Barton Creek Greenbelt – Mountain Bike Trail

The Barton Creek Greenbelt Mountain bike trail is a scenic intermediate-level ride next to the creek, and depending on the season, you may be riding next to a flowing or dry creek. There’s plenty to look forward to on this trail, including rocky and rugged terrain, caves, creek crossings, etc. It’s also fairly woody, which can be bad depending on the season since you might encounter fallen trees blocking your path. Some of the sections may also require you to get off your bike and hike as well.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

For this out-and-back trail, you get a few entrances to the trail to choose from. One example is the parking lot on the S Mopac Service Rd just off the S Mopac Expressway. There’s also the parking lot on William Barton Dr from where you can join the Barton Creek Connector Trail with some restrooms nearby. There’s even another trailhead on the opposite end, just off Camp Craft Rd.

The trail is heavily wooded, but even so, you should carry plenty of hydration since it’s pretty long, and you’re bound to work up a sweat. You’ll mainly be riding along the creek, so there are some rocky sections that make the ride more technical.

Nevertheless, it can be easy to get lost with plenty of unsanctioned trails branching off the main trail along the way. These unsanctioned trails can be dangerous, so stick to the main out and back even if you want an adventure. The fact that the main trail isn’t well marked doesn’t help either, so keep your map close.

Some creek crossings are passable during dry weather. However, if the rain has been pouring and the creek has filled up, you’ll have to look for detours. One of these detours is the Cliff Diversion Trail which bypasses two of the closed creek crossings. However, a section of this trail goes through a cliff face that will force you off your bike. The fact that it has a safety chain should tell you it’s a bad idea to ride your mountain bike there, no matter your skill level.

Wet weather isn’t necessarily a bad thing since you can do things you wouldn’t be able to do with a dry creek, such as take a swim at the falls.

Off-leash dogs are allowed, and there may be plenty of other trail users, from hikers to other mountain bikers, depending on when you go there. You may also see some wildlife, including squirrels and brightly colored cardinals.

There are some rock walls and caves to stop by that add to the charm of the route. Additionally, riders get plenty of benches along the route for rest.

It’s worth noting that you’ll have to pay for parking.

Also, while in the area, you may want to stop by the Zilker Botanical Garden and the Austin Nature and Science Center, especially if you’re from out of town.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views.

Sights include the Twin and Sculpture Falls.

Recommendations/precautions:

• Despite the presence of shade, be sure to carry plenty of water.
• Watch out for off-leash dogs in some sections of the trail.
• Carry some cash to pay for parking.
• With markers on the trail being few and hard to come by, carry a map or at least your phone to navigate the trail better.