We're not experienced hikers, but this was a great trail for beginners! It's mostly flat and easy to follow, though very rocky in many sections, so good shoes are a must. The trail was beautiful, well maintained, and clearly marked once you're on it. One thing to note: mileage between points isn't posted at the entrance. Distance markers only appear after you start hiking, which made it a little hard to plan upfront. We ended up hiking about 5 miles round trip and didn't even cover the full trail. We brought lunch but underestimated how far we'd go and left it in the car. Definitely a lesson learned! There were several scenic spots along the way that would have been perfect for a lunch break. Overall, a solid option for beginners who want a scenic hike without intense elevation, as long as you're prepared for rocky terrain and bring what you need with you. I highly recommend to go early! We arrived around 10:30am on a Saturday and parking was filling up fast. Once we got back to the car around 1pm, there was a long line waiting for parking. Another notable mention is the restrooms! It could have been due to the time of day we arrived, but it was one of the cleanest and well maintained for a public facility. read more

See all

Hiked a little over a mile and a half down the violet Creek Trail at the spyglass Trail entrance during my lunch break. It was very nice. Not too hot or humid today in Austin. The trail is covered with different types of trees and a rock canyon that goes up quite a way as you go further down the trail. The trail is well marked and has mile markers along the way. There are even houses at the top of the canyon. They are pretty cool to look at as you make your way down the trail. The trail does have quite a few hikers, including families and mountain bikers riding down the trail. I plan on coming back soon on my bike and ride quite a ways further than I hiked today to see where the trail goes. I would definitely recommend this is a really cool trail in Austin to get out to nature and enjoy the day. read more

See all

We are loving how long this trail is in both directions! For the longest time, my husband and I would park off of 290 in the business parking lot, go down the entrance trail, and up the right side for a few miles. We had been doing this route for years. It wasn't until earlier this year that we decided to go to the left. We have now done it three times and found something different each time. There is so much to offer! Some parts of the trail are flat and can be muddy after the rain, there are quite a bit of rocky areas so make sure that you have proper shoes (our friend has a bad knee and had a very hard time), there are exposed rock walls that are great for climbing, and also lots of streams for dipping in the summer. A couple times ago, we even ran into people doing a slackline from Mopac! There is always something to do and see on this trail. read more

Violet Crown Trail - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

One of the best SouthWest Austin trails. It's an amazing place (Barton Creek Greenbelt) feels like your miles away from anything, yet you're within city limits. There is plenty of parking at a shopping center (Specs & Sams) near trail. The trailhead is less than 1/4 mile from the parking lot. It's a moderate level hike, plus dog friendly. Twin Falls and several other swimming holes are accessible from this trail. This is a safe trail, nevertheless I would recommend hiking with a friend. read more

Violet Crown Trail - Twin Falls - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

I guess this trail offers something for everyone. We first tried it from the Barton Hills Dr / Gus Fruh trailhead. The stream was dried up but to my surprise, my husband enjoyed walking on the bed rock. Today, we tried the Spyglass Trailhead walking south. It was rocky and honestly, given we can't travel during Covid, felt like a mini vacation to me due to the change in terrain. We walked to the New Wall - no one was rock climbing today, so we took a short water and snack break - and back in about 40-ish minutes. Even on a weekend day, the trail wasn't too busy, so that was comforting to us. read more

This is very long trail with many entrances and trailheads. I entered at a trailhead just north of the Specs at 290 and Brodie Lane. It was a good mix of hills and flat trails, some through Barton Creek. The route was very shaded, which was welcome because of our current heat wave. I saw some women walking alone, but I personally would not do that as it seems very isolated. It's beautiful and in the city! Can't wait to explore more of this trail. read more

See all

This new trail is amazing! I cant say enough good things about it! It makes getting to the greenbelt via bike so much easier and the view from the bridge the crosses the greenbelt is magnificent! I could rant and rant and rant about how awesome the existence of this trail is but I think everyone gets the point! Five solid stars for sure! Do yourself a favor get out and hike or bike this amazing trail near sunset! read more

See all

IMPORTANT TIP: You will be much happier wearing real hiking boots. The path itself is very rocky and will jab through the soles of regular tennis shoes with every step. Everything is a tripping hazard and cyclists will have a very bumpy ride. OVERALL IMPRESSION: This is a nice trail, though (at least while the creek bed is dry) there isn't anything visually spectacular, just pleasant limestone bluffs and greenery. It's enjoyable, but the uneven trail makes it a lot of work for what it is. I look forward to going back after some rain and seeing what it looks like when the creek is really flowing. read more

Two thumbs up! The Violet Crown Trail is a nice moderate level trail connecting you to the Greenbelt. I liked that it was clearly marked (follow the purple signs on the trailhead). I parked at Specs 4790 290 E in the parking lot and followed the gravel path alongside 290 to the trailhead. I think the earlier you go the better (and it's cooler in the summer months). I hiked to the 360 trail split and back which was about 3.5 miles. There are lots of trees and the trail is shaded well from the sun. The trail is scenic and takes your mind off of the couple of steep areas. I saw kids, adults and dogs (leash only) and a few cyclists. I also saw a few good samaritans picking up trash. Thank you! read more

Meditative Rock stacking. Came out for a hike on Sunday afternoon. Very shady and cool. Just make sure and bring insect repellent. read more

Violet Crown Trail - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

Good walking trail, but definitely not meant for strollers!!! I don't think the address listed here (on Bee Cave Rd) is correct. Listen to the other comments about getting onto the trail from the Spec's on Brodie. read more

