphill finish. And you should be a little dog friendly if you come out here. There are "dog on leash" signs but most dog owners let their dogs frolick in the woods and just keep a close eye on them. All the dogs I encountered were very well-behaved and friendly.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of my favorite things about Austin. I don't think you can call yourself an Austinite until you have experienced the Greenbelt. If there was an "Austin initiation list," the Greenbelt might be one of the top items. Hmm, I might just have to make one...
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (3)
If you like to do anything outdoors, this is the one stop park to go to. Literally has everything you could want.
Biking trails? Check
Hiking trails? Check
Swimming? Check
Natural Spring? Check
Beautiful tree's, cliffs, rocks etc.? Check
Park for the kids? Check
Rock Climbing? Check
It's quite large [over 7 miles] with beautiful views a long the way. The trails [even the naturally made ones] are easy to get around, just make sure to pick up those feet ;).
Pet owners are responsible and courteous, so are the other patrons who share the trails.
It's just an overall great experience, it's clean, the water is cool and beautiful, the atmosphere is so relaxed that after 1 mile of walking, you'll feel comfortable enough to take a nap under a tree.
If you love the outdoors, then the Greenbelt is a must if you're visiting Austin. If you live here and haven't gone there yet...what are you waiting for?
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I started off at the trailhead off of 360 and headed east, looped around at Zilker Park, and headed east towards Mopac before I looped back 'round again.
This is most definitely a hidden jewel. It's not crowded, and you get a good dose of nature in the middle of a big city. The trails are populated with lots of trees (and shade), good trails for cross country running, some pools of water and some little falls, and natural rock walls for climbing. Though I don't climb, it's nice to see that it's being promoted out here.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I love the greenbelt
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Barton Creek Greenbelt is an excellent place to hike with your dog(s). All in all, it boasts over 13,00 acres of hiking, meandering and swimming space. North(west) Barton Creek Greenbelt begins near lost creek. It travels south and west and eventually ends near 360. If you include Gus Fruh in the equation, it continues on from there, all the way down to Zilker Park.
All in all, Barton Creek boasts 13 miles of trails, I think. It is excellent, easy and generally mellow hiking. It remains rather green throughout the year and particularly when the water table is high. Speaking of which, when the water table is high, it is also great for human and canine swimming (see Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls), tubing, and even kayaking. Anytime, it is great for sport climbing, lead climbing and boldering. The Gus Fruth area of the park has the best climbing.
Generally, you won't find too many steep hikes along the greenbelt but if you want a good workout, I suggest entering on Scottish Trail near Lost Creek.
It is on-leash and I would recommend following that rule...there are way to many high-speed roads close to here to let your dog do anything crazy.
Map: http://www.ci.austin.t...
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
What a little gem in the heart of a capitol city that is as eclectic as the Mad City here in Sconnie. The springs, the little train ride through the park, the concessions, picnic areas, wooded trails, it's all good. Very historic city park in a very spirited city.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Even though I just totally kicked the trail's ass, I'm going to have to give it 5 stars. Why you may ask? Well, let me tell you.
First, its totally free. Yea, free. Its the only thing around Austin you can, use, abuse, get bloody, stomp on and ride your bike all over; and no one gets mad. Second, the scenery is gorgeous. No, im not talking about all the co-eds running around in short Nike running gear. Im talking about all the follage, trees and native plants that make our little "Central Park" (Central Park as in Lady Bird Lake's proximity in town and it's park like atmosphere, not a comparison to NYC's central park or its length; if you're easily offended or have nothing better to do that point out things like that) so special. Third, great shops around the hike and bike trail to stop in and relax at. You can zip over to Chuy's for a beer, stop by Jack and Adam's to get your bike looked at, or my favorite go by Lift Cafe for smoothie (I am a little partial).
So, go get active, take a run, bike or walk and enjoy one of the only things in Austin that is always FREE OF CHARGE.
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
Another one for the free fun list. The greenbelt is my outdoor summer sanctuary. Here's how I do:
1. hike the hill of life (down, up, down again), hike a little more.
2. find a creekbed (essential). hopefully it has rained recently (also essential). the cool water swirling around you after a hike feels so good. the best organic outdoor spa in the city.
3. sun yourself on a rock like a lizard. munch on snacks from your backpack. you did remember to bring the snacks, didn't you?
