HomeTexasAustin › Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 201 Google reviews · Running trail in Austin, Texas · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Roy and Ann 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.

MixedScenicDog-friendlyWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Scenic waterfront trail loop for hiking, running & cycling, with restrooms & drinking fountains.

What runners say about Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (201 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“The path is well-maintained, wide, and easy to navigate—perfect for families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 18 mentions

“The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is one of Austin’s most scenic and well-loved outdoor spots, offering a 10-mile path that loops around Lady Bird Lake.”

🏃 great for running 3 mentions

“Absolutely love running down the river and all of the different paths branching to other parks or areas were awesome.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“It is serene and beautiful and also a great place to have a picnic downtown.”

The hike and bike trail is the best part of Austin. Early morning and evening walk on the trail are the best—about 2 1/2 hours to finish all 10 miles at a decent pace. The trail also offers the best view of the city.

★★★★★ — Bibby , Jan 2023

One of my favorite running locations in the U.S. Well maintained trails with great views of the city skyline and Ladybird lake. Tons of runners out here and an overall outstanding place to get in a morning run.

★★★★★ — Brad , Jun 2022

Absolutely love running down the river and all of the different paths branching to other parks or areas were awesome. I spent an hour running there and could see myself spending hours just exploring the trail.

★★★★★ — Jordan , Jun 2024

A pretty park right next to downtown Austin! It’s quite spacious and a beautiful getaway from urban life. Whenever you visit on a nice day, you’ll see hundreds of people walking, biking, sitting and relaxing, and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are dogs everywhere!

★★★★★ — Michael , Oct 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 201 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 24 mentions

“The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is one of Austin’s most scenic and well-loved outdoor spots, offering a 10-mile path that loops around Lady Bird Lake.”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“My dog had a blast(pick up after your dog n dont be a loser).”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It is serene and beautiful and also a great place to have a picnic downtown.”

More trails like this →

🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“The diverse landscape includes a mix of smooth paths and more rugged, rocky areas, so it’s great for those looking for a challenge in addition to beautiful scenery.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

More trails like this →

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

More trails like this →

🚰 Water fountains

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteaustintexas.gov
  • Phone(512) 495-9163

Hours

Monday 5 AM–1 AM
Tuesday 5 AM–1 AM
Wednesday 5 AM–1 AM
Thursday 5 AM–1 AM
Friday 5 AM–1 AM
Saturday 5 AM–1 AM
Sunday 5 AM–12 AM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail

900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Get directions

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.

Blunn Creek Greenbelt

4.7 ★★★★★ 106 reviews

Austin, TX

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Serene, wooded green space along a creek featuring a tree-lined trail & BBQ pits.

1.4 miles away

The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,187 reviews

Austin, TX

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

7,250-ft. boardwalk along & across the lake, offering views of the shoreline, city & turtles.

1.8 miles away

Shoal Creek Greenbelt

4.6 ★★★★★ 442 reviews

Austin, TX

LoopPavedShadedScenic

A ribbon of a park spanning nearly 81 acres, which include shady trails & a dog park.

1.9 miles away

Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 468 reviews

Austin, TX

MixedLitScenicDog-friendly

Waterfront walking/cycling path featuring scenic views of the downtown skyline.

2.2 miles away

Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 369 reviews

Austin, TX

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Laid-back waterside trail offering views of downtown, picnic tables and a playground.

2.2 miles away

Blunn Creek Nature Preserve

4.4 ★★★★☆ 146 reviews

Austin, TX

ScenicDog-friendly

Trail system, nature preserve featuring creeks, trees and an extinct volcano.

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Austin, TX →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.