Bull Creek

Type: Trail	Rating: (3.65)
Difficulty: (2.04)	Solitude: (2.38)
Length: 4.50 Miles	Elevation Gain: 600 Feet
ADAAccessible: N/A	Interpretive Guide: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes	Bikes Allowed: Yes
Cost: Free	More Information: More Info
City: Austin	County: Travis

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Larger Map

Bull Creek includes convenient location, numerous swimming holes and wonderful views. (Click on map for larger view) (Click on map for larger view)
Maptech® USGS Topographic Series™, ©Maptech®, Inc. 603-433-8500, www.maptech.com/topo Copyright 2000 Maptech, Inc.

Getting there: We started our hike along Bull Creek's southern half, on Lakewood Drive. From north Austin head south on Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) and turn left at Lakewood. If you get to 2222 you've gone too far. From the south, get ready to turn right after passing 2222. Parking is available just off of 360, next to the old pool.

The Hike: The Bull Creek Foundation calls Bull Creek the Galapagos of Texas. In many ways they are quite right. The watershed provides sights and experiences that seem to contradict the fact that much of its length is shadowed by a busy highway and growing communities and businesses.

The contrast of city encroachment and nature can be felt at the very beginning of the hike. We start at the waypoint marked "Trailhead", next to what was once a natural swimming pool made possible by dams across the creek. Intense flooding of the creek long ago proved that attempting to pacify the creek was a losing battle. Remnants of the the dam near the Lakewood Drive low water crossing remain as do the stone and concrete walls that line the pool area that remains today. There is a small waterfall here and it is one of the three popular swimming holes along the route of Bull Creek.

The swimming area near the Bull Creek Trailhead.

Our path leads north and the first of many creek crossings. Depending on the time of year you take this journey the crossings vary from simple hops over a trickling stream to wading up to one's knees to get across. Due to a wet month prior to our hike the conditions warranted the removal of shoes for the crossing. A rock outcropping at the top of the first falls makes crossing relatively easy. Most of the creek bottom here is solid rock with only a few groupings of rocks able to withstand the quick flow of water.

Lower Bull Creek Falls. Note the creek crossing in the background.

A four way stop at the waypoint "Four Way" provides some options. Numerous side trails exist in the Bull Creek area. For our purposes a general rule holds - follow the flow of the creek. In this case that means turning left and continuing north.

A general rule of thumb concerning crowds is that they get less common the further away from parking lots one gets. The waypoint marked "Dam" bears this out. This man made waterfall can often be found with sun bathers and swimmers around it, but in less an abundance to the main three that we'll refer to as lower (near "Trailhead"), middle and upper.

Some sections of the popular Bull Creek trail remain uncrowded.

An example of a more crowded swimming hole is the waypoint "Middle Falls". A parking lot resides on the rock cliff that lines the creek in this area and that means easy access to the falls and the swimming hole beneath it. The trail on this side of the creek sits atop a rocky ledge overlooking the stream. The ledge's height above the creek gives evidence of the wildly varying water levels that Bull Creek experiences. The rock surface is shaped in the wavy pattern of the water than has flowed over it for eons during wetter periods.

On our initial trip north we had to make two creek crossing in quick succession just north of Middle Falls at waypoints "Crossing2" and "Crossing3". The level of the water and layout of the land was just sufficient enough to warrant the removal of boots once again, something we'll get used to before the end of the day. On the return trip we notice that it was possible to remain on the eastern side of the creek and pass under 360 just on the edge of the sloped concrete support of its bridge over the trail. This portion of the trail is not very well defined, so you might have to look carefully for it if you want to avoid the two water crossings.

Main Falls provides the best swimming hole along the trail and wading opportunities to cool your heals.

The trail becomes a bit less crowded at this point up through the waypoint "Side Falls". An angled rock ledge stands in the way of the creek at this point and the lowest point is on the far side of the bank. There are a couple of nice features about this location. Not being adjacent to a parking lot means fewer people, particularly folks who like to play their car stereos loudly while they swim. The site is also directly opposite from the Bull Creek Nature Preserve, marked on the map by a "Nature Preserve" waypoint. Please note that the rules that apply for the nature preserve (hours of operation, dogs and bikes) differ from those of Bull Creek Park. Visitors to the nature preserve are allowed, but failure to adhere to its special rules could jeopardize its goals.

Coppertone crosses Bull Creek at Side Falls to explore the nature preserve on the opposite bank.

The trail at the waypoint "Upper Falls" comes into contact again with a road and parking, which means people. Upper Falls is one of the two most busy areas of the trail. The falls here are magnificent and the pool at the base of the falls is probably the most popular swimming hole on the entire creek. There is a restroom next to the parking lot. The top of the falls consist of a wide rock bed over which the creek flows. The shallows here are a popular wading area, though wading can be avoided. For our trip north we cooled our feet by wading the distance from the upper falls to the other side of 360. The rock here is largely bare, but sometimes slippery, so take your time.

