Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

This is more of a 4.5/5 - the .5 is just the signs can be a bit confusing since the trailhead isn’t labelled. You’ll have to remember that “Laurel” connects directly to the trailhead when you’re making your way back! Decent mix of trails with trees providing shade and trails with direct light, little hands-on gardens, and historical signage

This is a great walk! There's a good mixture of flat and rocky terrain. A few lookout points of the hills and my first time ever seeing a live scorpion! He was hiding near a rock right off the path. Super cool to see!

Lovely natural preserve with several trails up and down hills, along ridges, and across creeks. Has a nature center with displays and a restroom. Was fortunate to arrive early enough on the weekend to use the QR code at the gate to still get admission. I recommend planning ahead and making a reservation in advance.

Wild Basin is an absolutely delightful nature walk. There is visual interest with the trees and mental engagement with the terrain. There is an adorable small waterfall and a scenic overlook. The trails are well marked and offer mostly easy paths but there are plenty of roots, steps, rocks and rock stairs. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience.

I really enjoyed this trail! First off, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Elvis at the check in booth, but the lady that did check me in was really friendly and helpful. There is ample parking and assuming since this is by reservation only you will always have a spot to park. There are restrooms at the trail head, but I did not see any water stations throughout the entire hike. You may want to bring some because you will probably need it. I imagine this trail is brutal during the summer (there is a good bit of shade on the trails though). On a 80-degree day it was definitely perfect! The trail was very clean and very well maintained. I did not see one piece of trash anywhere. You don’t see any dogs since they aren’t allowed and I only ran into others hiking a couple of times. It was as if I had the trail to myself! I prefer challenging trails and at first, I thought this was going to be too easy for my liking. When I got about halfway through, though, I saw the steep grades more and then knew it would be harder than I thought which was good. Still wasn’t terribly difficult but my legs do feel it now hours later. There are a good bit of steep grades so you will have to pick up those hammies. I kept on the outskirts of the trail and then I realized that there are off shoot trails which take you in the middle from one side to the other. I found these trails to be fun so don’t miss those. Everywhere along the trails made for great pictures. I didn’t see any wildlife or snakes (thank God) and only saw a handful of Texas Yellow Stars. There are several benches throughout so, if you do get too tired you can always stop and take a rest. The creek was nice and there was actually a good bit of stream water today. Of course, this also set up for a beautiful waterfall which I greatly enjoyed sitting and listening to for a while. Even though you can hear the cars on the highway it was still a serene hike. I tried to take a good pic of the waterfall but where you have to stand to view it or snap a pic there is a tree limb conveniently sagging which obstructs your view. Where’s my chainsaw when I need it! Lol. At the end of your hike, they have a Research Center however, they were not open for some reason. Overall, for the $5 I paid for just myself it was well worth it! Also, please donate which can be easily added to your cost of the ticket. It’s easy and worth it!

Super friendly team helped us through our first visit. Paid entry for parking - nice knowing it helps the preserve the area. Walked to the waterfall and did a loop. Relatively easy hike up and down hills. Beautiful trees and view. Thanks 🙏

Review for Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve: Do not bring your dogs as this is a persevere. I had an amazing experience during my recent hike at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve! From the moment I arrived, the staff greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm. They generously showed me around the preserve and provided a helpful map of the trails, which was also available for virtual download. The well-maintained trails were a delight to explore, surrounded by the beautiful wilderness. I appreciated the dedication and care put into keeping the preserve in top shape. During operating hours, the creative research center is air conditioned, offering a pleasant retreat to cool off and take a break with clean bathrooms Overall, I highly recommend Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve to everyone, whether you are a seasoned hiker or a newcomer to the outdoors. The preserve offers a perfect blend of friendly hospitality, well-maintained trails, and beautiful scenery. It’s truly a hidden gem that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. I can’t wait to return for another memorable adventure!

I like that the trail options are interconnected loops so there are many distance options for hiking and if you get tired you can choose to come back on a shorter loop. The trails are on an incline so keep in mind that the return hike is uphill. It was not very busy when we visited on a Tuesday afternoon and we got a personal welcome to the nature center. The security guard was very helpful and informative and he found my lost wallet and returned it to me.

