This is a fairly easy hike as in distance, however the terrain makes it a little challenging. The surface has rock, dirt, gravel, stumps and water. So insure the soles of your shoes are in good shape to prevent falls. I've walked here a couple of times now. Today it was a little chilly but nothing too bad. The last time it was warmer and the vegetation was much greener. The trail is about 1.5 miles long but back and forth you can get around 3 miles. So if you are looking for different scenery, then be sure to stop by here! read more

See all

Exercise is a fundamental part of our lives! My husband and I sometimes walk through the neighborhood in an effort to have together time and get some exercise...a twofer! We were so carried away with our conversation this morning, we ended up at Bull Creek District Park. We walked around Bull Creek for a while and then headed home. You can see mountain bikers often at Bull Creek and sometimes runners or avid walkers especially on the weekends. On the weekend it can be quite busy. It's ideal for enjoying nature or catching up. read more

See all

Our visit was wonderful here - we started out at St. Edwards which I am now just checking out the reviews on St. Ed's parking. I am quite blessed to say that our vehicle was untouched. Bull Creek wasn't crowded. The water was clear and the time on this trail was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. My partner and I sat by a small body of clear, crystal blue water. We talked for over an hour and enjoyed not only each others company, but the scenery and weather. Ugh, MY HEART. read more

See all

Just went yesterday and was there from 2:45 pm - 4. In that time, someone broke my passenger window and stole a medical device and my vehicle information cards. Would not recommend. read more

If you love nature and wanna be alone chilling this the place to think about life , you see tadpoles fishes swimmings in the river plus sunny day just excellent good place to bring your family and dogs also good for hiking read more

See all

It has potential. It has beauty. It has nature I wanted to go into the water, but we saw signs advising against swimming due to bacteria levels. We saw others swim. I wondered did they not read the signs or did they not care. Bummer. read more

GROSS!!! This place is hella polluted, the water looks pretty filthy, there is trash everywhere and no one here seems to care much about nature. I would not recommend coming here. First thing I saw coming in was a warning advisory notifying the public of high bacterial levels detected and may cause illness. Contact with water is NOT recommended! read more

Bull Creek District Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is a gorgeous park and swimming hole that gets very busy when the weather gets hot. There is a trail that goes alongside the creek but if you have water shoes, the water is low enough that you can wade up and down the creek as you please. At the time I went the water level was so low that the water was very warm and didn't offer too much relief from the heat. But I was able to find a shady area by the water, lay out a towel and relax. read more

I love Bull Creek park. I love walking along the water, but almost never want to brave the crowds you get down by Town Lake and Barton Springs. This park feels like a little piece of nature tucked just outside of Austin, and without driving too far away. When the weather is dry, you can hike the stream bed easily and enjoy the rock formations created by years of moving water. In wetter weather, the falls gets moving a little more quickly and the trails can get pretty slick and muddy. However: it would be wonderful if there would either be some leash law enforcement or a change in the rules here. About half (or more) of the dogs we see are off leash, despite several explicit signs about this being a leashed park. I would love to let my dog romp around off leash in the water, but the point of leash laws is to ensure dog owners know what to expect and can manage safe dog introductions. Owners, just because you think your dog is friendly, doesn't mean letting your off-leash pup rush my on-leash pup is a good idea. If you bring your dog here, please be respectful of the leash laws for the safety of all dogs and people. read more

Bull Creek District Park - A beautiful evening in Bull Creek Park. - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

I've been coming here since i was little, it's one of the safest, family friendly areas that i can comfortably hang out at.... until yesterday when my car and another family's car got broken into, belongings stolen, $1000's of dollars withdrawn from cards, broken windows etc. Apparently this has been happening a lot lately, so i wouldn't recommend it. read more

See all

Not to impressed with this park. It is in a beautiful area and it's very sad that it hasn't been maintained as it has so much potential. There is two sides to the park. They do have an area to access some shallow water for swimming and a few tables to enjoy a shaded picnic. read more

