Outdoor Activities
General
Austin Outside Guides
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/guides/index.html
www.lcra.org/commun ity/parks.html
www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/park
s/default.asp
www.texasouts ide.com /
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
On Campus
The UT Austin Outdoor Center for Planning and Equipment at Gregory
Gym 2.104 has over 200 books and videos for planning your trip.
Information on state and national parks, contact numbers for camping,
hiking, fishing and paddling opportunities in the surrounding area.
Visit their website: http://www.utrecsports.org/home/pages/outdoor/outdoor.php?sid=221
Biking, Running and Walking Trails
Biking:
www.texasoutside.com/austinframes/austinbiking.htm
Walking and Running
www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/trailsm
www.austinexplorer.com/Hiking/
Swimming: Pools, Holes
Austin
is home to three natural swimming holes: Deep Eddy, Barton Springs
and Hamilton Pool. The good thing is that they are 68°F all year
around. For Hamilton Pool, visit http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/guides/hamilton_pool.html
For a listing of the municipal and neighborhood pools and wading pools,
with operating hours and locations, visit: www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_schedule.htm
Golfing
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/guides/index.html
Camping in State Parks and Fishing (near
Austin)
Camping:
There are 19 state parks located within a 3-hour drive from Austin.
Lake Travis
is also a nice place to camp.
www.texasoutside.com/austinparks.htm
Equipment rental: Equipment rentalis also available in the Outdoor
Center. Experienced staff members are there when picking up and returning
equipment. You can get instruction on tent set-up, stove use, and
much more.
http://www.utrecsports.org/home/pages/outdoor/odcenter_rental.php?sid=236#rental
Fishing:
Adults
will need a fishing license unless you are 73 years old! (It is free
for kids.) But the first Saturday in June of each year is the annual
Free Fishing Day and nobody is required to have a fishing license
or stamps endorsements while fishing on that day. Visit these sites
to see where to fish.
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/guides/fish/fishing_index.html
Popular Destinations
Bat watching
More than 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge each night
at dusk (less or more depending on the month), as they have for more
than two decades, from the Congress Ave. Bridge's underbelly. Look
at the website below for the best times to watch the bats, or to find
out how to get to the Congress Bridge. http://www.io.com/house/bats.html
Zilker
Park
Located in the heart of the city, Zilker Park hooks up with Town Lake
Park, and serves as home to Barton Springs-- the city's most famous
swimming hole. The park has just about everything, and even on its
most crowded days, you should be able to find room to yourself somewhere
on its 400 acres.
Zilker is home to lots of other attractions, including Disc Golf,
picnic tables, playscapes and even a mini-train (which has a depot
located near the Springs' entrance). Hiking and biking trails are
in scenic areas along Barton Creek (not recommended for strollers).
ase of flowers, shrubs and trees, a Japanese garden and a rose garden
Zilker Park Boat Rentals
A great way to explore Town Lake!
www.zilkerboats.com
Lake
Travis
Lake Travis is 63.75 miles long and 4.5 miles wide. The lake
covers 18,929 acres. With 270 miles of shoreline, it is a great place
for swimming, boating, water skiing, sailing, fishing, camping, hiking
and biking. It is a popular spot for family reunions and group picnics.
A fee of 5$ is charged per car.
www.lcra.org/community/parks_travis_county.html
www.lake travis.com/
Mt.
Bonnell
Mount Bonnell is a summit within the western city limits of Austin
in central Travis County. Overlooking Lake Austin, Mount Bonnell stands
at an elevation of 780 feet above sea level, nearly 200 feet higher
than the surrounding area, and is a popular picnic area.
Mount
Bonnell Road is reached via W. 35th or old Bull Creek Rd.
(Rd.2222)
Lady
Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
www.wildflower.org/
Nature Preserves
Hamilton
Pool Preserve
Long a treasured swimming hole for Austinites, this grotto-like pool
is one of Texas’ most beautiful. Featuring a 60-foot waterfall
that spills into a deep, jade-green pool below. Other activities include
picnicking and nature study. For more information:
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/guides/hamilton_pool.html
Wild Basin Preserve
Scenic Hill Country wilderness west of the city. A 220-acre preserve,
with four miles of hiking trails.
www.wildbasin.org/index.lasso