Today, I came here with Thing One for a Conservation Project. Those interested in participating in conservation efforts may do so at: https://services.austintexas.gov/water/wildland_vol/index.cfm If you are local to ATX, to get here (for the purpose of volunteering), you must take the entrance to the preserve is a mile north of Bee Caves Road along the east side of Loop 360. During the conservation project, volunteers watered plants, layed down mulch, picked weeds, and performed various other tasks. Clear instructions were provided to all volunteers regarding proper care for the property. Volunteers also learned the Wild Basin is co-owned and co-managed by Travis County and St. Edward's University, and is a treasured resource for our entire community. Further, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve protects 227 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country native habitat. The preserve hosts multiple rare and vulnerable species, including the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler. It is also home to St. Edward's Wild Basin Creative Research Center, a field research station located just 10 miles from campus. Volunteers are also afford the opportunity to walk along the trail to listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy this hidden oasis. On the trail, those who visit will experience waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and wildlife sightings to include rare birds. Wild Basin is very accessible and the trails are all well-marked. This is one of the BEST kept secrets in Central TX... shhhhh.. don't tell anyone else! #bewellcentraltx

This Southwest preserve is so beautiful with great shaded trails, beautiful views , restrooms, and I'm not sure about water. We always make sure to carry water with us. It is still possible to hike in the middle of the afternoon in the summer, and not feel like passing out. Yes it's still a little hot, but it's shaded almost everywhere. There are several educational areas to read about the natural wildlife, and it's informative. During the week it's never too busy, so parking is not a big issue, plus it's free. Of course you can make a donation, nonetheless it's not required. I feel extremely grateful for this gem!

They don't allow dogs. Very un- austin of you. Even the state parks allow pets but they might be trying to protect the birds... that can fly..

This park offers an easy stroll. It's not a lot of distance (maybe two miles), but it's very clean. Open 7 days a week from sunup to sundown. A huge plus is they don't close after a rain. Most of it is on rock/gravel, no mud, and not very treacherous. Very limited parking and lots of potholes on the gravel road leading to the parking lot. Trails range from easy to moderate. It's a two mile loop with a few small crossover trails you can take. Good for trail runners, and there are a couple of scenic overlooks, but it's not too exciting for slow paced hikers like myself. It's easy to find, there's a porta potty at the beginning of the trail, and water is available here. No bikes, dogs, or smoking allowed on this trail - hip, hip hooray! There's a decent water fall on one of the trails, but you're gonna have to find that yourself!

For its research and ecological preservation I think this is one of the few places in the Austin area being taken care of among the influx of visitors the city tends to get. The hike is mild and would say a beginner to moderate level when hiking back up to the trailhead. Loop is only a mile and a half which is a quick in and out hike if you're short on time. Sweeping views of the basin with multiple overlook points. The terrain is rocky but my bf did this in flip flops so to each their own. Loved the visitor center they have free stickers.

Went there many times. But recently got flat tires twice, both for the front right tire, both on Friday afternoon after 3PM. Felt like not being welcomed at the particular time.

Don't bother trying to come here if you have a service dog. They will ask invasive questions and pressure you to leave. The security guard should be better trained.

I reallY love it here! It's very peaceful and quiet, yet so close to the city. The hike is great, lots of steps! Easy trail and a beautiful overlook. Usually see a few people but it is by no means crowded. Options for longer and short walks too!!

This is a shorter hike trail that I am used to but no worries there. The trail did provide some slightly challenging areas as there are stone steps you have to climb up. Most of the trail is in the shade and you have to cross a few streams. Overall a fun short hike that takes less than an hour to complete. Be sure to wear your SPF and bug spray if you get bit up.

Very beautiful views and environment!! There are numerous hiking loops although they are all quite short. If you want a longer hike, do all the loops! The waterfall is particularly beautiful after a rain.

Fun and easy hike. Pretty place. There's NO dogs allowed, so FYI. I had no idea. Thankfully my friend told me the day before. This trail is about 2.5 miles. Most of it is shade. Maybe a quarter or a third of the time there wasn't any shade. Still, you're in Texas, so consider sunscreen. Overall, this is a relatively easy hike. I saw some families with little kids along the way. I would go back here. But it's at the bottom of the list only because I can't bring my dog :)

Wild Basin Preserve is as gorgeous as ever. And on a cool winter's day, there is no better way to beat the post-holiday blahs than to surround yourself with nature. There is something very peaceful about walking in and among the trees, listening to the wind and, when you're near the stream and waterfall, the gentle trickle of water. At the end of the hike, I feel tired but also calm and refreshed. If you're looking for a place to hike in Austin, give this place a try!

They are never open, we've tried to go at least 5 times now and for whatever reason, always a different reason, they are closed. Also they don't allow dogs.

