Northwest Austin
Bull Creek Greenbelt
A creekside natural-surface trail through Hill Country woods. It has rocks, roots and creek crossings, and it feels wonderfully wild for being inside the city. A great next step after your first few dirt trails.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Surface
- Natural surface with rocks, roots and creek crossings
- Shade
- Good tree cover along much of the creek
- Best for
- A shady, creekside run once you are comfortable on dirt
Know before you go
- Creeks can rise quickly after rain. Check the forecast and conditions, and never cross fast or high water.
- Rocky and uneven in places, so slow down and walk technical sections.
- Popular with swimmers and dog walkers in warm months; expect crowds on weekends, and be polite on narrow sections.
- Shade helps in summer, but the humidity can be high. Carry water.
- Parking can be limited near popular access points. Go early or on weekdays.
Your first run here
Choose a short out-and-back on a section that feels comfortable, run 2 minutes / walk 1 minute, and turn around at 20 to 25 minutes. Walk any rocky or steep parts.
What makes it a good next step
It has more variety than the wide dirt paths you have been running, so you will practice everything from the technique guide: scanning ahead, short quick steps, choosing lines and walking the technical parts.
A sample 40-minute workout
- Walk 5 minutes to warm up.
- Run 2 minutes easy, walk 1 minute, repeating for 20 minutes and walking rocky sections.
- Turn around and return at the same easy effort.
- Walk 5 minutes to cool down and stretch.
Creeks and safety
Check the weather before you go, and remember that flash floods can happen even when it is dry where you are. Do not cross swollen creeks. If a crossing looks doubtful, turn around.
Wildlife and plants
Watch for snakes on warm days, poison ivy near the creek and ticks in brush. Wear light clothing, use repellent if you like and check yourself afterward.
Etiquette
Yield to uphill runners and hikers, keep dogs under control, and leave no trace. Respect neighbors near trailheads.
Common mistakes
- Running the technical sections at road pace. Walk them.
- Not carrying water because it is shady.
- Starting too late on hot days.
Want a guide the first time? Join a small-group clinic, or follow the 4-week plan.
Conditions change. Check official City of Austin park and trail updates before you go, and never cross flooded water. Trail running carries inherent risk; run within your ability.