4. get back in (swing ropes and jumps off large rocks are two options)(so is wading) and swim until just before the sun starts to set so you can make it back without Starflight.
5. hike it back to your access point on the greenbelt's lush and rocky trail
6. there, don't you feel better?
People thought this was:
- Useful (7)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (6)
How lucky is Austin? Seriously? Sometimes there's water, sometimes there's not. Sometimes its gloriously green, sometimes not so much. Sometimes it's hot, sometimes its cold, but you know what, it's always Austin, always beautiful, and always a good way to recharge those batteries. My dog gives it five stars too. (But then he pees on them...out of love).
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
I sat in a creek bed, wedged in between two rocks for 6 hours while pounding an entire 12-pack of Lone Star, while chatting with a raspy-voiced man named Vince, who has received two DWI's in 5 years.
I have to say, it was a pretty great way to spend a Saturday.
Austin rules!
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (12)
- Cool (5)
FANTASTIC FREE FUN WITH THE KIDS!!
This creek is dry more than it runs, but the hiking feels so remote and is so easy to get to. We've dropped in off Loop 1, 360, and Barton Springs. Each hike is unique ~ dry makes for great adventures hiking in the creek bed and if there's water running there's tons of great swimming holes.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Good luck finding this kind of beauty in another city! SEE THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR A GREENBELT MAP WITH ALL ENTRANCES AND MILAGE MARKERS!
This is a FREE and FANTASTIC way to spend a beautiful day. Take your dogs.... I've never been hassled about mine being off their leashes.
A word of advice: if you go and you smoke/drink, beware of ticketing raids during the summer (as it's illegal to drink there) and TAKE YOUR TRASH WITH YOU. Pack in, have fun, and pack out.
Take a towel, a friend, and a good attitude. You're sure to make friends. :)
*UPDATE*
Here's a map:
http://www.txinfo.com/...
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (2)
Last week was my first experience on the trail.... and definitely not my last. We parked at the northern tip of the trail, which we'll never do again. The first quarter mile is nothing but a rocky hill.... it's hard on the ankles and there's nothing to look at.
While on the trail we couldn't stop noticing all the cute dogs. Every single dog we encountered was so well behaved and we couldn't stop thinking about how fun it would be to go down the trial with a dog. So, after the hike we decided to stop by the adoption place "just to look" at some dogs...... 30 minutes later we were leaving the adoption place with a dog in our hands.
We named him Rocky because of our home state of Utah and the Rocky Mountains we miss.... but it's also fitting because of the Rocky slope to the trail that eventually lead to getting the dog.
Thanks Barton Creek for finally pushing us over the fence of dog ownership. But next time this animal takes a dump in our house I'm docking you one star.....
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (6)
- Cool (10)
Jes and I fell absolutely unequivocally undeniably irrepressibly giddily in love with Austin right here, looking out on the pretty skyline whilst nesting in the most perfect patch of grass ever. I swooned over the darkened silhouettes of the live oaks and the few twinkling stars. We marveled at how welcoming this city has been. The glorious greenery is definitely a part of it.
Maybe agoraphobes and Austin locals will find themselves either terrified or nonchalant about the sumptuous loveliness laid out before them, but I would happily build a little tree house and live right here forever.
Also, we went after curfew (I know, such rebels) and nothing happened. Nothing at all. So don't be scared.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (4)
I'll reitterate what everyone else has said. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is awesome.
I work a mile away from the Scottish Woods Trail entrance and 3-4 times a week after work (i get out at 1:30pm) I head to the trail head aka The Hill of Life. Its about 1/3rd of a mile down the hill and the elevation drops about 300'. I walk up and down that baby twice and that's my cardio for the day. Occasionally I'll walk down and head to the right to the little waterfall and enjoy a few minutes of nature before hauling ass back up the hill.
A few weeks ago myself and a friend actually hiked the whole trail, starting at Scottish Woods and ending at ZIlker. Surprisingly we saw almost nobody for the majority of the hike besides the people at sculpture falls and a few other places. The trail is tough to follow at times, we found ourselves walking on the dry creek bed for most of the second half of the hike. All in all after some wrong turns and side trips we walked about 9.5 miles before arriving at Zilker. I highly recommend trying it just once. Its only 8-9 miles but its a good feeling when you make it to the end :)
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (3)
My dog is basically a giant dork. I mean this with all inherent sensitivity to dorks everywhere, and in fact were they to accidentally come across my dog trying her best to act anything resembling cool, they no doubt would say something along the lines of "wow, that dog's really dorky. Pass the super glue."
