This trail can be found on the right just as you round a bend and cross over a narrow bridge on City Park Road. The trailhead parking is before the ranger booth for Emma Long Metropolitan Park. The hike consists of several creek crossings, and a climb to the top of a small ridge. The area is currently leash free, so expect to encounter lots of wet dogs roaming the trail. I tried – and mostly succeeded – to keep out of the creek while hopping from rock to rock. I got to see the sunset from the ridge top and then had a dark hike while trying to find my way out. I didn’t get eaten by monsters, so all is good. 🙂
Tag Archives: Hiking
Turkey Creek Trail – Trail Map
After work today, I rushed over to Emma Long Metropolitan Park with the intention to complete the Turkey Creek Trail hike before it got too dark. I goofed around with my camera a little too much and completed my nearly 3 mile hike in the dark. It was a fun evening!
Hamilton Pool – River Hike
Follow Hamilton Creek for about 3/4 of a mile from Hamilton Pool and you will get to the spot where it joins the Pedernales River. This is a nice, easy hike and you will probably see turtles, birds, and fish along the way. The water is typically clear and a beautiful emerald color.
Hamilton Pool – Waterfall Hike
Hamilton Pool is less than an hour outside of Austin, and a very popular swimming hole and hiking spot. A short quarter mile hike down some steps from the parking lot and you will be greeted with a nice view of the collapsed grotto and 50 foot waterfall. Take the trail around the grotto and enjoy the scenery. The beach there is a great spot to throw out a blanket and have a picnic lunch.
Hill of Life – Hike to Sculpture Falls
Due to the cold, wet weather and the late start for my hike, I kept it fairly short (a little over 3 miles round trip). Once you reach the 6.25 mile marker, you will begin to hear the splashing water of Sculpture Falls. Follow your ears, and you will be rewarded with one of Austin’s best free swimming holes. If we have had a recent rain, the water will be clear, cool, and inviting. This is a great picnic spot on a nice warm day (unlike the day we experienced today). 🙂
Hill of Life – Trail Map
After work today, I drove over to the Barton Creek Greenbelt to hike the Hill of Life. Conditions were less than grand, with the temperature at 37 degrees and an overcast sky with intermittent sprinkles. The good news was that there were only a few people on the trail. The Hill of Life is a great workout – I climbed 551 feet on the trail according to the GPS on my phone. Despite the cold weather, I had to shed my jacket before I got back to the top of the Hill. It was awesome!
Hiking Boots
I guess it’s a good thing when you wear out the soles and punch a hole in the side of your old hiking boots? At least it means you were out there tearing it up. The new ones are now ready for some adventures!
Enchanted Rock – Full Moon
Enchanted Rock – Sunset
Enchanted Rock – Echo Canyon Trail
If you go hiking at Enchanted Rock, I recommend that you hike around to the backside and take the Echo Canyon Trail up to the summit. It is a beautiful path to the top, filled with chirping birds and other wildlife.



