See all

This is a great trail to get on right near Spec's off of Brodie. You can park in the Spec's parking lot and take the path right off the drive to Violet Crown Trail. The Violet Crown trail has tons of signage while on path (look for the purple) to guide you along your way. You can continue until it leads into the Greenbelt. From the Greenbelt you can continue hiking towards Zilker Park or continue the opposite way towards 360. Upon this trail you will see trailer runners, walkers and bikers. Choose your path wisely. read more

Beautiful new extension to the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail system. You can access it from the far end of the Spec's parking lot off 290 and Brodie. Just follow the crushed granite trail at the end of the Spec's parking lot that runs along the access road and you'll meet the trailhead shortly. This trail meets the main Greenbelt trail at about mile 4. The whole system is really a beautiful urban oasis filled with switchbacks, exposed tree roots and rock outcroppings, and (currently waterless) creek beds. There are no facilities or water on this trail. We loved it - kudos to the folks who made this enormous gift to our fair city possible! read more

See all

Violet Crown Trail is basically a pathway that connects a bunch of greenbelts. It is protected lands to conserve water quality and provide more green space for people and animals alike. Once fully complete you will be able to go from the Barton Springs pool trailhead all the way up past sculpture falls. Park in the parking lot to the west of Spec's on Brodie (4970 W Hwy 290). After you park...walk through the parking lot toward the stop light and walk up the sidewalk on your left along the frontage road. You will see a crushed granite pathway running parallel to the service road. The main entrance is tucked a little way off the sidewalk through the trees. The first segment consists of rocky switchbacks that work their way down a steep hill. You will notice several paths that cross the main one. Be sure to stay on the trail and not wander into the creek bed...as that is not a trail. Dogs are supposed to be leashed and there are different segments of the trail that are pedestrian only and bikers are supposed to take an alternate route. Bring water!! read more

See all

Pros: I wasn't initially impressed with this trail, but it greatly improves as you progress. I was very pleased after approximately one mile in. It's got a little bit of everything. Id rate it equal to most sections of the Greenbelt and better than some. Far superior to any of the McKinney Falls trails. Excellent amateur rock climbing and plenty of off-trail nooks to explore, I enjoyed the rock outcropping to the right of the first wooden bridge you'll cross. Cons: The road noise is overwhelming at times, it gradually tapers off and beings to be replaced by the pleasant trickling of running water. Then at approximately 2 miles in the trail passes underneath an overpass. Don't let this dissuade you, it's to be expected of any trail located in the Austin City Limits. SEE PIC BELOW FOR MAP TO THE TRAIL HEAD! read more

Violet Crown Trail - Hiking Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

I love this new trail because it adds a bit of incline to the Greenbelt!! It also provides another access point (park at Spec's @Brodie and walk east down the path). The entrance is nice and has different information boards on the animals you might see and a pretty good map. If you start here you will be heading downhill for a bit and then you will hit the normal path and can go either north or south. It's A good option if you want a little hike to/from Twin Falls or you just want to add in a little uphill to your normal Greenbelt path! read more

See all

If you live South or just want a long ride/run, you can park at Veloway and follow it all the way to the entrance by Specs. There is also parking at Davis and MoPac. You must only cross Slaughter, Davis and 290/71. The rest is all beautiful and easy to follow single track. Start off following MoPac North bound, go under Lata and Brodie then under William Cannon. Tip 1 - This is for novice, youngsters or those that don't have a good MTB. Past the Hobo Village under Wm Cannon is very tricky, but fun! This trail's name is marked, "Vasectomy". If you want to bypass this then go under Wm Cannon and turn immediately up trail to left then follow along sidewalk going east 1/4 mile. There is access to an easier trail to the left but you have to look for it. It is marked "Wm Cannon" somewhere out there. This will take you to the end of Vasectomy and nock off half an hour if you are not great at riding through rocks. Enter Sunset Valley preserve and exit road behind Berger Stadium. Cross street then turn left on dirt path to Specs and main VC Trail head. Tip 2 - there are a lot of trails out there so to avoid taking a wrong turn, stay on the more traveled pathway. It's actually very easy to follow. You can access the trail system at Longview Park, Dick Nichols and Slaughter Creek, too. Lucky to live South! read more

Great trail extension to the green belt. After hiking a bit, crossing a dry creek bed a few times, I wasn't expecting water. Boy was I wrong! At about one mile in, I came across Barton Creek and it was flowing nicely. My dog loved it, plenty of depth to swim for a bit. Will have to come back when the water is a little warmer, it is still winter I guess, to take a dip myself. read more

Really nice extension of the Greenbelt. Be sure to park at the Spec's and then walk down the east sidewalk to the entrance.

The trail starts at the end of Barton Springs Theater area continue One Mile to free swimming rapids and a great way to cool off. Signs are vandalized at trail head but even though you are a mile in the woods, Austin Police patrol "from nowhere" so heed the no alcohol policy of face a hefty fine" posted $2000 fine for smoking hopefully soon reposted $200 alcohol.For obvious reasons no glass. read more

Very new and very pretty. It's an awesome trail that connects Austin natural areas like the greenbelt does. We had a great time out there on a sunny Saturday morning. You can hike as long as you like, see creeks and interesting scenery, a little bit of elevation and rock scrambling - it's perfect. A little confusing sometimes to get to or navigate back if you have never hiked the area before though. read more