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Hike Hill of Life Hiking Trail

Austin, Texas

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.1 miles

Elevation Gain

328 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Erin Newman-Mitchell

A beautiful intermediate hike down into the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

The Hill of Life hiking trail is an out-and-back hiking trail around 3 miles long total. Parking is parallel parking on the street and can be found in the neighborhood where the trailhead is located. The trail begins with a half mile descent down a very rocky and gravel-ridden trail. The descent is not too bad and takes around 15-20 minutes to get to the bottom BUT keep in mind that to get back you have to climb back out of it! Once you're at the bottom the trail is very smooth and pretty flat. The trail follows alongside the creek the entire way and is shaded for the most part. At the bottom of the descent is the Hill of Life Dam, which is a beautiful spot to relax and/or swim at, though during the summer months it is usually crowded. I recommend visiting early mornings! About one mile down to trail from the bottom there is a popular swimming spot called Sculpture Falls. (Fair warning: As of recently the creek has been completely dry due to the drought and there are many times during the year that it dries up). The Hill of Life trail ends about here however you can continue hiking for 4 more miles down to Barton Springs where the creek meets Lady Bird Lake. Remember though, it is NOT a loop trail. 

The trail is dog and kid-friendly. It is not wheelchair accessible. It's good for exercising like running and mountain biking too. 

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Features

Fitness
Chillin
Fishing
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Swimming
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Hike Hill of Life Hiking Trail Reviews

Hard to find parking these days

Beautiful hike with varied terrain idyllic setting along the creek with falls and then challenging hike back up the hill to the trail head.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Sculpture Falls

Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls via Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

Three Falls Hike

Rock Climb at Gus Fruh

Swim at Gus Fruh

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve Loop