I bring this to light in deference to the notion of the Barton Springs Greenbelt and what my experience there has typically stood for, specifically lots of "good time dudes" hanging with their pups, their cold ones, and what my late grandfather might call their "best gals" in order to crank their best day up to Eleven.
And for her part, my dog, who is quite possibly the only lab in the history of man to be averse to the wet stuff, sits in a folding chair, and stares at me as if waiting for Grey Poupon.
Which doesn't keep me from dragging her ass back to the scene of the crime, if not for the crime, then certainly for the scene. Or at least..the scenery.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (14)
- Cool (5)
The only thing holding this back from 5 stars unfortunately has nothing to do with the hiking, but to do with the criminals that lurk here (off south 360 and mopac entrance). There is one, specifically, that bears mention.. He goes by the nickname "Booby". I wish I were kidding.
I'd been hiking at the greenbelt for over 7 years now, traversing the river, hiking up on the opposite shore (really nice hiking and less crowded), going during floods, droughts, you name it. Just last summer, I went hiking and put valuables in trunk and we began hiking along on the search for water. The rain started in, so back to the car...it must have been not more than 10 minutes after parking.
My driver's side window was smashed in, trunk popped, and EVERYTHING was stolen. The car next to us, similar fate. We called the police and he seemed to be frightfully worried about the rain and essentially gave us a phone number to call for an investigator.
We immediately tracked Booby's path by checking the credit card statements and calling stores asking for a description of this fellow. We were told a physical description, down to identifying tattoos, and nickname, "Booby", and that Booby frequented the same stores each week with someone else's credit cards, charging $1000 or more for gift certificates at such lovely places like Harbor Freight Tools and Pep Boys (who apparently don't see the need to ask for ID when charging over $1000).
Information was relayed to the police, and nothing has changed. In other words, cars will still be broken into and criminals will stil be waiting as you take off on your happy Greenbelt hike. They really suck, but just make sure you take your valuables with you or hide them before arriving to the greenbelt. Sigh. Criminals suck.
People thought this was:
- Useful (8)
- Funny (1)
biking, sunning, climbing, exploring, swimming(sometimes)
it's simply amazing, 'nuf said.
It's been awhile since I took myself jogging on this STUNNING 8 mile trail, starting at Barton Springs and going way past MoPac, past Walsh Tarlton, almost to Lost Creek deep into Westlake.
Thanks Yelpers for reminding me that I need to get back.
It is a very rugged and rocky place to run, with impromptu curves and tight places, so you have to be very careful where you step - I've eaten shit on this trail, since its beauty threatens your focus...
When the water is up, there are many water crossings, and instead of having to reach some speed or distance goal, the greenbelt is better suited to those who want to stop to enjoy the swimming holes and different changes in landscape as you go along. It's a trail chock full of discovery...
I still can't believe this is in the MIDDLE of our city, and at many places within the park it's easy to forget where you are. Do beware weekends and holidays, it can get busy, and oftentimes bikers plus strollers plus tourists can move in on your good time, especially when everyone stops to gawk at the rock climbers...
But on a lazy afternoon, when the creek is flowing, it's the BEST.
True story: When the folks were debating whether to retire in Boulder, CO or the Austin area, I brought them to the greenbelt on a perfect Spring day, the water was up and flowin', the fellow hikers couldn't have been nicer, the air was abuzz, and my mother said, "Yep, I think this it."
They do try to close the park after heavy rains..I've never been fined for ignoring the closings, but you may want to call the Barton Creek Greenbelt Hotline at 472-1267 for closings AND to see if the creek is dry or not.
It's a whole different animal when it's dry, more surreal, with stacked rock formations that people have left in the middle of the dry creek. Very cool, but any relief from the heat will have to wait until you get to Barton Springs.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
You must love everything about our beautiful and amazing Greenbelt, well most everything, there is one thing that causes the loss of a star....DOG OWNERS.
