Swimming Holes and Springs
Hiking
Barton Creek Greenbelt
12 miles of creek trails with swimming holes and bouldering in Austin. Free. Best from about age 5. A half-day trip. Dogs welcome.
Ages
5–18+
Cost
Free
Duration
~3h
Difficulty
Moderate
Setting
Outdoor
Over 12 miles of trails following Barton Creek through limestone bluffs and dense forest right in the middle of Austin. When the creek is flowing kids can swim at Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls and wade through countless shallow pools along the way. The main trail from the Zilker trailhead is wide and manageable but side trails get rugged with real rock scrambling that older kids thrive on. Bouldering at the Gus Fruh access point is popular with teen climbers.
Dog Friendly
Pricing
Free to visit; no admission charge.
Common Questions
- How much does Barton Creek Greenbelt cost?
- Barton Creek Greenbelt is free to visit. Free to visit; no admission charge.
- What ages is Barton Creek Greenbelt good for?
- Barton Creek Greenbelt is best for kids ages 5 to 18+.
- Is Barton Creek Greenbelt stroller friendly?
- No, Barton Creek Greenbelt is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Barton Creek Greenbelt?
- Yes, dogs are welcome at Barton Creek Greenbelt.
- How hard is Barton Creek Greenbelt?
- The difficulty level is moderate. Plan for about 3 hours.
- Is Barton Creek Greenbelt free?
- Yes, Barton Creek Greenbelt is free!
- What should I bring to Barton Creek Greenbelt?
- Sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, hat, snacks
- How long does Barton Creek Greenbelt take?
- Most families spend about 3 hours at Barton Creek Greenbelt.
- When is the best time to visit Barton Creek Greenbelt?
- Early morning, before the heat and the crowds