See all

Awesome hidden place. However you need to research if there is water. The first time I went it was full of water very nice. The second time it was almost completely dried. Make sure you research before you go or go after a rainy day or something. But love they have picnic tables and individual areas you can be at. Restrooms were always closed. read more

I am only reviewing the trails at the park and from the perspective of a trail-runner. This is a great place to introduce others to running trail. It's at a park many Austinites already know, yet most likely have no idea there are miles of trails just above where everyone normally gathers. The trails are a mixture of very runnable flat bits with lots of small to medium-sized rolling hills. There are also several more-challenging, short climbs that range from 80-100 feet. My typical loop there is a little under 5 miles with about 700ft of elevation gain. There are approximately 10 optional "out & backs" along my route to get almost exactly 1000ft of vert. What you'll want to do is cross the shallow part of the creek near the parking area where the volleyball nets and restrooms are. To the left, you should see the trailhead. About 50 feet from the trailhead, you will want to go in the general left direction and away from the creek and towards the hills. In 1/4 mile, hang a right at the trail marker and start heading up the steep hill along the barbed wire fence. This hill is called Treacherous and goes straight up 100ft in just a few hundred feet. Hang a left at the boulder at the top to start on the high trails. In just a few minutes the trail will veer to the right and go alongside and above 360 for a bit. Take note of the trail heading down on the left just before the veer, we'll be going down that as you wrap up the loop. Continue for 1/4 mile to the fork. You are now at the end of the stick on this lollipop trail. My loop now continues counter-clockwise and will take you back to this same spot later to double up on the lollipop stem and wrap things up. Take a right at the next fork in just a bit then an almost immediate left. If you want to check out the abandoned VW bus, take a right there first then come back to continue (it's just up 50ft or so.) Continue on the main trail for about 1 mile to another main fork where you will take a left. A right here is one of the many "out & backs" if you want extra gain, this is one of the more significant ones and will end on Valburn Dr. Chances are, any little side trail you see can be explored and for extra vert. Just come back down and continue on with the loop after each. After about another 3/4 mile (guessing) you will come to a split where I normally take the right for extra gain then a left a minute later after climbing the hill. Start heading down the steep portion and hang a quick right in just about 50ft. This is the entrance to the upcoming set of 24 downhill switchbacks (aka Slinky) which are super fun to bomb. Keep on for approximately 1/3 mile and I'll try my best to describe the next intersection. You will see a trail to the right, keep going just a bit and veer to the left. In just a very short bit you will hang a left (take note of trail on the right as you will come back to this spot and start this section again later.) In a minute or so you will start Slinky. Between the 5th and 6th switchback you will want to take the side trail taking you away from the switchbacks and off to another lite set of switchbacks within these. In 1/2 mile the trail will come to a T where you will hang a left, go downhill to a really great overlook above Inga's Trail and 360. I usually have a snack here and give my pup some treats and water. Backtrack up the hill and continue on, passing the trail entrances to the right, one of which you exited just earlier. At the top of this hill you should be back to the intersection that is the beginning of Slinky. This time bomb it all the way to the bottom, almost 1 mile. You should exit the wooded area and cross the retention pond/dam. Head up the little climb and in just a second you will be at the end of the lollipop stick I mentioned earlier. If you want to do another loop take a left. Otherwise, head to the right to wrap this up. Head all the way to the steep downhill side trail we noted much earlier in the directions (this is where I mentioned to veer right and run above 360.) Head down (be careful here, lots of loose rocks, roots and steep) and in just a minute you will be at the waterfall area where I usually have a quick dip. You will have to scramble down a bit here exiting the trail. You will need to come back to this spot if you decide to get in the water and hang a left to go in the general direction of where we initially crossed the creek to start this whole thing. 1/4 mile along the creek and you should be at ground zero. I'm thinking about continuing on with detailed route descriptions for all of the many trails I run. If this was helpful, please let me know and check out my other reviews. read more

