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Hill of Life
4.7 ★★★★★ 356 Google reviews · Running trail in Austin, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hill of Life'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.
Popular trail along the Barton Creek greenbelt known for its two waterfalls, plus views of its namesake creek.
What runners say about Hill of Life
“*Careful out there* When along the way, this gorgeous new born snake found us--on a cliffside path just overlooking the trail.”
“Super dog friendly with shaded hiking trails area with great views of Hill of life falls and sculpture falls.”
“The trail features easy to read mile markers which makes navigation easy even when straying from the trail to see the creek.”
“Super dog friendly with shaded hiking trails area with great views of Hill of life falls and sculpture falls.”
This is one of the more enjoyable hiking spots in Austin. Not truly a hike in my opinion as most of the trail is flat, but the hill itself is a decent workout going back up at a fast pace.
My daughter's and I loved this hike although, we did not finish it! It truly is a tough hike and we wished we had our walking sticks. It's hard to look around as you go down since you must have your footing correct to ensure a safe hike.
It will take you 3.2 miles going to Sculpture Falls and back to the starting location of Hill of Life. I would say this is between a medium to difficult trail because there are huge incline and declines. You definitely need hiking shoes for the trail. Lots of dogs off leash. Two beautiful waterfalls along the way.
This review is for the Sculpture Falls and Hill of Life Falls Loop. It's about a 3.5 mile trail that catch both the Hill of Life Falls and Sculpture Falls. If you do the full loop, this is a moderate level hike with a fair amount of hills and rocky billy-goating.
Trail conditions & character
“Not truly a hike in my opinion as most of the trail is flat, but the hill itself is a decent workout going back up at a fast pace.”
“*Careful out there* When along the way, this gorgeous new born snake found us--on a cliffside path just overlooking the trail.”
“The Hill of Life Trail (Sculpture Falls Trailhead at Barton Creek Greenbelt) is beautiful at nearly any time of the year.”
“As others have stated, it’s a good idea to wear hiking shoes or shoes with good cushion/support as there are rocky patches here and there.”
“Super dog friendly with shaded hiking trails area with great views of Hill of life falls and sculpture falls.”
“Super dog friendly with shaded hiking trails area with great views of Hill of life falls and sculpture falls.”
“And be aware this is the end of the trail so you will be going from 7.5 mile marker down to 1 mile marker; if you walk the whole hike.”
“For those looking for an extended hike, a 6-mile loop is possible if you trek all the way to Mopac and back.”
“The trail features easy to read mile markers which makes navigation easy even when straying from the trail to see the creek.”
“Not truly a hike in my opinion as most of the trail is flat, but the hill itself is a decent workout going back up at a fast pace.”
Plan your run at Hill of Life
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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.
Twin Falls
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The Terrace Hiking Trail
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Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
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Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail
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Westcreek Greenway
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