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    Bull Creek District Park

    4.0 (72 reviews)

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    River

    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

    Jennie K.

    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!

    A beautiful evening in Bull Creek Park.
    Katie H.

    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.

    Car broken into
    Alexia G.

    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 until yesterday when my car and another family's car got broken into, belongings stolen, $1000's of dollars withdrawn from cards, broken windows etc.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.

    James W.

    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.

    My Strava route and elevation details for the route described in my review.
    Eric J.

    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.

    Tammy O.

    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.

    Justin O.

    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.

    Our friend's amazing tree climbing dog, Jackie
    Sara K.

    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.

    KLynn S.

    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!

    Stephanie A.

    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.

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    Pease Park

    Pease Park

    4.7
    (122 reviews)
    6.3 mi

    Pease Park is one of Austin's most beautiful parks. Full stop! It has been thoughtfully designed…read moreand enjoyable green space to frequent. Stretching along Shoal Creek, the park offers a mix of shaded walking and biking trails, open lawns, and beautifully restored natural areas. It is hard to believe when you are in the park that you are in the heart of central Austin. The park is especially family friendly, with a large playground, splash pad, treehouse style observation area, and plenty of seating. While we were at the park a school was hosting a picnic for its students. The northern portion of the park is even more quiet and scenic, with winding trails, limestone bluffs, and creek views. It's a great area for dog walks, leisurely strolls, picnics, workouts, or just relaxing under the trees. The park is well maintained and welcoming to all ages. This park is very special.

    Such a gem of a park. Big, beautiful, and genuinely fun for all ages. The giant troll made from…read morenatural and recycled materials alone is worth the visit -- it's impressive and so unique. The stream nearby adds a peaceful touch, and the overall design of the park feels really intentional and creative. Kids will go crazy for the massive playground and all the interactive installations. The hanging net sphere is a must, you can lie inside and bounce around, and honestly the adults were just as into it as the little ones. There are also food vendors including ice cream, so you can easily spend a whole afternoon here. One of the most well-done parks I've been to. Highly recommend.

    Photos
    Pease Park
    Treehouse view from below, the walk way to upper level is on the left side.
    Treehouse view from below, the walk way to upper level is on the left side.
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    Observation globe top view
    Zilker Metropolitan Park

    Zilker Metropolitan Park

    4.6
    (288 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    Zilker Park is Austin's giant front lawn -- sprawling, busy, and full of every outdoor activity…read moreimaginable happening at once. On any given day you'll see dogs chasing frisbees, people picnicking like it's a competitive sport, and someone doing yoga in a spot that makes you wonder if they're performing for the whole park. The lawn stretches out forever, and on a sunny day it feels like half the city is out there claiming a patch of grass. Yes, the Zilker Zephyr (the little train) still exists in spirit, though it's been through closures and rebuilds. The current version -- the Zilker Eagle -- runs a short loop that's basically nostalgia on wheels. Kids love it, adults tolerate it, and everyone agrees it's one of those Austin things that doesn't need to make sense to be charming. Down by Barton Springs Pool, the real show is the area where the pool overflows into Barton Creek. It's almost always packed with families, college kids, and anyone who didn't feel like paying admission or dealing with lifeguards. It's a lively, slightly chaotic stretch of water -- people wading, floating, splashing, and generally having a great time in a spot that feels like Barton Springs' unofficial side‑door entrance. Parking is its own adventure, especially on weekends, and you'll see people trekking across the park like they're on a pilgrimage from wherever they finally found a spot. But once you're in, it's easy to settle into the mix of sunshine, crowds, and classic Austin energy.

    Our wonderful Rhodesian Ridgeback passed on to the rainbow bridge three months ago at the age of 14…read moreand we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to rehome a five-year-old Ridgeback -- see photos. Her name is Tails, previously Wrigley. Have been to Zilker with her five times in the three weeks that we have had her, most recently this morning. This continues to be a great place to take a friendly animal and allow them to run wild off leash. She loves mixing it up with the other dogs and, being a Ridgeback, she is the fastest dog out there other than some of the Vizslas. Loves the sand where volleyball is played! Lots of parking! Easy access!

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    Zilker Metropolitan Park
    Tio Toto
    Tio Toto
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    Tio Toto
    Alliance Children’s Garden

    Alliance Children’s Garden

    4.8
    (27 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    TLDR: Great park for all ages, with unique playscapes, climbing structures, and a splash pad…read more Limited parking in paid lot. Awesome park with a variety of playscapes. Large space -- spread out. You've got climbing structures, slides, tunnels, swings. What I really loved was how they incorporated the playscapes into the terrain (e.g. slides and tunnels were built into hills). I also appreciated that they had activities for various ages -- my 3.5-year-old daughter enjoyed the complex climbing structure while my 1.5-year-old son liked the simple tree stump climbing structure. Splash pad nearby and ample green space to run around. Downtown is nearby so you've got a beautiful view of the skyscrapers. You've also got some less pleasant aspects. When we were parking, there was a disheveled looking man being arrested. No idea how much of a disturbance he created but the cops were taking care of it. There's a paid parking lot that fills up quickly. Terry Black's BBQ is right across the street if you got a good parking spot and want to snag some meat as well (their line moves fast).

