The Greatest Hikes near Austin Texas
Visiting Austin? Here are some of the most stunning hikes you must see!
Now, I’m not claiming to have hiked all there is to hike in the Austin area. However, I have quite a few hikes checked off my AllTrails app! I know a lot of people LOVE the greenbelt. However, it can get pretty busy over there. So here are some of my favorite hikes, that isn’t the greenbelt! Note, these are in no specific order and can be found on the AllTrails App.
Reimers Ranch
Reimers Ranch is a little outside of Austin about 45 min. near Hamilton Pool and Dripping springs. It’s perfect to hike in the morning and then get some lunch at a nearby brewery (there are quite a few, and they have playgrounds!)
Things to note:
Cash only! $5 per person, children 12 and younger are free. While they do not take reservations for day use, they have an astronomical observatory that you would need a reservation for if you wanted to participate. Other than hiking, this park offers rock climbing, mountain bike trails, and swimming, and while they don’t provide grills, you may bring your grill for day use, there is no camping allowed.
Our favorite trail is the climber’s canyon!
2. Spicewood Valley Trail
This trail is in the heart of the city, and that sometimes means that parking is in short supply. There was a small parking lot available and some street parking. I was there at sunrise and had no problem, just something to note. This trail is a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail. The average time is 44 min to complete.
This trail is in the city, but you don’t have any street noise, it has a little elevation, water, little waterfalls, and steps! My sister and I get really excited about the steps (it’s like finding a secret treasure). There are a few different trails that lead off the main trail for extra exploration. It’s perfect for a quick but fulfilling hike.
3. Commons Ford Waterfall Trail
The Commons Ford Waterfall trail is just one of the many trails in this metropolitan park. This one is my favorite as I enjoy checking in on the waterfall. I haven’t been able to get around to seeing it after heavy rain (but I will someday!) This hiking spot is off the Colorado river and near a few other hiking spots if you wanted to spend the day exploring! If you go during the spring, there is a path that is full of fragrant flowers. The smell is so divine, it makes it hard to move on because you won’t want to leave that indulgence.
There is a pier where you could potentially launch a kayak or paddleboard if a day on the water was more appealing. I haven’t personally done it but it looks like a good spot. A lot is going on at this park, and if bird watching is your thing, there’s an open plain area for that as well. This hike makes my list because I have visited more than once!
4. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
This one is about an hour from Austin, by lawd it’s beautiful!! Another one that is better after heavy rain. I have been when there was no water in the creek and when it was flowing. Obviously, the addition of the water makes the experience that much better. BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres which are about 50 square miles. So there’s a trail system about 28 miles from this particular location. On the other set of trails, you can also find the sunset deck (see map). When we went to check it out and hike, we came upon a surprise proposal. The sunset deck is definitely a vibe for proposals. But I think the trails are more unique on the other side of the canyonlands.
Below is the view from the sunset dock. Remember: the sunset dock is 28 minutes from the hiking area shown above!
I hope you get a chance to explore and marvel at the beauty these parks have to offer.
Do you have a favorite hike that isn’t on this list? Let me know below in the comments!