We had a great time hiking around the main outer loop at Wild Basin over the weekend, and it was a nice mixture of gravel trails and some lightly rocky terrain with well marked pathways and a moderate elevation change with some rock steps. There are some pretty overlooks in the hill country, and a decent sized waterfall that was flowing really nicely from recent rains. The trails soon after opening in the mornings were not crowded at all and it was probably 30 minutes before we came across anybody else. It's not far enough away from 360 to completely be out of earshot from the sound of distant traffic which unfortunately reminds you that you're not as far out as it otherwise looks. There were a few plaques along the way that have some facts about the area and local wildlife as well. With a couple stops for pictures and listening to the waterfall, we spent just over an hour walking at a pretty leisurely pace heading around the perimeter, so it can be a pretty quick hike, but made longer if going on some of the inner loops. Worth checking out and right inside of Austin.

Took on the preserve with my 1.5 old baby. This is not a stroller trail so I would utilize the hiking backpack or a carrier of the sort. Some of the trails are good for an offroad stroller, but not all. GRAB A MAP from the little house at the start. Or take a picture of the map. You look at the map and think "oh easy peasy!", but the trails kind of wind around themselves and you will randomly stumble upon signs pointing you in directions of different trails but you are unsure where the lead. So map it! Go after lots of rain so the waterfall is flowing nice. That will make the trip for you. 50/50 on sun and shade as far as the trail goes. There are some parts with some pretty decent steps/inclines so you will get a pretty good little work out in, but its fun! Not too bad! The house at the start of the trail has some cute things inside to check out and restrooms. And A/C! We love A/C and restrooms! Good little morning hike with some very pretty views.

Beautiful, well-maintained trail right off 360! I must've driven past this trail hundreds of times before finally deciding to check it out, but I was glad I did. Not too crowded on a warm Saturday right after Thanksgiving, which was great. My three-and-a-half-year-old was able to complete the entire hike on foot, even the moderate elevation portions. The highlight of the hike was the waterfall at the end, but we also enjoyed the easy creek crossings along the way. Best of all? No dogs allowed so no dog poop. Trail is free, but a donation box can be found along the trail.

This is one of my favorite hiking trails in the area. Its always quiet, its a 2 mile loop but you can make it as long or as short as you want because there are several trails (possum, Yaupon, Laurel trails) with cut throughs. Good elevation gain...you can use this as a lunchtime hike, or keep circling the basin in different ways to extend it. Its very scenic as well, and its location is great. There is a really friendly guard when you come in that will ask you if it's your first time here, and if it is, he is really helpful.

I've been coming here with my husband off and on for the last 7-8 years. We usually get up early on a Saturday morning or if we can, during the week. There's rarely anyone there at sunrise. Lots of overlooks to see the sun come up. I don't have a good sense of direction, but don't get lost. If you google a map of the basin you'll find a pdf you can download (haven't used yet). It can get a little tiring, it's not all flat when you go the right trails but it's not over exhausting. If you're looking for a challenge then this isn't it. People seem to forget that this is a preserve where they allow nature to run its course with little help. It's going to be muddy after floods and the waterfall is going to be dried up with no recent rains. I like that there are no dogs allowed, people don't seem to know how or care to clean up after their dogs at other parks and I'd rather not have dogs running around as the trails aren't typically large enough for dogs to run around or maneuver through with other people around. It's also pretty quiet, save for the occasional highway sounds when you're close enough to it.

This is such a gem in Austin. Plenty of walking and hiking trails. We visited a few trails during our time here, one included a small waterfall. The area is rich with plants, trees, and flowers. Super green and beautiful. If I lived in Austin, I would be here all the time to walk, meditate or journal. Donations are welcome, and I highly recommend contributing to them!

My girlfriend and I came here for a date and everything was beautiful! The waterfall and the overlook were all great. It wasn't too tough or easy of a trail and you can choose which ever ones you want to go down. The water in the creek was so clear and didn't look polluted like most you'd see elsewhere.It's definitely a spot I'd come back to and hike again.

Wonderful visit and plan to return soon! Lots of shade and a large assortment of native Austin plants and trees.

There is just something about the quietness and stillness found in nature, that when found, will always get 5 stars from me. Mother nature is always as good as it gets in my opinion. This place is a nice, beautiful walk that at point I thought I was lost, but all you have to do is pay attention to the signs and you'll figure where you are. Also, the fact that is a huge big circle helps. Just keep walking forward! The location of the waterfall is gorgeous and there are different spots to see it in different ways. There is no entry fee to this park although there is a box for donations. Definitely go check it out if you are near.

