Austin is a quickly developing city that blends small buildings next to towering skyscrapers and urban areas with local parks and the beautiful Colorado River. With the stark contrast of bustling downtown and serene country landscapes in this turbulent city, it may seem almost impossible to find good places for running.
If you are an Austin resident or tourist asking yourself, “what are the best running trails near me?” look no further. There are many great runs in Austin, TX, and we have compiled a whole list of them. Continue reading and learn about the 7 best Austin running routes.
1. Butler Trail
The Butler Trail is probably the most iconic route in Austin. Running around the magnificent Lady Lake and Colorado River takes the cake for amazing views. This winding trail is partially paved with firm gravel and packed dirt taking other parts.
The route is fairly crowded, hosting over 30,000 runners daily. There are many bridges, boardwalks, boathouses, and even two public pools along the way.
Some spots on the route can get fairly bland, but for the most part, it is a sight to behold. For example, we recommend going out on a summer sunset to see thousands of bats flying out from the Congress St. bridge.
If the 10-mile trail is not enough for your routine, you can expand it by choosing routes a bit farther from the water (but you will miss out on the views) or adding the Zilker Nature Preserve Trail, Johnson Creek Hike & Bike Trail, or the Country Club Creek Trail.
You can find a map of the trail here.
Why is it great?
- Iconic route with the most beautiful views Austin has to offer.
- Bridges and boardwalks along the water.
- Great fusion of city skyline and nature.
- Many options to extend your run.
2. Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
The Barton Creek Greenbelt runs for about 7.5 miles between Zilker Metropolitan Park and Camp Craft Road, not far from Butler Trail. There are areas for both running and hiking.
There is a nice mix of parklands with paved paths and rugged dirt and gravel tracks. There are also lovely spots for rock climbing and swimming.
If you are looking for hills for running in Austin, this track is perfect for you, with Hill of Life spanning 300 m in 0.3 miles. And if you get hungry after the run, there are a few good restaurants not far from the route for a quick top-up.
Why is it great?
- Challenging run with a big hill near the end.
- Great mix of parks and wild terrain.
- Running near water.
3. Downtown, Capitol, and the University of Texas
Arguably the best way to see Austin is by runseeing. The best route is combining a run from downtown to the state Capitol and the University of Texas.
Running at night in Austin can be scary because not many trails are lit, but this route is a pleasant exception. Not only is it lit, but it is also exceptionally gorgeous.
The full loop takes about 4.5 miles, but it is very easy to expand: add Republic Square, Waterloo Park, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park, Pease District Park, or House Park to your routine.
Why is it good?
- Well-lit at night (and especially gorgeous at that time).
- Crowded and safe.
- Good mix of parks and urban surroundings.
- Magnificent architecture.
4. Congress Avenue and South Congress Avenue
This is not the most scenic route, but it is probably one of the easiest flat routes to run in Austin. It is fairly straightforward, as you just run straight for as long as you want and then go back. The two streets are roughly 9 miles in total, so you can choose to return to the starting point before you reach one end of the street.
The highlight of the run is undoubtedly crossing the 0.2-mile Congress Avenue Bridge, so make sure to add it to your route.
Why is it great?
- Easy to navigate.
- The bridge has some lovely views of the Colorado River.
- Well-lit at night.
- Crowded and safe.
5. Shoal Creek Trail
The Shoal Creek Trail is an excellent alternative to the Butler Trail. It is a linear park near Shoal Creek that goes about 3 miles. The most scenic views are near the northern part.
Another advantage is that the trail is not far from the University of Texas campus, which is perfect for local students.
Why is it great?
- Good alternative to the Butler Trail.
- Flat course.
- Close to the university.
- Running near water.
6. Lake Austin Boulevard, Scenic Drive, Mount Bonnell
If you are looking for a nice hilly run in Austin, try going down Lake Austin Blvd. and Scenic Dr. This 3.8-mile paved path offers a great view of the Colorado River.
For an extra challenge, you can go even further to Mt. Bonnell Rd. and climb up Mt. Bonnell. This will add another 1.5 miles and 781 feet of elevation to your run.
Why is it great?
- Good views of the Colorado River.
- Hilly paved paths.
- Option to climb Mt. Bonnell for extra cardio.
7. Lakeway Area
Roughly 20 miles northwest of downtown is the Lakeway area with two main trails, perfect for rugged trail running in Austin. The Hamilton Greenway is roughly 2.5 miles and features nice green scenery on both sides of the trail.
The Canyonlands Trails have over 4 miles in total, divided into different paths, and feature pleasant views of the local green hills and canyons.
Why is it great?
- Green scenic views.
- Away from downtown.
- Calm and quiet.
Conclusion
Austin’s running scene reflects the city very well—it is rapidly developing and shows great promise, but there is still much left to improve. We hope you found some amazing Austin runs on our list. Did we miss any great routes? Let us know in the comments!