Seriously people, IF you are going to bring your dog here at least be responsible about it. Dogs running all around, lame, this isn't a dog park. It is incredibly annoying when you are just relaxing with friends and some wet soggy beast decides to climb all over you and shake his smelly flea ridden ass all over your face. If you are going to bring your dog at least maintain control of the animal, that is what responsible owners do. Besides it's the law, dogs are supposed to be on leashes while at the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Oh and before anyone gets upset, I have a dog as well and he loves the Greenbelt, he also has a leash on and promises not to shake his wet dog butt on your tanning towel.
Dog stories aside...this is a great park with numerous trails, all kinds of great places for cliff climbing, bouldering, great swimming holes and you can either find a crowd here or disappear for awhile, it's all up to you.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (4)
I love you, Barton Creek Greenbelt, for making outdoor climbing easy and acessible for me. If you did not exist, I would have to travel great distances to scramble around on real rock. And that would just be sad.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
When I first moved to Austin, I lived on the greenbelt with amazing trail access. I spent as much time as possible on the south(west) side of the creek.
Then we moved to the Zilker area and I had a secret sneaky back way to the trail (jeepers, that was awesome!). I still spent a lot of time on the trail, this time on the opposite side of the creek (and sometimes crossing it in fast moving water).
When I was training for my trail ultra-marathon, I spent nearly every weekend on the greenbelt.
I love the trail. From the hill of life to the zilker access point, I have run the entire official length many times. As a runner, this is a great place to train for trail racing. As a hiker, this is a great place for a walk. As a nature lover, this would be a great place to take a picnic. I can't wait until my baby is old enough for us to get out on the trail together.
btw, my dog is a little cowed by it (or by the other bigger, clearly more confident dogs who exhibit vast amounts of bravado and trail savvy). And even though it feels rural (it really is true that you forget you're in a city) - I do wish other hikers/runners/walkers would keep their dogs on leash. I've been attacked (friendly-like, but still jumped on) while running. And bikers, please stay away when it's muddy. (isn't there some rule about this??)
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
This place is awesome, plain and simple.
I discovered this place with my first 24 hours in Austin. This place has it all:
-creek/river
-tire swing
-cliff for diving
-booze is ok to bring/consume (at least 90% of the people there were)
-pet friendly
-you can lay out if you'd like along the side
-best of all, it's free! (no parking fee or anything!)
This place was awesome drifting down stream. I got bruises from hitting the rocks on some turns and dips, but it was totally worth it. I tried to swim upstream but failed miserably. I'll definitely be coming back here.
*Make sure there is rainfall as this creek/river can dry up.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (2)
Austin is the best on so many different levels and this fabulous place is among the many reasons why.
I can grab the dog, the kids, the tubes, pack a cooler with juice, snacks and beer and head out for a day of never hearing "I'm bored" from anyone.
It's peaceful, gorgeous and takes me away like Calgon never could.
If you haven't been, you gotta go.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
This is one of the reasons I moved to Austin and it never disappoints. Every time I visit I find a new path, trail, rock formation, water pool etc that I love. Pet friendly and there is always enough room to find new friends or to walk alone in the woods lost in thought.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
The Greenbelt is a little joy in the middle of the city.
I've been to Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, and Campbell's Hole, a place right off of Barton Skyway
Twin Falls is great when the water is high. It's pretty easy to get to, Sculpture is a little bit of a hike. Twin has a little 7 foot jump into the pool at the bottom of the falls.
Sculpture is a little less crowded because most people stop at Twin Falls instead of walking the extra mile or so. It's very pretty
Campbell's hole is really wonderful. The water height varies, but even when it's pretty low, there are little pools that you can sit in. I hiked down a little ways to a very deep part with a cliff- it was probably about 15- 20 feet high. You have to run to jump off of it, it's very scary the first time! The water wasn't very deep that day- maybe seven feet deep, so my feet hit the bottom, but not hard, just a little bit. I like that little cliff place a lot. There are also a few caves that you can hike to and look across the whole place. The trail is pretty easy to find... just walk towards the cliffs directly underneath the cave- there's a trail and you have to climb a few rocks but it is definitely worth it.
