Adventurers, nature lovers, hikers, athletes, or simply those who enjoy swimming find St. Edward’s Park a beautiful spot to do what they love. Dog lovers and fur parents also visit the park because of its dog-friendliness.
St. Edward’s Park spans 80 acres, featuring dog-friendly trails, beautiful ponds, small waterfalls, and lush greenery. It is also a well-suited place to have picnics and go swimming. Anyone can explore the park alone or bring their family and friends.
A Beautiful Park for Nature and Outdoor Lovers
St. Edward’s Park might be hidden from the city, but it is famous among dog owners, hikers, trail runners, and nature lovers. It is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. So visitors have plenty of time to explore the site. They have an early morning walk or enjoy a delicious picnic dinner with loved ones. Check it out here
The park features several trails wherein each trail matches every tourist’s skill level. It has wide open space to enjoy picnics, relax under the shady trees, and unwind while seeing the hill country views. Several bird species are around the area, making it perfect for bird watching.
Locals and tourists prefer this place whenever they want to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park also includes cacti spread across the area and a clean stream running through the middle. They can also swim at a creek, especially during summertime.
How to Get to St. Edward’s Park
St. Edward’s Park is located on both sides of Bull Creek along Spicewood Springs Rd, west of Capital of Texas Highway.
Visitors can use the park’s two parking areas. When driving, they need to take Spicewood Springs west for approximately 2 miles. They will find a small parking area on the left corner with a white mailbox. From there, they will see parking that can accommodate 4 to 5 vehicles parked parallel to the road. Read This
However, visitors can try an alternative route if they prefer a parking space that can hold up to 15 cars. They can proceed down Spicewood Springs Road for at most a 0.25 mile. Then, be on the lookout on the left for a larger parking space.
Top Trails in St. Edward’s Park
Here are the best trails in the park for a family trip or an adventurous hike:
St. Edward’s Green and Red Loop
This 3.1-km loop trail is often considered an easy route. Tourists can complete it for an average of 50 minutes. It is a famous area for hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching.
The route takes visitors through wide open fields with beautiful cacti and then through the forests. Finally, they will see a creek with picturesque swimming spots and clear water. Bird watching in this area is more popular in the summer and spring.
St. Edward’s Park Greenbelt Trail
This 1.3 km loop trail is another easy route in St. Edward’s Park. Visitors can complete it within 16 minutes on average. It is a perfect spot to enjoy hiking, running, and bird-watching. After heavy rainfall, a creek that crosses one trail section can be very deep.
The trail is suitable for those who want a short yet great hike. This route travels along the charming creek. This allows visitors to swim after a few minutes of hiking. It is rocky at first, but after a few meters, they will see natural surfaces and nice gravel with a bit of elevation gain.
St. Edward’s Park Brown, Red, and Blue Loop
This 1.8-km loop is an easy route that tourists can complete within 22 minutes on average. The route is a very popular spot for bird watching and hiking.
The trail is a relatively short hike and flat. It will lead the tourists to a beautiful waterfall. The falling waters offer a soothing sound. It also leads to a creek, offering great swimming spots. Generally, this path is shaded, thanks to the large trees. It also travels through a breathtaking forested area.
Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail
This 3.5-km trail is an easy route, allowing tourists to finish it within 44 minutes on average. It is a great trail for running, hiking, and bird-watching. While many people go to this trail, others can still enjoy solitude during quieter times of the day.
The route combines different trail surfaces. It leads to a creek, where people can take a dip. Since there are plenty of intersecting trails on this route, visitors can customize the length of their travel. They can also encounter several creek crossings. The best times to visit Upper Bull Creek Greenbelt Trail are April through October.
All St. Edward’s Park trails allow dogs, but they should be on a leash.
Important Information About St. Edward’s Park
- Address: Parking Lot, 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759
- Phone: +1 512-974-6700
- Park Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM