Greater Austin Destination Hikes & Trail Running
Day trips within about 90 minutes of Austin for serious hikers, trail runners, and anyone who wants more than a neighborhood walk
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Austin's day-hiking radius extends about 90 miles in every direction, and many destinations are within an hour. Enchanted Rock is a massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the Llano River valley - the closest thing to real mountain hiking in Central Texas. Pedernales Falls offers mile-wide cascades and backcountry loops. Reimers Ranch has miles of mountain bike singletrack about 40 minutes from downtown. Closer in, Walnut Creek Park is where Austin's trail running community trains, and the Pennybacker Bridge overlook is a short walk from its parking area. This guide covers the full range - from a 20-minute drive to Walnut Creek to a 90-minute drive to Enchanted Rock - for buyers who choose their home base partly by what they can reach on a Saturday morning.
Trail Map
Enchanted Rock Summit Trail
Highlights
- 425-foot pink granite dome
- 360-degree views of the Llano River valley and Hill Country
- Night sky programs - International Dark Sky Park designation
- Rock formations including weather caves and exfoliation domes
Parking
State park entrance on RR 965 north of Fredericksburg. $8 per adult (children 12 and under free). To guarantee entry, reserve a day pass online before you go.
Local Tip
Reserve your day pass online before you go. Go on a weekday or arrive for a late afternoon hike to catch sunset from the summit - most day visitors have left by 4 PM. The Loop Trail around the base (4 miles) is less crowded than the summit route.
Pedernales Falls State Park Loop
Highlights
- Combine Wolf Mountain Trail, Juniper Ridge, and the river trail for a full loop
- Hill Country savanna with scattered live oak groves
- Seasonal wildflower meadows on the ridgeline sections
- River access for swimming at the designated area (not at the falls)
Parking
State park entrance off FM 3232. $6 per adult. Capacity closures common on spring weekends.
Local Tip
Most visitors walk to the falls overlook and leave. The real park is the backcountry loop - Wolf Mountain to Juniper Ridge to the river and back. You will see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and maybe an armadillo. Carry all your water because there are no refill points on the loop.
Reimers Ranch Singletrack
Highlights
- Over 18 miles of trails (Travis County Parks)
- Rocky Hill Country terrain with technical features on black-diamond trails
- Views of the Pedernales River canyon
- Rock climbing areas along the canyon walls
Parking
Reimers Ranch Road off Hamilton Pool Road. Travis County day use: $5 per person.
Local Tip
Avoid riding after heavy rain - the clay sections become impassable. Check the trailhead kiosks for difficulty ratings and closures.
Emma Long Park - Turkey Creek Trail
Highlights
- Loop trail through juniper woodland above Lake Austin
- Direct swimming access on Lake Austin at the park beach
- Only 25 minutes from downtown Austin
- Primitive camping on the shoreline
Parking
City Park Road off FM 2222. $5 per vehicle Monday-Thursday; $10 Friday-Sunday and holidays.
Local Tip
Combine Turkey Creek Trail with a swim for a complete after-work outing. The park stops admitting cars at its 250-car capacity; Friday-Sunday day passes can be bought online.
Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park
Highlights
- 215-acre former ranch on the shores of Lake Austin
- Grassland and oak savanna habitat rare in urban Austin
- Multi-use hiking paths
- Excellent birding - meadowlarks, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and hawks
Parking
Commons Ford Road off City Park Road. Free parking.
Local Tip
The park is about 20 minutes from downtown. The grasslands in spring are full of wildflowers and the park has a peaceful, rural quality that feels nothing like the city. Come on a weekday and you may be the only person there.
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook (360 Overlook)
Highlights
- Iconic view of the Pennybacker Bridge arching over Lake Austin
- Short scramble to the overlook from the parking area
- Sunset is the prime time - bridge and water turn golden
Parking
Check current access and parking before you go; Loop 360 roadwork can change shoulder access near the bridge.
Local Tip
Go early in the morning for a quiet visit, or near sunset for photography.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
Highlights
- Interconnected singletrack on the north side of Austin
- Training ground for Austin's trail running community
- Technical rock gardens and creek crossings on the advanced loops
- Lit parking and trailhead for early morning or evening runs
Parking
Main entrance on North Lamar Blvd. Free parking in the main lot.
Local Tip
Walnut Creek is where Austin trail runners go to train. The terrain is more technical than the Butler Trail and less committing than the Greenbelt. After rain, the creek crossings get ankle-deep - embrace it.
Pace Bend Park Trails
Highlights
- Hike, bike and equestrian trails through juniper scrub
- Primitive camping directly on the lake shore
- Wide open views of Lake Travis from the cliffs
Parking
Park entrance on Pace Bend Road. Travis County day use: $5 per person.
Local Tip
After riding, check Travis County's Pace Bend page for current rules and conditions before swimming, and check lake levels: low water exposes rocks below the cliffs.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Looking for a home near these trails? These neighborhoods have the best access.