Bull Creek District Park - My Strava route and elevation details for the route described in my review. - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Aside from Catherine's resent accurate review of this past Sunday's event you might note that all the other reviews are 2 plus years old. Why? because after the Dog Park closed all the volunteers stopped maintaining the area and it went from 5 to 2 stars pretty fast. This used to be one of my favorite hikes! I lead hikes here I volunteered with Adopt-A-Creek and BullCreekVolunteers and we strategically placed rocks so that people could cross the water crossings safely, cleared brush etc..... I lead hikes in my spare time and have found some amazing trails in Austin and am always amazed at how well MUD maintains all their trails. Bull Creek has literally gone to the dogs despite the fact that it is no longer off leash.. For the CMFE Sunday we met at the no longer off leash dog park (with several off leash dogs) and when we went to the water crossing there was no longer a defined water crossing so we all got our feet wet and slipped and slided in the mud before trudging through an undefined bush trail. I am no sissy when it comes to Bushwhacking but this is not the well defined trail I used to love.. I remind you that this is not an off leash dog area! If you go to an off leash dog park you expect off leash dogs but the hiking trail requires dogs to be leashed and offenders can be fined 200.00 for a reason... There are leash laws for a reason! Some people are terrified of big dogs and deserve their right to hike without being scared of an off leash dog and there are dogs that are scared of other dogs who deserve the right to go for a walk without being assaulted by another dog. The amazing and multi talented Kelly S. put herself in a very dangerous situation on our hike! Pulling a 100 LB Bloodhound (off leash) off my 40LB foster (leashed) dog.. YIKES!!!! Just another reason why she ROCKS! From now on we will be sticking to the much more beautiful well maintained trails at River Place Nature Trail with more responsible dog owners who keep their dogs on leash!!! read more

This is nice city park. When it rains a lot, a waterfall can be seen in parts of the park. There is nice trail for hiking. I personally would not swim in Bull Creek, but I have seen people in the water. There are bathrooms, but make sure to bring toilet paper and other supplies. I like to come early in the morning before people come with their dogs to V enjoy the quiet. read more

Nice park. Our first time here. We came when it was cold so we couldn't get in the water. But it's was a beautiful walk along the water. Looks like dogs really like this place. So it was cool to see that. We'll be back when the Texas weather heats up. Location is easy and convenient to get to. Parking is ample. read more

Bull Creek District Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

A very nice little park that's simple and just what nature intended. You can stay near the parking area and just enjoy the little waterfall and the cool clear water or you can go on an excursion and explore the area like Lewis and Clark. Worth stopping and just relaxing to the sounds of the water and birds for a little while. You can have fun wet or dry here, but if you want to really explore you will get a little wet. read more

Bull Creek District Park - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

Are we in doggy heaven? I think so. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, dogs are playing and the water gurgles peacefully in the creek... Ahhh... Serenity Now. Dogs galore frequent this park running from one end to another and bounding through the creek. This place gets CROWDED when the weather is nice. I typically judge places by the crowd. For instance, if you're I'm in a new place and I don't know where to eat I search for the place with the longest line. I'm a true believer that the longer the line the better the food (typically). While Bull Creek doesn't have lines, except if you count parking, a ridiculous amount of canines and their human counterparts swarm this park - especially on the weekends. Therefore, if you, and/or dog, don't care for a busy park with lots of dogs and people, this might not be the place for you. Also, if you have an aggressive dog I would NOT recommend this place, or any off-leash crowded dog park, for you. read more

Bull Creek District Park - Our friend's amazing tree climbing dog, Jackie - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

This is such a great little place to hike along with your best little friend (i.e., doggie). Last summer I went here like a hundred times because there was great swimming water all over the place and it's off-lease (I love me some off-leash action). The people walking the trail and swimming are great - always friendly and fun. There are a few places that could be trimmed up a bit (maybe that changed w/ this terrible drought - I don't know), but otherwise this is a wonderful park to go and enjoy with strangers and dogs. read more