The best thing about the whole Greenbelt is that it's packed full of friendly people. Everything is very chill- crowded at some times, but never stressful... sometimes there are small children, but usually not overrun. It's a great place to bring a case of beer (it's illegal, but many many people do it) and relax for a couple of hours. And it's a total must if you have visitors from out of town. Flaunt austin's badassness!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (3)
I haven't been swimming in a good river/creek for a long time. Having done a lot of river swimming in Yosemite back when I was a kid, Barton Creek really brought me back.
From the look of things this creek has some good rapids to shoot down and a lot of good pools to swim around in more casually. The water is clear and clean and it is a great way to escape the summer heat. Lots of trees provide good shade too so you aren't stuck out in the open all day.
Next time I am in Austin, if the weather is right, I plan on taking a dip.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (3)
With the main trail being eight miles long, and multiple entrances to it....you can find yourself completely secluded or completely surrounded by gobs of people.....ranging from hikers, mountain bikers, cliff climbers, runners, dog owners, beer drinkers, and the "mostly" sexy, bikini wearing, college co-eds....
I personally like exploring the unbeaten paths....my friends and I have spent countless hours being lost and finding our way out and back to our cars....
I love swinging on the ropes tied to various trees on the lazy river...the water is refreshingly cool....and other times nice climbers have let us use their gear to scale cliffs....I have always had an awesome time on the Greenbelt and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves the great outdoors.....
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
Dear Barton Creek Greenbelt,
I have lived in Austin for nearly 10 years and I feel like a douche for neglecting you for the past 9. I have learned how to fall in love with you and your watering holes, Town Lake, the works! I hope you can forgive my neglecting ways so we can be best friends. Please? It would mean so much to me.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
One of my favorite things about Austin is the Greenbelt. It's great for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Let's not forget the great swimming holes as well. Plus, it's all free for everybody. Where else can you find all that just a couple of minutes from downtown?
I love taking my mountain bike on the trails. During the week, they are not usually crowded. If you go on a weekend or holiday, however, expect to have company.
There are times when the Greenbelt is closed after rainfalls in concern for erosion. Sometimes it will only be closed to bikers, but open to those on foot. Sometimes it's closed altogether. For trail conditions, call the Barton Creek Greenbelt Hotline at 472-1267.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
Well, jeez ... is there anything other than a 4 or 5 for the BCB? That's like rating a margarita at Z'Tejas ... why rate it ... it's that good. Ok, so I'm new to yelp but seriously, it's one of the best things in TX. Go hike it or bike it or swim it if you haven't ever or lately. It's best when we've actually had a little rain in Austin. The best time I ever had on the BCB was tubing from Red Bud Island down to ... I forget how far down we went but I felt like I was 12 years old ... better do that again this spring (after it rains).
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I used to live on Barton Skyway, right across the street from one of the trail heads to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. A crisp, sunny day after a good rain the day before makes for an excellent walk. I've always appreciated the roughness of the trail - you'll want to wear shoes with good tread.
If you head north, you will reach Barton Springs after a mile. If you head south, there are about 6 miles of greenbelt wilderness including swimmable creeks, small waterfalls, ancient-looking stone formations, and rock climbers dangling from cliffs.
A lot of people walk their dogs here without a leash. On one hand, you might appreciate that no one seems to care, even though in Austin, it is illegal. But be prepared for the unexpected canine melee. Your dog might be gentle and well-behaved, but others' dogs might not.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
My usual rule of thumb is: If my dog loves it, I love it. And this holds true for Barton Creek Greenbelt, but not for eating poop.
Even though he's just a pup, he has learned the trails well and is starting to enjoy the water. So whenever its hot outside, we head down here. Its great exercise for him [and me] trekking along the trails until we find our favorite little watering hole, and then we jump in for a refreshing dip away from all the drunks tubing.
Not that there's anything wrong with drinking and tubing, in fact I am all for it. Just not when it involves my pup. I think my favorite memory so far was when Brutus and I were camped out on a rock near a rushing stream of water. Suddenly he saw someone he wanted to play with, and BOOM, off the rock, swept away by the current. Thankfully everyone in the vicinty jumped to save him, he's just that cute. It was funny seeing so many people scramble to save a dog they didn't even know. And heartwarming.
Or maybe thats the beer talking. Anyhoo, fix the broken bridge, and I'll come back and give ya 5 stars, BCGB.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
I love a good work out but what better than to be out doors and work out at the same time!
just beautiful and refreshing!
reminds me why I moved to Austin every time I walk around
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
