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Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 468 Google reviews · Running trail in Austin, Texas · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.
What runners say about Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
“It’s one of those places that really captures the spirit of Austin — relaxed, scenic, a little artistic, and always buzzing with life.”
“Great open space park run by the City of Austin Parks.”
Visiting Austin is not complete without daily walks around the amazing scenic trails.
Good place to go for a hike/walk/run as you like. Its pretty long with beautiful views of river and downtown.
Crowded but enjoyable at a leisurely pace. The 10 mile trail loops around the lake: part boardwalk, part paved, mostly dirt or packed gravel. It goes over water and through residential, grassy, and wooded areas.
What a great place to ride a gravel or dirt bike or walk. It’s a gentle ride as there are a lot of people on the trail at the weekend. The view from the trail is great as most of the trail runs alongside the Colorado (Texas version) river with many people kayaking or water boarding and in many places there is a view…
Trail conditions & character
“It’s one of those places that really captures the spirit of Austin — relaxed, scenic, a little artistic, and always buzzing with life.”
“Great trail to bike, bring your dog or just have a nice walk.”
“It’s especially magical early in the morning when the sun’s just coming up, or at sunset when the city lights start to glow.”
“This trail defines austin texas for me , its very beautiful and accessible.”
“One of the highlights of the trail is the Boardwalk, a beautifully designed stretch that actually takes you over the lake.”
“The 10 mile trail loops around the lake: part boardwalk, part paved, mostly dirt or packed gravel.”
Plan your run at Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteaustintexas.gov
- Phone(512) 974-6700
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Austin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 369 reviews
Laid-back waterside trail offering views of downtown, picnic tables and a playground.
The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,187 reviews
7,250-ft. boardwalk along & across the lake, offering views of the shoreline, city & turtles.
Blunn Creek Greenbelt
4.7 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
Serene, wooded green space along a creek featuring a tree-lined trail & BBQ pits.
Blunn Creek Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 146 reviews
Trail system, nature preserve featuring creeks, trees and an extinct volcano.
Boggy Creek Greenbelt
4.6 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
Creekside park covering 89 acres with open fields & shady areas, suitable for picnicking & walks.
Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 201 reviews
Scenic waterfront trail loop for hiking, running & cycling, with restrooms & drinking fountains.