Pretty good spot to bring your pup, although it wasn't very clearly marked as to where the trails were - we parked up in the nearby neighborhood to get to the creek area where our pup could play in the water off leash. Water was cool & clean - would recommend! read more

See all

I'm not sure why I've only been here once in the (almost) 4 years I've lived in Austin since Bull Creek is incredible. The weather is absolutely perfect on this 2nd day of Spring so my boyfriend and I took the dogs here. I guess the best way to describe it is that you can walk through and alongside the creek since it's shallow enough to do that. It's really slippery so make sure to wear good shoes. All of the dogs we encountered and including ours just had the best time splashing and walking in the water. It's a great place to bring a chair and some beer and just enjoy the water and beautiful scenery. Which we might just do tomorrow ;) read more

Great place to bring the dogs and the family. Trails around a running creek that has swimming holes tucked throughout it. Mossy rocks can be slippery and there are spots with not much water or water that I wouldn't let my dog swim in. But, for the most part, enough clean deep holes to swim in to have fun. We walk along the creek to ensure the dogs keep cool and all in all - always have fun spending the day here. read more

See all

I loved the view here! So green and pretty! You definitely will need water shoes if you want to go in the water. The water is not super deep. It's a great place to bring the kids/dogs and have a nice bbq! read more

See all

This park was the ONLY Leash Free Dog Park in NW Austin, which we got the OK on in 1997. The Austin Parks Department chose to ignore our 6 years of hard work improving this park and maintaining to include off lease dog use. They closed the park against our recommendations in 2009, spent $117,000 where we stakeholders said they should not. In July 2010 they reopened the park with no allowed off leash dog use, and 2 months later a flood washed away all their expensive work, just like we said it would...and they have not restored their lost work since. We have stopped being an adopter, supporter and caretaker of this park. The Parks Dept does not police improper dog use as we did, nor do they to anything other than trash pick up (only the trash cans, not the rest of the park) and infrequently hires someone to mow the tall grass. Skip Cameron, President Bull Creek Foundation read more

Stinky dogs, stagnant water and slippery rocks. I love it. Whether this park's worth visiting depends a good bit on whether the water level's decent. I suppose if you were interested in swimming, a high water level would be great. But if you're more interested in walking (I am), the recent drought has been beneficial! I've been coming here for years and I still manage to get lost most of the time. I like that. read more

UPDATE 11/9/2009 I am sad to report that the off leash area of Bull Creek District Park will close, never to open again. If you own a dog you will have to go somewhere else from now on. The nearest location would be Turkey Creek near City Park or Red Bud Isle. Our group Bull Creek Dog Off Leash Group-BCDOG and its volunteers have spent over 1000 hours just this year making improvements, education and general upkeep at the park. We installed the split rail fence you see along the road to deter dogs and kids from running into the street. We installed the octagonal green bench that sits under the 200 year old oak tree. We have spread mulch, picked up poop & trash, educated park patrons about scooping the poop, held educational and fundraising events, did what we could for erosion control, started a Volunteer Park Monitor program to educate about violations from not scooping the poop to drinking and littering and just generally maintained the park. The City of Austin, Parks & Recreation Department is closing the park for a restoration project for at least 6 months and the off leash area will never open up again. Our group has offered idea after idea, proposal after proposal and none of our ideas or proposals have been included into the COA's plans and proposals. The COA is going to continue move forward with the exact same plan they have had since early spring of this year. The plan has not changed, our ideas have not been included and there has been no recognition, gratitude or appreciation for our results, efforts and our group. The COA wants to do this their way and so it shall be. The 1000 + hours of free annual volunteer labor and approximately $10,000 in grant monies that could have been redirected to the restoration of the park from BCDOG that could have helped the COA in this tight budgetary year will not be there to help with the restoration project nor any other project. Furthermore I personally recommend that the Bull Creek Foundation also remove all volunteer efforts at Bull Creek District Park and that BCDOG disband and all grant monies , we have be grandfathered into the Bull Creek Foundation's account. Bull Creek OLA should be removed from the COA's website as an off leash area and the newly formed OLAAC should be notified that this OLA has closed. We can only wish the COA luck with this autocratic leadership style and approach. Sincerly, Debra Bailey Bull Creek Dog Off Leash Group President read more

We are new to Austin and had literally the best time ever here. Parking was easy to find and free, there wasn't really any directions so we just got out and walked along the creek, found a bunch of waterfalls, crossed along the creek a couple of times. Wear shoes that can get wet and you can hike in, bring water, there's bathrooms in one of the parking lots. read more

See all

For those times when you're feeling fat (whether or not you actually are), or you just want some nice scenery, there's Bull Creek Park. I've been before, but not for many years, so I thought it would be nice to head out there with some other Yelp ladies for Kelly's CMFE, to work off the calories I would inevitably eat at Quani C's Super Bowl party later that day. Made the mistake of wearing my Air Force sweatshirt, thinking it might be chilly in 60-degree shade, BUT I thought ahead and wore a shirt underneath. And I ended up taking the sweatshirt off and tying it around my waist before we even got started. It sure was a nice day. Things got hairy pretty quickly, unfortunately. A bigger-than-normal Bloodhound, unleashed, randomly bounded up to Tara M's two dogs, one of whom is a new foster pup and has not yet been properly socialized. The Bloodhound's enthusiasm set Diamond off, and the two started to scuffle. This led to Kelly having to grab the Bloodhound to try to pull it away, which led to the Bloodhound's owner lobbing accusations and blame at us. Um, no, bitch. Your dog needs to be on a leash. You don't know which dogs in this park are friendly and which aren't, so why are you taking chances? Not to mention there are signs all over the place that say your dog must be on a leash. I hate people who can't accept blame for their own mistakes. And I saw plenty of other dogs at that park who were unleashed. Just so you know, you should be careful if you take your dog here. The park is beautiful, and it's great exercise, but I have a couple of problems with all the Bull Creek parks. First, there's no easy way to cross the creek at any point. A bridge would be nice. Secondly, I like the signs that tell you what trail you're on, but it would be more helpful to have signs telling you which way the parking lot is. I'm always afraid I'm going to get lost in these parks. Other than those two things, this park is primo, and I plan to be back a lot more, whenever I feel a food binge or inferiority complex coming on. read more

The main problem with Bull Creek is that it's also used by non-dog people, and those people often are busy eating big picnic spreads and throwing their trash and leftovers on the ground. When I have chowhounds with me, we cross the creek immediately and hit the trail lest one of them inhales a Burger King wrapper. There are also lots of kids here in the summer, so if your dog isn't trustworthy around kids, or if he LOOOOVES kids so much that he can't control himself, go elsewhere. The hiking trail is perfect for summer - your dogs can run their little legs off without fear of overheating, because it follows the creek. If you persist, and hike for a full twenty-five minutes, you hit Dogwalking Nirvana - a big, open space next to a gorgeous waterfall and a swimming hole with a rope swing. Maybe it has something to do with the trail's proximity to the 360 overpass, but this is the one park where my dogs have repeatedly found dead stuff to roll in. And that's Dogwalking Hell - there's nothing like having to drive home with your head hanging further out the window than your dog's, because Bentley smells like Jeffrey Dahmer's freezer during a power outage. read more

"Plenty of dogs, pretty scenery, and some good old fashioned exercise." Yes, you heard correctly that Bull Creek used to be a great off leash park for dogs. It still is (yet the leash law is in place here now). Although, I can say next to no one follows the leash law here. I'm totally okay with it as long as your dog listens and behaves itself on the trail. I always make sure another trail goer has a friendly dog prior to letting my dog just jump in and play (although she usually knows how to pick the friendly playmates). This is a great park with a ton of doggy swimming areas to throw the stick. There are plenty of secluded areas and scenic views. There are a couple of great parking spaces. One of 360 and Winding Ridge Road which takes you right to the water falls (that's if we are lucky enough to get some rain, so there's not always a waterfall). Then there's parking lots off of 360 and Lakewood Drive. This is where the main field for dogs is and some of the deeper swimming holes and streams. This area also has some great trail markers with mini hikes...don't stray off or you might into walking way the heck up the hill to someone's house. Not saying I've done this or anything... Anyways, this is a great place when the weather is just right and you want a bit of fresh air. The plus side is wearing my dog out so she goes home and sleeps. Bull Creek is one of the many things that goes on the list of why Austin is really cool. I'm not talking cool weather...we all know it gets pretty dang hot here. read more

Bull Creek District Park - The girls enjoying a swim - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is for Bull Creek trails moreso than Bull Creek Park, but I'll try to squeeze them both in. I could never find the "good" Bull Creek hikes until a friend finally turned me on to the entrance off Spicewood Springs, just east of 360 (coming from 360, take Spicewood to the left and then take a right on the first road you pass, then park on the right, just past the entrance to the apartment complex. the entrance to the trail is across the street). The trail I found is called 'inga's trail', named after a woman who unfortunately died well before her time but loved her dog and loved to hike. Inga's trail sets off south and west and gains elevation very rapidly at first. It then stays high and opens to a field, crosses Bull Creek, traverses below the gorgeous hills above, crosses the creek a few more times before it paralells the creek for another 1/2 mile or so. You go under 360 once or twice, and at one point cross a short street whose name I couldn't see and still haven't been able to determine on a map. There are tons of excellent swimming holes on this trail, and eventually, it lets out at Lakewood and 360, just NW of the dog park. If you go through the parking lot and watch for trail signs, you can walk along lakewood drive, or if you prefer, stay on the far side of the creek and eventually it will let out at the main area of the park. I didn't have our GPS, but all in all, I think this hike is probably about 4 miles round trip. If its been raining as it sometimes does here, you'll either want to prepare to get your feet a little wet, bring water shoes, or walk across the creek here and there. There are some stepping stones but its easy to fall off - well it was easy for me anyway-and sometimes some are under water. We found this a great destination hike- with loads to see along the way, and a great "endpoint" for our dogs at the park itself. All in all, great fun. Oh, if you go to the park at the end, follow this rule: bring a dog, scoop 2 poops. Even if they aren't your dogs. read more

Better and less busy than the Barton Creek Greenbelt! Definitely take water shoes/Tevas for your hike. Trails are not always well paved, you'll cross over water multiples times during the hike, walk is very easy (took my 60+ parents with me), from Bull Creek District Park to Lower Bull Creek, it took about 45 minutes with breaks. Pack a light lunch/snacks, your own trash bags, small towel to wipe off and a towel to sit on, water shoes, water. Have fun! read more

Beautiful scenery. Loved the hike around. You can go for a few hours to half a day if you wanted to. Some parts of the trail were more challenging than others-- so I wouldn't recommend small children. There was actually water here when we went & it was beautiful-- even saw a mini-waterfall. By mini--- i mean like 2 feet. LOL. But, for Texas, that's pretty good, you know? Pick up after yourself & after your dogs! read more

I may have the wrong place here but I was told this place is partially referred to as "Turkey Creek" so if this is wrong, just kidding. This is an awesome area for off leash dog hiking! LOVE IT! This is Austin's best kept secret. My woofies were in heaven today! It's 3 marked miles of beauty, is well off a common road, and everyone is seriously cool that takes their dogs there. They are all awesome, laid back, and responsible. Keep your eyes peeled though, and be aware of your surroundings, like at any park though. Dogs or not. It really is an outstanding place though! I will love to see it when more water is in it...but that may be awhile... The dogs LOVED it and are now taking serious power naps after their fun experiences on a beautiful Saturday afternoon! My husband has been but we will now both be going there as often as possible, especially since it's not so hot for the dogs anymore :). \m/ read more