Beautiful trails! The small hike starts off easy enough with some gorgeous views of the surrounding Balcones. If you have sensitive skin to pollens like me, be sure to take an allergy pill and layer on the bug spray. The trails are well marked with signs pointing you in the various directions. The best part about all the forks is that you could tell mostly what the terrain would look like on both sides. Many of the smaller trails that cut through the preserve are pretty flat. If you decide to walk the big loop from the trailhead to the waterfall, the elevation changes a lot. You'll be walking over a ton of rocks and roots, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. The waterfall was small, but it dropped into a calm little pool that was actually very beautiful. There are park benches all over the trails, and a few "lookout" spots to stop and take a rest if you need. Taking my time, and not being the panicle of health and athleticism, it took me about 90 minutes to walk the all trails. Definitely a great hike and beautiful scenery! Good for beginners!

Wild Basin is a nice 3 mile hike not too challenging except for the last 3rd to get out of the valley. Wild Basin hosts a variety of family friendly events - see Edison's excellent review.... I can not add anything that has has not already been said in previous reviews so I added some pictures. Leave pets and food at home to protect the flora and fauna.

I love these trails. It is usually very quiet with not a lot of people. There are several trails to choose from, all of which have different difficulty levels. Youpon trail has some pretty good elevation for someone who is trying to get back into shape (like me!) with many log and rock steps to make it to the trail at the top. The waterfall is beautiful as is the rest of the scenery. Lots of variety as far as flat path, to rocky, etc. I live close and this trail has proved to be a go-to choice for me as I continue on my weight loss journey. When I'd like to continue for over 2 miles, this is a trail I have been able to loop through a second time without getting bored of the scenery. Also it is a no dog trail (LOVE dogs but it's nice not having to dodge them or left behind poop bags).

The Best & Kids friendly trail! I took my toddler to hike over there ever since she was 1.5 years old. Very clean, shaded most of the area, no bugs, I couldn't think of any other places can beat this. We hike there every week this summer. HIGHLY recommended!

One of the best hikes in town! Easy to access with multiple trail options available. It's well marked, well maintained, and offers great views.

For being in the center of austin, this place was pretty good! I felt like I was in nature, and there were lots of little trails that twisted and turned around. There is also a small river crossing (at least in May, I'm sure it will dry up soon) which was fun. We jokingly talked about making the hike longer by just doing it twice haha. So that is the one downside - we were only there for an hour or so and had pretty much hiked everything. But overall, it was fun!

Great medium level hiking option. Wish there were more trail options, but did not regret going.

Yes, you are in the middle of a major city. No, it doesn't feel, look or sound like it. Great place to experience the uniqueness of the Texas Hill Country. Many trails and varying terrain, worth the visit.

There's nothing too wild about Wild Basin. What you'll find here is a few--not more--miles of gentle hiking on pleasant hills, within shouting distance of 360. You'll find a quaint waterfall fed by a babbling brook, quaint shrubs that you should not put in your pocket and sell on eBay, and quaint hikers who say 'hi' and don't murder you. You'll not find Grizzly Adams riding his Grizzly to a craggy, frozen, windswept peak. If you were looking for that, you came to the wrong damn basin.

If you're looking for a short hike with a bit of an incline to work the legs, you've got it here. Super convenient location for me, this is perfect for a quick pick-me-up in the morning. I wish they allowed dogs, but the signs blatantly forbid them. *Le sigh* Otherwise, for a short path nestled alongside 360, it's pretty nice!

