Field guide
The Barton Creek Greenbelt trail for runners and hikers
Find official information for running and hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail. This guide covers the 7.5 mile main trail, access points, and rules.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers over 12 miles of trails for public use. The main trail is 7.5 miles long and features rough, uneven terrain.
This guide provides official information about trailheads, parking, facilities, operating hours, and rules for trail users.
Official facts at a glance
- 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
- Water levels
- variable and dependent on recent rainfall
- Lighting
- limited to no lighting
- Dog leash rule
- on leashes (leash must be 6 feet or shorter)
- Bike rule for pedestrians
- Yield to pedestrians and brake for walkers and runners.
- Bike type recommendation
- Road, cruiser, or commuter bikes are not recommended.
Source: Barton Creek Greenbelt (austintexas.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail and its surface
The main trail runs for 7.5 miles, with over 12 miles of total trail to explore. The surface is described as rough and uneven.
Due to the terrain, road, cruiser, or commuter bikes are not recommended for use on the trail.
Trailheads and facilities
Access points have different parking rules. The Zilker Trailhead has free parking on weekdays, but a $7 flat fee applies on weekends and holidays from March through September.
At the Trail’s End Trailhead, street parking is paid daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Composting restrooms are available at the 360 Trailhead and approximately .07 miles from the Spyglass Trailhead.
Rules and hours
The greenbelt closes after 10 p.m. and has limited to no lighting, which can affect early morning or evening plans.
Dogs must be kept on a leash that is 6 feet or shorter. Cyclists are instructed to yield to pedestrians and brake for walkers and runners.
Before you go
- The trail closes to the public after 10 p.m.
- Prepare for rough and uneven surfaces along the trail.
- Parking fees and rules vary by trailhead, day, and season.
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- There is limited to no lighting on the trail.
- Creek water levels are variable and depend on recent rainfall.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Austin. All cities: City running and hiking guides.