While wading this portion of the trail you might be afforded the opportunity to see some of the creatures that call the creek home, opportunities that are not as easily afforded on many other hikes. Very small fish are common here, but more interesting are the crawfish that live along the banks. On this trip we also were lucky enough to spy a salamander in the stream, a sight we had not seen in these waters before.

When swimming or wading in our waters please be considerate of the wildlife who call the waters home, like this salamander.

On the right as we head north we are provided with a beautiful view of a shear cliff to our right. On the topo map you can see this as very close contour lines. The hike along Bull Creek follows close to the creek itself, so the lofty surroundings do not add to the difficulty of the hike.

At the waypoint "Trail Right" the main trail is the right fork in the road. However, if you have some extra time you should head left for an interesting side journey. The side trail is largely solid rock, the top of the rock cliff that overlooks Bull Creek below it. That trail leads to the "Hidden Falls" waypoint, but then so does the main trail, so the option to take the detour is up to you.

Bed rock trails and soaring cliffs are some of the features offered along Bull Creek.

Before getting to Hidden Falls there is yet another creek crossing. This one includes numerous rocks in the stream that provide just enough footing to avoid having to wade. A walking stick certainly comes in handy in helping maintain balance at such crossings.

Hidden Falls is a nice little swimming hole and water fall in a fairly well wooded area, so it does not provide as wide a vista for viewing it as some of the other falls. During our trip only one family was swimming at the falls and they were in the process of leaving when we arrived. So these falls provide more solitude and quiet contemplation than the others.

Hidden Falls provide the most tranquil falls along Bull Creek.

The remaining trail up to the final waypoint marked "Turnaround" continues north, even when Bull Creek itself heads east and crosses Loop 360. The trail ends at a small parking area along Old Spicewood Springs Road. Nearby a small falls exists in a heavily wooded depression. Being only a small tributary to Bull Creek the water flows along the surface of the rock more than it falls to the stream below.

In all we took 5 hours to complete the hike out and back. However, the times can be misleading. Our initial hike up included more stops for observation, a bit of a detour into the nature preserve and more time spent wading across the creek. On the way back we avoided all possible wading, kept up a fairly constant pace and stayed on the main trail. The second half of the hike was accomplished in about an hour.

photo by J.Lavin (Photo by pixistixs)	(Photo by Texpride12)

photo by J.Lavin (Photo by pixistixs)

(Photo by Texpride12)

Logs

Have you visited this location? What did you think of it? Submit your own log entry to let others know of your experiences and to keep track of your adventures.

User: strontium87 - 1/3/2010 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: 2 hours

User: toddfw2003 - 12/3/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: N/A

User: rdiamond - 7/10/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Beautiful scenery mixed with irresponible dog owners
User: scrapiron7 - 6/6/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 1.00 Mile Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

I recently went to spend some time at Bull Creek with my dog. It's a beautiful place and a nice walking park. My only compaint is many of the dog owners simply cannot or choose not to control their dogs and let them run up to other people and other dogs.

My dog and I were standing on one of the overlooks about 10 ft above the water when another dog twice her size ran up at her. She proceeded to back up since she was scared. She slipped off the ledge and fell about 5 feet hitting a rock shelf, then fell another 5 feet into the water below. Fortunately she was ok and had no injuries.

I won't go back there. If you choose to take your dog, be careful.

easy trail
User: sandew - 4/26/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

About the only challage was the first crossing of the creek at the "dog" park where we parked. It was enjoyable with the falls & water holes along the way. It was mostly treed for shade also as it's getting warm here in Austin!

a great place to visit
User: jay_man - 4/8/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 2.00 Miles Duration: 2 minutes

i come here with my friends and their dog. its great for the dog, he seems to love it. he swims around and jumps in the water. i have yet to swim but the water is really pristine in some places. if you're a jelous person, dont look up because there are some high dollar mansion houses. the proximity to commerse and commute is all too surreal on this hike.

Beautiful Place
User: Melena - 4/4/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

You hike down by a creek that is absolutely beautiful. It's a great place for dogs & children. If you like nature photography you'll want to go here.

User: Melissa-Austin - 3/7/2009 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: 1 hour

Two different trails, one on each side of 360. The South side has crushed granite & is more shaded with lots of trees. There's a creek with algae & a couple very small trickle falls. The North side is along a cliff with natural stone that almost looks man-made (but it's not). You cross the creek & circle around - some small inclines & declines.

One of my favorites
User: squidulum - 11/15/2008 [View Log Page]
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This is one of my usual hikes. I get out here at least once a month. I find it's best to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds. A couple of years back when the creek was especially high. My husband and I toobed the creek from the Spicewood springs parking area all the way to the Lakewood parking. It was a great one and we were the only ones on the creek.