    Alliance Children's Garden is a playground within the larger Butler Park in Austin. We chose to…read morecome here since its want right across the street from Terry Black's BBQ, where we planned to have lunch. The park has lots of playscapes and climbing structures, and you'll also get nice views of the tall buildings of downtown Austin. They do have an hourly pay-parking lot at the entrance, but it does fill up quickly. It's almost better to leave your car here and walk to Terry Black's. We only hung out at the hills and tunnels section of the park, which our 4yo son loved. They have several hills covered with artificial turf of varying heights that are fun to crawl, climb, or roll down. The tunnels through each hill will make you feel like a Hobbit in those LOTR movies.

    Photos
    Talofa from Teine o le Meaese.
    Talofa from Teine o le Meaese.
    "Jungle gym"
    "Jungle gym"
    Alliance Children’s Garden

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    McKinney Falls State Park

    McKinney Falls State Park

    4.0
    (313 reviews)
    13.3 mi

    There are definitely reasons why this park is so popular and why the website recommends purchasing…read moreday passes in advance. McKinney Falls is gorgeous! We went for a hike there right after a big storm and the grounds were so green and vibrant. We mostly stuck to the Onion Creek Trail as it is paved; however, the storm brought in mud to a few places on the trail, so be prepared to maneuver or wear proper footwear if you go during rainy season. Many families line up to take pictures in front of the upper falls (outside the Smith visitor center), so go early if you'd like a picture free of other guests. We then went to the lower falls area where there is an expanse of limestone (I believe) to get to the falls. There's a very small beach and swimming hole area that many families were enjoying. It's important to note that dogs can't enter any of the water at this park. The park also had multiple designated fishing areas as well. We drove around the campgrounds and they have well-maintained water + electric sites at every site. We would highly recommend a visit if you're in the Austin area.

    Austin, Tx. Actually the park is pretty nice, except…read moreconditions on a hot summer day were not ideal. The lower falls had little water and there was a huge slew of trash and litter in it and it looked disgusting. The upper falls were better but very little water flowing. We were leaving soon but my wire told me to pull over so she could photograph some wildflowers. I did because there was nobody there that day, but a Ranger had to come scold me anyway. Well I did leave behind my $12. I hope it goes for trash removal.

    Photos
    Newly engaged couple portraits by the falls
    Newly engaged couple portraits by the falls
    EV charging
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    McKinney Falls State Park

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    Mayfield Park

    Mayfield Park

    4.6
    (232 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    When my boyfriend said "let's go meet our friends at the peacock reserve", I didn't think twice…read moreabout saying yes and I also didn't think twice about it being a ACTUAL place with peacocks. This place was honestly so cool. The peacocks free roam so it's important to be mindful where walking, and especially important to watch in their small parking lot as the birds wander into there as well. With that being said, there are no dogs allowed. We walked around the grounds a bit trying to find more birds. There's benches to sit, nice little water ponds to see, and a little trail as well. Would definitely advise going with closed toed shoes if you're planning to walk the trail. It's not really stroller friendly as there are branches and rocks scattered all along the path. I would definitely come back here, should I find myself back down in Austin. Such a wholesome and peaceful place!

    I first visited Mayfield Park several years ago when visiting Austin for the first time with my…read moreboyfriend who is from here. The park is famous for the peacocks that reside on land of nearly 23 acres. They're so beautiful to watch. The park also has koi ponds, hiking trails, gardens, and the Mayfield-Gutsch cottage that dates back to the 1870s. It's a beautiful and peaceful park to hike, walk, or just relax in. Extremely well maintained and cared for. It's also a place my sisters like to visit when they're in town to see me.

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    Mayfield Park
    Mayfield Park
    Mayfield Park

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    Mount Bonnell

    Mount Bonnell

    4.4
    (521 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    Mount Bonnell is the quintessential Austin spot for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Austin,…read morethe surrounding hills, and some of the most impressive homes in the city. I usually visit here as a part of run club destination run as the sounding area is very hilly and a challenging running route. The best time to visit is around sunrise or sunset as the overlook provides plenty of opportunities for photos, whether you're capturing the water, the skyline in the distance, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The trail itself is relatively short and manageable, though there are a few stairs to navigate. Parking can be limited during peak times, so arriving early is a good idea. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere remains peaceful and makes for a great spot to relax, reflect, or bring out-of-town guests for a memorable Austin experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Austin, Mount Bonnell is a must-see destination that showcases some of the best views the city has to offer.

    Mount Bonnell was a place that we were told we really needed to go when we were visiting Austin…read more You get on top of the ridge (at least this is a ridge to me as I was born and raised and lived in mountain states where the mountains are quite large) and you can get a great view of downtown Austin with it's cityscape and then you can also get a good view of the Colorado River and the neighborhoods across the river which are quite nice. The terrain is rocky on top so watch your step and there are a fair amount of people up here enjoying the view as well. I am sure sunrises and sunsets are beautiful and very impressive. We walked for a ways and got a few different vantage points of the views so if you are able to do that I definitely recommend doing so. It's a great place and indeed a place to go when visiting. The locals enjoy it too!

    Photos
    Mount Bonnell
    View at Mount Bonnell
    View at Mount Bonnell
    Mount Bonnell

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    Bull Creek District Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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