Bull Creek Park is pretty good. It's not a traditional park with playscapes and barbecue pits. It's pretty much a park near a creek. It's a decent sized park, looks like there were trails off to the sides and plenty of creek to explore and swim in. There's lots of shade and a few benches which you can bring your own barbecue pit and a have a good time. I did notice plenty of fish in the water. It's off the beaten find not easy to find, but your GPS will steer you right. I definitely recommend this park. read more

Stumbled upon this place by accident. We had some extra time before having to drop the husband off at the airport, and the pups were getting cranky in the backseat, as all children do. We did a quick google search of off-leash dog parks in Austin, and Bull Creek came up. So we headed over, only to find that there is actually no off-leash area. Silly google, we probably should have yelped it. But we were not disappointed! The creek was full and moving rapidly, thanks to the storm last night. My arctic dogs loved it! Then we found a secret staircase and climbed some rocks, got deliciously muddy and pretended we were much further away from the city than we actually were. All in all, the park was relatively clean and quiet. Next time the old ball and chain flies out of Austin, we'll plan to spend some more time there because honestly, there's nothing like driving back to San Antonio with the smell of two wet dogs. At least they were sleeping. read more

Bull Creek District Park - Moose climbs rocks like a pro. - Parks Near Me - Austin, Texas

I still can't get over the crystal clearness of some of the creeks and streams in the Austin area. Being from Florida, the tannin from cypress trees keeps the water murky and lookin' like iced tea. I have gone to Bull Creek on weekdays so I haven't been subjected to large crowds and packs of dogs. Crossing the stream will take you to a few miles of widely traveled trail, but there are smaller trails that will lead to more difficult treks up the hillsides. One open field was full of wildflowers and had a beautiful view of hillside that almost made me believe I was in the mountains. The only downside is on the drive out there. The beautiful hills have these cookie cutter apartment and condo complexes that drape these gigantic signs on their rooftops saying, "NOW LEASING." Oh, the suburban sprawl. Keep your eyes out for a Wal-mart being built on one of the hilltops. read more

So our dogs started digging under the fence this week , which told us that they were quite annoyed that we hadn't taken em out in a while. So in the car we go down to one of the only ( the only? ) dog park in North Austin where your dogs can go leash less.Yes, I said it! Located off of 360 near Westlake hills and shaded by trees, is a hidden treasure. Bull Creek Dog Park. Actually its called Bull Creek District park, but for those in the know, we just call it the dog park. At almost every hour of the day you can find dog owners proudly following their precious pups around as they engage in rear end sniffing, creek swimming, stick chasing and a general good time. Tip: If your dog is a skittish one- try keeping them on a leash. If not-- let them run free! The park is located far enough from the road that the dogs usually go nowhere near it. Weekdays are usually less crowded. On a weekend my dogs had the pleasure of hanging out with probably 50 plus dogs of all types, breeds..and ...er...temperaments, although most dogs are quite friendly. Bring some dog treats and give your dog an hour or two of running free. My dogs sure enjoyed it. read more

Bull Creek i miss you. This is a perfect spot in the summer, slowly flowing water in a shallow river, lots of shade and flat, smooth rocks to lay on. A great place to bring dogs and friends. Since it's easily accessible (short walk), it's also a good place to bring your not-so-outdoorsy friends. read more

I love Bull Creek! It is a great place to bring your dogs (always plenty of dogs there). There are picnic benches, volleyball, BBQs, bathrooms, and the creek is so fun to wade around in. The kids love to slide down the little natural water slides. Be careful of slippery rocks. (wish someone would have told me that!.ouch!) Last time I went there, we brought Rudys, to enjoy. What a day! read more