E's HIDDEN AUSTIN! ALERT - Yep, a place that not many people seem to go, even though Wild Basin has been hosting "Haunted Trails" around Halloween in this place for years. I'm probably a dummy for talking about it here, but people ask me sometimes where to go hiking that isn't too far away, and I tell them "this is the place". Usuallly they scratch their heads and go "Hm, where the hell is that?" or "Not Enchanted Rock?" (uh, why did you ask me, then, buddy). Wild River is indeed like Tracey said. Quiet, serene, and isolated - yet only 2 minutes from Bee Cave Road! If you go during unpopular times, it is certainly empty. It is not quite so far away from civilization though that, even during non-peak hours, you won't sometimes hear a faraway car, or people living somewhere nearby, in spots. This does not mean you ought not bring your cellphone. If you wipe out down there during a non-peak time, and are in a bind, even yelling your head off I reckon there's a chance nobody will hear you unless you got some belting power in your gut. Now I'm not saying this is as bad as the signs I remember reading countless times on ski lifts in the northeast - "THE MOUNTAINS WILL BE JUST AS COLD AND LONELY AS THEY WERE 200 YEARS AGO. DO NOT SKI ALONE." I mean, come on, it's Austin. It's generally warm. And - it's only 3 miles of trails. But still, you know, be cautious people. What I like best about Wild Basin is that not only is it less frequented than other hikey places around town, but the tree cover is just enough so that if it is blasting hot outside, you will still generally be shielded from the sun, even in the summer. And due to the rocky terrain where it lies, the bug count even with full bloom going on there is way less than a lot of other areas. Other things of note: When there's been some rain in Austin, there's a cool little waterfall that will actually have water falling! you can hang out at. (I believe the full name of the place is Wild RIVER Basin, but the river portion is pretty small, and if it's wild they must be joking). No pets. The gravel rock driveway is pretty short. Just drive slow, you'll be fine. The entry fee is pretty much donations on the honor system. They have a little nature preserve HQ building that I think sells bottled water and will do little nature hikes, wherein they tell you what kind of stuff grows and lives in the basin. There's maps of the place near the entry to the trails, but if you go out there a few times, you won' t need one. As they recommend, lock all things of note in your trunk when you go... the parking area is not monitored.

The trail was nice and short, although dome parts might get quite rough. Unfortunately, the waterfall was dried out when I got there or otherwise, it would be wonderful.

Pros: Private (only saw 4 other people there on a weekday afternoon) Waterfall Mostly tree-covered

Me and my friend went to the Wild Basin yesterday and it was intense. First off it was getting to be 95 degrees out but we had our water and our sunscreen along with our hats. We also was lost because we didn't bring our maps. We eventually found our way back otherwise it would be the Donner Party minus the snow. It's a beautiful hike with a creek and waterfall. You also get a nice view of the basin. There is plenty of shade but wear sunscreen. And don't worry, there's no bears (Yogi Bear or otherwise) and mountain lions on this trail...

Wild Basin is pretty much the greenbelt for people who want to go on trails but don't want dogs, swimming, drinking, bikes, etc. The trails are pretty short, but include a cool waterfall, nice view of Austin, and a creek. The trails are clearly marked, but there aren't any maps inside. I took a picture of the map at the front with my phone and used that to navigate. You're not going to get lost, but it's nice to know the fastest path out if you are getting tired.

Wild basin preserve provides pleasant, easy hiking trails, with a few picturesque views. Recommendable to Southwest Austin residents living nearby, but not sure it's worth a trek out to get there, as there are more scenic and/or more challenging trails in the area. The trails are mostly shaded with trees. The paths are smoother than those at the barton springs greenbelt, and not very difficult (manageable for children and the less than fit). There is a small waterfall, and a little bubbling brook, which provide a peaceful spot for rest and reflection when there is not too much traffic on the trail. The free parking lot has ample space during random weekday hours, but fills up quickly on good weather weekends. There is a suggested donation of $3, which you can drop into a box at the trail head.

Holy moly at the trails! And trails. And more trails. I love how Wild Basin has a network of trails instead of just a loop or a path. The view from atop the hill is pretty sweet, too. There's an awesome waterfall and creek a bit of the way in, too. It's a lovely bunch of trails, and for a bit of a couch potato like me, a dang fine workout. They don't allow pets, but eh--I'm a bit timid around other peoples' animals, anyway, so perhaps this is a good thing.

I love this place. As someone who needs consistent contact with nature, I was so happy to find Wild Basin shortly upon moving to Austin from Colorado. It's close to town, yet once you hike in (and away from 360), you feel far away. This probably isn't the place to go if you are looking for a longer hike, but with all the trails you can make whatever kind of loop(s) you want. Thank you to the "Now or Never" women's environmental group for having the foresight to preserve this land in the 1970's! There are no fees, but they have a donation box.

I'm always looking for a great hike in Austin. I visited about 5 years ago and totally forgot how great this place is. I brought the wife and kids and it was the perfect outdoor excursion for a family with littles. My 3 year old and 7 year old hiked the entire look (almost). The 3 year old is a little slow and we were hungry... so I put her on my shoulder for the final stretch. Being that there are no bikers and no dogs, it makes it the perfect hike for the little kids. Yes, my kids don't know their right from their left, so they're almost always getting run over from bikers on the busier trails. There's some beautiful scenery from a few spots at the start, but most of the trail is a peaceful journey through the woods, several creek crossing and a little grotto with a waterfall. It's short, there's some decent elevation change and it makes for a great hike just about year round!

