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A short trail that climbs to an amazing overlook of Lake Austin/Colorado River and the Austin 360 Bridge.


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Map Key

0.1

Miles

0.2

KM

Point to Point

598' 182 m

High

588' 179 m

Low

18' 5 m

Up

8' 2 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

5%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views

Overview

The Austin 360 Bridge (which is also known as the Pennybacker Bridge) is an architecturally pleasant bridge on Austin's west side that allows Highway 360 and pedestrians to cross Lake Austin/the Colorado River. This bridge is fairly commonly photographed for Austin promotion/tourism brochures. The bridge also has a wonderful overlook accessible by this trail that is well worth a quick stop if passing by.

Description

Parking is available on the west side of the road immediately north of the bridge. The parking is pull-in with some space to back out/maneuver when you leave. It's easiest to park when heading south on 360—it's a major road. There is room for quite a few cars, but it is a popular trail, so it can fill up.

The trail begins roughly in the middle of the parking area next to a trash can and a sign with rules. After heading into the woods a very short distance, the trail turns south and immediately begins climbing the cliff. There are some rock ledges to step over that can be a bit sandy, and thus slick. However, it's a pretty easy trail overall. There is a parallel trail a little farther in the woods that seems to be an amalgamation of informal paths around these small stone ledges/steps. The top of the cliff is level and fairly clear of trees so there are unobstructed views of the bridge and river. You can continue a little along the edge of the cliff, but the highlight is this viewpoint. Sunsets are perhaps the best time to go, but there will be people taking couples shots and/or selfies all day, every day.

Contacts

Shared By:

Karl W with improvements by Ryan Banks

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 7 votes

#1

in Austin

#2682

Overall
  3.7 from 7 votes
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Austin

#32

in Texas

#2,682

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69,216 Since Nov 13, 2017
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Photos

Pennybacker Bridge, Austin, TX
Aug 7, 2019 near West La…, TX
Pennybacker Bridge at Sunset
Aug 7, 2019 near West La…, TX
There are excellent views of Lake Travis and the Pennyback Bridge from the overlook
Nov 13, 2017 near West La…, TX
Stairway to Heaven
Aug 7, 2019 near West La…, TX

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Feb 21, 2022
Dan Shemon
Beautiful Austin, TX with my girl! 0.2mi — 0h 20m
Nov 21, 2021
Darla Reddell
Jun 25, 2021
Ryan Bowman
0.1mi — 0h 05m
Jun 26, 2020
Luke Skywalker
Apr 27, 2020
Leah Heggs
Aug 17, 2019
Vic Jacome
Jul 20, 2017
Sarah Piper
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