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An Austin icon when it comes to inner city green space.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.4

KM

Point to Point

853' 260 m

High

555' 169 m

Low

304' 93 m

Up

20' 6 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly The creek should be family friendly but at some spots you might run into a few 4:20 friendly groups.

Description

This trail can be accessed from many points. If you're hiking it in its entirety, a shuttle might be best. On a hot summer day, you might want to do the hike in reverse, dropping you off at the famous Barton Springs for a nice cool splash!

When starting this hike from Zilker Park, the trail is wide and flat, covered with your typical Texas crushed granite. This section is ideal for anyone with limited mobility or families with strollers. As the trail continues, you'll pass large overhanging limestone where you can watch rock climbers playing in the beautiful greenbelt. This hike crosses the creek many times. Depending on the rainfall, there is almost always a way around these creek crossings. If it's a dry year, you can expect to hike right along the creek bed.

For swimming holes and waterfalls, the first one to cross will be Campbell's Hole around the 0.8-mile marker. The next one, Twin Falls is just past the Mopac Bridge around the 4.8-mile marker. Just over a mile past Twin Falls, you'll find Sculptor Falls. Even though these are the most popular spots to swim with a view, many people will take a dip anywhere along the creek.

Contacts

Shared By:

Caleb Joyce

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 19 votes

#2007

Overall
  4.1 from 19 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
16%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#25

in Texas

#2,007

Overall
2 Views Last Month
2,312 Since Oct 27, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Barton Creek is lots of fun. Keep a good eye on your dogs and kids when playing the little waterfalls :)
Aug 28, 2017 near Rolling…, TX
View from Sculpture Falls (wintertime). Barton creek is known for its beautiful blue-green water.
Jan 3, 2018 near Rolling…, TX
So much fun exploring Barton Creek!
Aug 28, 2017 near Rolling…, TX
Can't beat Barton Creek for splashing around on a warm day ! It is always better on the weekdays.
Aug 28, 2017 near Rolling…, TX
This is cool sculptured rocks area where the water flows over just before going down the waterfalls in the background.
Aug 28, 2017 near Rolling…, TX
1....2....3.... JUMP ! It's only about 10 feet deep (at this water level) and just a few stokes to get back to shallows.
Aug 28, 2017 near Rolling…, TX

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 29 days ago
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