User: texasway - 9/28/2008 [View Log Page]
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Nice Quiet Walk/Run
User: brandonh72 - 5/26/2008 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 1.50 Miles Duration: 30 minutes

Today was the first time I went on the Bull Creek trail. I started at the entrance near Spicewood Springs. It was a very quiet, nice walk/run. The 2 people I saw were very friendly.

User: bspross - 2/24/2008 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 3.50 Miles Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Another beautiful Austin day in February. This trail does a great job of having crossings of the creek where you don't have to get wet. The waterfalls are very fun. There are parts of this trail where it is very tranquil with few other hikers. This is a great hike in the middle of Austin.

first hike of the year
User: timchristy - 1/13/2008 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

first hike of 2008. the weather was cool and sunny, beautiful.

User: tamwalker - 6/9/2007 [View Log Page]
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User: lancescape - 6/1/2007 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: N/A

Small Doggie Park....at first
User: christiniprosperity - 4/9/2007 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 1.00 Mile Duration: 45 minutes
I agree with the other hiker, this is full of dogs. But once you get out of the base camp/parking area it gets better. Leaving the trailhead and moving toward the first underpass of 360 it gets nicer, quieter, although you see less of Bull Creek until you get to the underpass. I chose a muddy day (surprise) and got stuck in some muddy spots trying to cross Bull Creek back by the parking lot. But it was an okay walk. It was getting late and I didn't want to walk alone at night so I did a few loops to get a nice workout. I want to return and hike the whole trail when I have a whole day to do it. Bull Creek is beautiful. I want to come back when it's warmer and take my shoes off and wade through.

Small Doggie Park....at first
User: christiniprosperity - 4/9/2007 [View Log Page]
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Its a dog park
User: aggiehiker - 3/3/2007 [View Log Page]
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Lots and lots and lots and lots of dogs. Some that are nice, some that well...need to go to obedience school. I got to about the second underpass and then discovered that they were doing trail work and had closed the rest of the way. The trails seem to very open, as dogs and people have trampled all over the surroundings, so the natural beauty is somewhat lacking here. Sad...

User: ktwdallas - 7/25/2006 [View Log Page]
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Went down only about a mile to the point that Bull Creek was so dry it look like it ended and could cross to the other side. Nice little walk.

Good swimming
User: big tex - 5/30/2006 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: N/A
I really enjoyed how this was in the middle of a city, but your totally secluded from it. Great swimming holes along the way. Go in the spring and swim.

User: Rajun Cajun - 2/5/2006 [View Log Page]
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We hiked from the North side of Cap. of Texas to the dog park and back. Fun hike and even though there were alot of dogs they were no both.

User: glenlake505 - 11/14/2005 [View Log Page]
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varied scenery - hiking near water is special
User: e5200 - 9/22/2005 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 2.60 Miles Duration: N/A
I've hiked this trail many times in all sorts of weather - it is one of my favorite in-town hikes - the trail is wide on the east bank - sometimes high overlooking the creek and othertimes on the same level with the creek - weekends the trail can be busy and I have never been alone on the east side although, I have been alone on the shorter west side trail - this time only walked to the big falls - a grandfather, with 3 young boys came along. The boys need the break having just made the long exodus from Houston - they took their shoes off to spend time exploring in the water - cute kids that added to the hike/walk another opportunity to smile...always have to stop and explore the old stone walls and while walking note the changing variety of fauna - although dogs allowed I have come upon a deer or two, loads of dragonflies and all sorts of creek bugs, frogs and once had a water snake seemingly chased me down the stream. Love laying in the stream, clothes and all - the only downer is the sound of the traffic from loop 360 - the falls does drown out the highway sounds.

