Field guide
Running routes in Austin’s parks for visitors
A practical guide to running routes in Austin. Learn about the 10-mile Butler Trail loop, the rugged Barton Creek Greenbelt, and Zilker Park.
Austin offers distinct running experiences for visitors. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail provides a 10-mile urban loop with water fountains and restrooms, suitable for a city run. For a more challenging outing, the Barton Creek Greenbelt features a main trail of 7.5 miles on rough, uneven terrain.
Zilker Metropolitan Park offers over 350 acres of space for shorter runs or workouts, located where Barton Creek meets Lady Bird Lake. Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is another option for activity within its specified park hours.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake | 10-mile; 10-mile loop trail | 5am to midnight each day, with a curfew between midnight and 5am | Not listed |
| Barton Creek Greenbelt | over 12 miles; 7.5 mile | after 10 p.m. | rough, uneven terrain |
| Zilker Metropolitan Park | Not listed | 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (unless otherwise posted) | Not listed |
| Covert Park at Mount Bonnell | Not listed | 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day | Not listed |
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake
This 10-mile loop trail follows the edge of Lady Bird Lake through downtown Austin. The path is an urban route that passes by neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available along the trail.
A 7,250-foot boardwalk section is part of the trail and is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. Parking is available on S. Lakeshore Blvd. and at other lots near the trail, such as at Festival Beach.
- Trail description
- A lush, urban path that meanders along the water’s edge, passing by a bustling downtown, peaceful neighborhoods, playing fields, and cultural landmarks.
- Location
- In the heart of Austin
- Trail length
- 10-mile
- Trail type and length
- 10-mile loop trail
- Boardwalk hours
- 5am to midnight each day, with a curfew between midnight and 5am
- Street parking
- Available along S. Lakeshore Blvd. between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside
- Other parking options
- At Festival Beach across the river, or at any of the parking areas near the trail
- Restrooms availability
- Available
Sources: Visit The Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake (thetrailconservancy.org), Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake (austintexas.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Lady Bird Lake Trail for runners and hikers
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt has over 12 miles to explore, with a main trail of 7.5 miles. The terrain is rough and uneven, so road or commuter bikes are not recommended. The trail has limited to no lighting, and water levels in the creek depend on recent rain.
Dogs are permitted on leashes that are 6 feet or shorter. Composting restrooms are available at the 360 and Spyglass trailheads. Note that parking at the Zilker Trailhead has a $7 fee on weekends and holidays from March through September.
- Total length to explore
- over 12 miles
- Main trail length
- 7.5 mile
- Terrain description
- rough, uneven terrain
- Closing time
- after 10 p.m.
- Zilker Trailhead parking fee
- free on weekdays. $7 flat fee on Holidays and Weekends from March through September.
- Trail’s End Trailhead parking
- Street Parking, paid daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- 360 Trailhead restrooms
- Composting Restrooms at trailhead
- Spyglass Trailhead restrooms
- One Composting Restroom, approximately .07 miles from trailhead
Source: Barton Creek Greenbelt (austintexas.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Barton Creek Greenbelt trail for runners and hikers
Zilker Metropolitan Park
Zilker Metropolitan Park provides more than 350 acres of parkland for running and other activities. The park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Road, where Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake meet. General park hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Parking is first-come, first-served and requires a fee of $3 per hour on weekends and holidays. During peak season, from the first Saturday of Spring Break through Labor Day, the hourly parking fee applies on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Bus routes 3, 30, and 803 provide access to the park.
- Type of park
- Austin’s oldest metropolitan park
- Park address
- 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- Park location description
- At Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake
- General park hours
- 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (unless otherwise posted)
- Weekend and holiday parking fee
- $3 per hour
- Seasonal parking fee
- $3 hourly rate per vehicle (first Saturday of Spring Break through Labor Day on Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays)
- Parking availability
- First-come first-served
- Bus access
- Bus 30 travels through the park. Buses 3 and 803 stop on South Lamar Blvd.
Source: Zilker Metropolitan Park (austintexas.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
Covert Park at Mount Bonnell is located at 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
- Park name
- Covert Park at Mount Bonnell
- Address
- 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd., Austin, Texas 78731
- Park hours
- 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day
Source: Park Directory (austintexas.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check park hours before you go, as most close at 10 p.m. and the Butler Trail boardwalk has a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m.
- Be prepared for parking fees, which apply on weekends and holidays at Zilker Park and the Zilker Trailhead for the Greenbelt.
- On multi-use trails, cyclists should yield to pedestrians, and runners should be aware of others sharing the path.
- Bring your own water, especially for trails like the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which has limited facilities and variable conditions.
- Plan to run during daylight hours, as some trails like the Barton Creek Greenbelt have limited to no lighting.
- If you bring a dog, a leash of 6 feet or shorter is required on the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.