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Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 666 Google reviews · Running trail in Austin, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve'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.
Natural area focused on protecting animals & promoting environmental education with public trails.
What runners say about Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
“The trails offered a nice mix of elevation changes, included some nice lookout spots, and were reasonably well maintained.”
“The nature was absolutely beautiful — even though the tall grass and trees blocked a clear view of the waterfall, I still managed to capture some great photos and videos.”
“The trails are well marked and offer mostly easy paths but there are plenty of roots, steps, rocks and rock stairs.”
Now the nature here is beautiful, but the best part of the experience came from the security guard that was working when I pulled in. I had never been here so I asked him to run through the preserve for me, he launched into an incredible overview of what they had to offer full of character and charm!
I enjoyed my time there. So many helpful signs along the trails made it easy to explore without feeling lost. The nature was absolutely beautiful — even though the tall grass and trees blocked a clear view of the waterfall, I still managed to capture some great photos and videos.
Super friendly team helped us through our first visit. Paid entry for parking - nice knowing it helps the preserve the area. Walked to the waterfall and did a loop. Relatively easy hike up and down hills. Beautiful trees and view. Thanks 🙏
This park offers an easy stroll. It’s not a lot of distance, but it’s very clean. Open 7 days a week from sunup to sundown. A huge plus is they don’t close after a rain. Most of it is on rock/gravel, no mud, and not very treacherous.
Trail conditions & character
“The nature was absolutely beautiful — even though the tall grass and trees blocked a clear view of the waterfall, I still managed to capture some great photos and videos.”
“There were a couple creek crossing that could be problematic for some and the trail was steep (as warned by signage) in one part.”
“Unless I missed more parking, there isnt a whole lot but there are constructing a bathroom and maybe spaces were being taken up by that.”
“I like that the trail options are interconnected loops so there are many distance options for hiking and if you get tired you can choose to come back on a shorter loop.”
“Unless I missed more parking, there isnt a whole lot but there are constructing a bathroom and maybe spaces were being taken up by that.”
“Review for Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve: Do not bring your dogs as this is a persevere.”
“Some challenging spots on the rocks along the trail, but there are plenty of sand and dirt trails that are gentler than the rocky outgrows.”
“Most of it is on rock/gravel, no mud, and not very treacherous.”
“That level of helpfulness and friendliness from security staff is so rare and it made the experience great!”
“The trails are well marked and offer mostly easy paths but there are plenty of roots, steps, rocks and rock stairs.”
Plan your run at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitestedwards.edu
- Phone(512) 327-7622
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
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