A gem of a place very close to downtown. Very accessible with a small parking lot right at the trailhead. Trails are extremely well marked and blazed and trail maps are easily accessible on your smartphone. A wonderful overlook and beautiful waterfall into a pool give you a nice contrast of the different parts of nature that are so readily available in Austin. Some other reviewers remarked on how easy the trail was. I would agree that it is not overly physically challenging, but there is lots of uneven ground, stepping on rocks as stairs, and some elevation change. Definitely wear sturdy shoes and make sure that you have good balance. There are plenty of places to rest and catch your breath so you can make it even if you are out of shape as long as you are steady on your feet. Only 2.5 miles of total trails (and I think even those distances are a little exaggerated) so it won't take you much time to see all there is to see and worth it to check out one time. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is nearby so you could check this out at the same time. If I lived nearby, it would probably also be fun as a place to trail run and see how the seasons change. I got here right after dawn and had the place to myself. However, I would recommend bringing a pole or something with you if you are an early bird as I got lots of spider webs in my face on my walk.

My favorite hiking spot in Austin. Pro -Gorgeous view of West Austin, the hills, the Lake -Beautiful, serene trail -The waterfall is relaxing. It only happens when it rains. Love this place.

Pros: its a nice peaceful moderately easy walk. Cons: Lots of alarming signs about car theft at the start of trails. Pros: There is a guestbook too sign after about a minute into the walk.(for forest fire safety) Cons: You fill out what time you set off on your walk in the guestbook giving the car thieves head start to how long you been gone from your now exposed to vulcers vehicle. Pros:No dogs allowed Cons: No dogs allowed. It is a really pretty walk with many different trails to choose from and it is marked out with signs really well so you wont get lost.However not many people go here (maybe cause of no dogs policy)but its worth a trip.I was here with the Old ball and chain and we enjoyed it.I love my wife cause she likes too go on walks with me,and she is amazing I leave her go ahead so i can stare at her ass in those hot pants ohhhh yeah. Final CON: Passed 2 individual people on the walk and although they were out walking in the back of my head I suspected them as car thieves,because of all the sign posts saying bring all valuable with you.I mean what does a car thief look like these day. Pro: Really enjoyable place,ill defineatly go back

One of the best things about Austin is the abundance of green spaces and hiking trails. I love that a 10-minute drive (less if I'm going to the greenbelt) can make me feel like I'm a million miles away from the city. I tried out Wild Basin based on the Yelp reviews and it is truly a find. We passed a handful of other hikers but mostly had the place to ourselves. This may change in the nicer weather months, but for now it's great. And there's a waterfall! The best thing: NO BIKES. Whenever I'm at the greenbelt there are always Lance Armstrong-wannabes who will run you down if you don't dive out of their way. This is a very peaceful place and I highly recommend it.

A short distance from downtown Austin is this beautiful little hill country oasis. As it is a Wilderness preserve pets, bikes, and food are not allowed. There are several looping trails you can wander along. The longest loop only took us about 45 minutes to complete. I love that it is mostly tree shaded, and the trails even have a nice incline. There is a small "waterfall" in the preserve, but today it was just a trickle. St. Edwards has a research center on site. There is a small parking area with a portable toilet. A nice place to get out for a break and stretch your legs.

Not the most amazing place but something we need more of. Privately put aside land, saving it from office and home and apartment developing and all that other garbage. A couple of trails that mostly interconnect, some shaded, some not. You can make it as difficult as you want depending on your pack and your pace. The donation box and office building was confusing to me, but we just dropped some money in and walked. The signs warning you about theft are pretty concerning.

This place is one of the reasons I love Austin so much. Just a short drive from Austin and you're recharging in nature! I frequently have lunch on the deck and enjoy the beautiful view. The downfall of the deck is the highway noise, but if you are looking for a more tranquil lunch spot go down to the waterfall. Parking is always free and there is a suggests donation of $3. Maps are available also.

Finally took the family here for a thanksgiving hike and had a great time! Lots of trails, beautiful scenery, and family friendly (our 3 and 4 year old walked about 2 miles). Will be taking the family here again!

What a gem, and so close to Austin! (it may be in the city limits for all I know). great hiking trails, lots of parking (on dirt) and the sighting board list an incredible number of species! Wow is all I can say and a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the founders who had such a clear vision to save this place for future generations!