Barton Creek Wilderness Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Barton Creek Wilderness Park is a 1,000-acre urban oasis offering over 12 miles of rugged hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing trails. It features natural swimming holes and a beautiful natural pool (though water levels vary seasonally), providing a physically challenging yet rewarding escape into nature close to the city.
Key Highlights
- ✓Extensive network of over 12 miles of rugged terrain for hiking and mountain biking.
- ✓Features natural swimming holes like Sculpture Falls and a beautiful natural pool at the end of trails.
- ✓Abundant opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering on amazing limestone formations.
- ✓Dog-friendly with specific water access points for pets to enjoy.
- ✓Conveniently located within the city, offering a quick nature escape without long drives.
Standout Features
- ⭐Vast natural space spanning 1,000 acres with extensive (12+ miles) rugged trails.
- ⭐Unique geological features including limestone formations for rock climbing and bouldering.
- ⭐Natural swimming opportunities at various spots, including the scenic Sculpture Falls and a beautiful natural pool.
- ⭐Designated as dog-friendly, allowing pets to enjoy the trails and water access.
- ⭐Its urban location allows for easy access to nature without significant travel time.
- ⭐Offers a variety of activities: hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and rock climbing.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared for rugged terrain; wear appropriate footwear with good support (flip-flops are not recommended for most, despite one reviewer's anecdotal success).
- →Check recent weather and rainfall reports if visiting specifically for waterfalls or swimming, as water levels can fluctuate.
- →Be aware of water snakes and actively watch your footing due to rocky sections and exposed roots on trails.
- →Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer hikes, as facilities are minimal.
- →To reach the most beautiful natural pool, be prepared to hike 'all the way to the end' of the trail.
- →Consider stopping at Tacodeli, located across from an entrance, for a highly recommended post-hike meal.
- →Bring dogs if you have them, as they are noted to enjoy the water access and trails.
Things to Consider
- ⚠One of the two waterfalls and other creek areas can dry up due to lack of rain.
- ⚠Swimming holes may contain algae and water-borne organisms, which some visitors might find unappealing.
- ⚠Trails are rugged with many rocky parts and exposed roots, requiring constant attention to footing.
- ⚠Freeway noise is audible from most parts of the trail, diminishing the natural serenity.
- ⚠Presence of water snakes in and around water bodies, requiring caution.
- ⚠Described as 'not for the faint of heart' and physically demanding, indicating a challenging experience for all ages.
Price & Value
Not mentioned in reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with very young children or toddlers who are not accustomed to rugged, unsupervised terrain.
- • Individuals seeking a completely silent and serene nature experience due to the audible freeway noise.
- • People with a strong aversion to natural water conditions (algae/organisms) or snakes.
- • Those expecting groomed, easily accessible, or paved trails throughout the park.
- • If your primary goal is to see full waterfalls or deep rivers during extended dry seasons.
Photos
Recent Reviews
Lifestyle Coach
a year agoBe prepared for an extraordinary hike! This 1,000-acre urban oasis has over 12 miles of rugged terrain, mountain-biking & hiking trails, and creeks with swimming holes (although one of the two waterfalls has dried up because of lack of rain). Once you get to the second one, you're gonna want to take off your clothes and take a dip in the pool if you don't mind the algae and water-borne organisms. Barton Creek Greenbelt also features amazing rock formations made of limestone for rock-climbing and bouldering. Although this is a family-friendly adventure, it's not for the faint of heart. Young kids will get tired, adults will be challenged, and the rest will be craving some happy hour afterwards.
Mercedes Jayne
3 years agoGreat green space in the city. Can hear the freeway from pretty much the whole trail, except when it's drowned out by the falls. Trail is easy to walk (I'm in poor shape and was able to get to Sculpture Falls in flip flops). Lots of rocky parts to watch your footing, and exposed roots to avoid stepping on for the sake of the roots. Great to get into nature workout driving an hour out of town
Bhuvanesh arulraj
2 years agoSnakes are there though it's just water snakes beware of it. And it's good trekking place I feel it's better than turkey creek. But it's not very good to enjoy with ur buddies and water is there so if you are bringing your dogs it will enjoy a lot.
Sam Farahzad
4 years agoMy wife and I came here to do a day hike and we were not disappointed. Visiting from out of state, Barton Creek was an incredible green belt reservation. We completed a 3 hour loop but stopped around halfway from the total length of the hike. We visited in December and the river was dried up, which allowed us to walk right in the middle of it. We also saw a dozen or more groups of people rock climbing across the various parts of the park. The park itself seemed dog-friendly and there were lots of opportunity to bike across the terrain. I also highly recommend stopping by Tacodeli across from the entrance of Barton Creek Park to enjoy some awesome tacos. I highly recommend the shrimp taco!
Shravs
3 years agoIt’s a good place for hiking and escape from the city. At few places water had dried up. But you need to go all the way to the end to find a natural pool which is very beautiful.
Contact Information
4618 Trail Crest Cir, Austin, TX 78735, USA
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