Barton Creek Greenbelt

Review of the Barton Creek Greenbelt (Mopac Access Trailhead) The Barton Creek Greenbelt is one of Austin’s most treasured urban escapes, and the trail from the Mopac (Loop 1) parking area is a perfect way to experience it. This out-and-back trail offers a mix of shaded canopy, limestone cliffs, and peaceful creekside stretches, making it a go-to for nature lovers, fitness hikers, and especially dog owners. Trail Overview The route begins at the Mopac trailhead, which is easy to access with ample parking most of the year. From there, you’ll follow a winding path into the heart of the Greenbelt. It’s a down-and-back trail, meaning you’ll descend into the Greenbelt early on and face a bit of a climb on the return—more on that in a bit. The trail is moderately trafficked, but it rarely feels overcrowded, and there’s plenty of space for everyone to find a pocket of peace. 7 Falls & Water Levels A highlight of this section is 7 Falls, a beautiful rock formation with cascading pools. However, water presence here is highly dependent on recent rainfall. After a good rain (typically in spring or fall), the pools fill and offer not just scenery but also a cooling-off spot for dogs. In drier months like late summer, the falls can be bone dry, so check recent weather or water level reports if that’s a must-see. Dog-Friendly Vibes This trail is extremely dog friendly. Off-leash is technically allowed in certain parts of the Greenbelt (though always check for updates), and you’ll see many happy pups splashing in the creek or trotting alongside their humans. Just bring plenty of water for both of you in the warmer months. Best Times to Go For optimal conditions, aim for early mornings or late afternoons during spring and fall. The Texas heat can be intense in summer, and though the trail has plenty of shade, the climb out can be punishing if you hit it during the heat of the day. In cooler months, it’s a much more forgiving trek and still beautiful, even when the water is low. The Stairway to the Gods The final stretch—affectionately known as the Stairway to the Gods—is a steep, rocky incline that hits just when you think you’re done. It’s a solid workout, and your calves will definitely feel it. But once you reach the top, there’s a nice sense of accomplishment—and if you’re using apps like Seek for plant ID or Merlin for bird calls, pausing along the way can be a great excuse to catch your breath. Final Thoughts Whether you’re after a solid workout, a peaceful walk with your dog, or a slow-paced exploration with nature apps in hand, the Barton Creek Greenbelt from the Mopac entrance delivers. It’s a little slice of Hill Country beauty tucked right inside the city—and it never gets old.

It was a great hike. We hiked about 5 miles and there were easy parts and a little hard parts if you are considering going with your toddler.

It's a great place for a bike. The water is dried out now but it's still beautiful. Make sure you don't leave any valuables in the car, there's plenty of parking but the lot isn't secured, and there were lots of break ins - you can literally see pieces of car glass on the ground.

Had a great walk with a friend. We found some quartz, climbed up to a cave, and explored for a few hours. 10/10 Got back to the parking lot, and my friend's rear passenger window was shattered. Her console was broken, as well. Luckily, she didn't keep any valuables in the car. Lots of window glass in the parking lot. There are messages that say it's a window break in area. I advise maybe being dropped off or parking somewhere close to the trailhead for high visibility of the people constantly walking by. Leave your important stuff at home!

Violet Crown Trail and Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail Loop. The combination of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, with the Violet Crown Trail, offer fantastic interactions with nature. Taken all together, it's about an 8.5 mile loop, but you can go straight to and from Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. The trails are typically in great shape, but do narrow a bit and can be overgrown if you take a side trail. You may encounter the occasional fallen limb, but the beauty of the area, especially Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls (when they have water) make this a beautiful worthwhile hike. One of my favorites in Austin.