Bull Creek Hike
User: Texpride12 - 9/8/2005 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: N/A
I started this hike at the upper waterfall where the trail meets 360. There were no destinct signs for the trail so I found one and headed west toward what I found out later was the turnaround. Water Levels were very low because of the drought but I did manage to find some spots that looked like they would be great for swimming when there was more water in the creek. The trail from the upper waterfall to the turnaround does close in on you a bit so you might have to push some weeds aside for the first half mile or so. You do have to walk under a few bridges which is very noisy but you only hear the cars for a short time. My advice while you are heading toward the turnaround is to take the trail to the left when it v's. This is the trail that stays along the waters edge. When you make the turnaround you can take the upper trail that comes back to the V. There are a few trails that wind through the trees at the turnaround but in my opinion they are so short and some are blocked so its not worth it unless you just absolutely want to hike all of them. I did stop short of the turnaround at this swimming hole that looked like a really great spot. It was then that I noticed the considerable amount of trash that was thrown about. It upset me very much to see that people would not have the common courtesy to pick up after themselves. When I went to sit down by what looked like a waterfall I notice that someone had stuffed dirty diapers up inbetween the some rocks. I could not believe my eyes. It ruined the moment for me and really pissed me off. Do me, Austin, Earth, and your fellow man a favor. Pick up after yourselves and even after others if reasonable. I started to pick up the trash and put it into a pile but had no bags to put all the trash in. I will be more than happy to give someone an earful if I see them practicing these unforgiving acts so please show some respect. Bact to the trail. I made the turnaround and headed back to where I started, taking the higher trail that I mentioned before from there I followed the trail on the North side of the creek toward lower falls into Bull Creek Park. If you look on the map it has you staying on the south side of the creek and I'm here to tell you, you can take either side. The North side is more enjoyable in my opinion. The highlight of the trail was reaching Bull Creek Park. There were a lot of dogs running off leashes which I really dont mind as long as the dogs know how to behave but the creek was really cool. It opened up into a large pool where people were swimming under a few running falls and just hanging out and realaxing. The highlight for me was a 13' wall on the north side of the park tucked under some trees. There were some free climbers there scaling the wall and there were nice enough to let me come over and give it a try. One guy even loaned me his shoes and chalk. There are no holds so my advice is climb at your own risk. I will def. be back to do this on a regular basis. Didnt make it to the top but I had fun. After the wall I was really glad I came. I'll be back to the park for sure. Don't know if I'll return to the west side of 360 due to all the trash. LCRA or someone needs to make an effort to clean this place up. It was a real shame. I might try and organize something for the future to help out.

Long Hike but enjoyable
User: zhean- - 8/21/2005 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 6.50 Miles Duration: N/A
We started our hike at bull creek ditrict park. Didnt expect to cross the creek so early, so i have to take off my shoes! but it was ok, alot of doggy are there too! looks like a dog park for me. But anyway, the trail is nice coz most of it are covered with tree shade. So even it's noontime it is still fine to hike the trails. We saw some water pools, it's calling me to jump in but one thing i dont like is... there's a lot more dogs swimming than people. Me and my husband saw snakes in different occassions so watch out where you step. That scared the whole lot of me. Watch for the dog poop too! We stopped in some places to rest, like on top of laid flat stones along the way facing the creek... and some nice spot along the trails with rushing water. We enjoyed our long hike, we rested back in the park after our hike.. laid out towels and read books to relax. Overall... the experience was worth it.

Long Hike through the Creek
User: pixistixs - 8/4/2005 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: N/A
This is a nice long hike that crosses back and forth over Bull Creek. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Beautiful falls about half way through. Lost the trail once or twice but quickly picked it back up.

Texas Waterpark
User: adrianrsus - 7/15/2005 [View Log Page]
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My wife and I hiked this trail in the middle of summer and we were very happy to be able to get into the creek at several spots. The trail was a well established and it crosses the creek a few times. We enjoyed the scenery and the fact that we were so close to water. The only bad thing I have to say is that there was litter at a couple of spots. (I guess it's the younger crowd) But still a truly enjoyable experience.

Beautiful hike
User: jkerr57 - 6/23/2005 [View Log Page]
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Try it during the week when there are not as many drunken college students with boomboxes.

User: timkimbrown - 6/2/2005 [View Log Page]
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Better in the spring. It was a little dirty with all of the traffic in the summer.

User: marakristina - 5/15/2005 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 7.00 Miles Duration: N/A

Columbus Day Hike
User: Blizzard - 10/11/2004 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 2.50 Miles Duration: N/A
sure glad Columbus gave us the day off.

User: brian724 - 7/4/2004 [View Log Page]
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Trail's improving
User: shred - 1/8/2004 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 5.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Thanks to the good work of the trail project, the trail is now much improved at the northern bridge under 360. Watch for free-range dogs at the south end. It's still difficult to go the whole length if the creek is high.

Still needs work.
User: nocman - 10/21/2003 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 7.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Did the whole trail, from Spicewood Springs to the dog park. Only ran into a few people. The only problem I have with the trail now is it's becoming overgrown. But other then that, it was nice and quiet. I actully took time to stop, sit and check out the waterfalls and take some pictures also.

Something for everyone
User: Riff Raff - 9/26/2003 [View Log Page]
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Hiked out as far as the 'side falls' today and turned back, after apparently spending a majority of my hike on maverick trails. To avoid doing the same, be sure to stay on the east side of the creek at the first 360 crossing (you'll end up walking on a path right next to the concrete). If you don't see a hiking marker every quarter mile or so, then you've probably wandered off the main trail (which is very easy to do here). At any rate, the initial area by the trailhead seems to be basically a dog park these days, with dogs and their owners out in droves to play in the creek. Once you get past the first quarter mile or so though, the number of people thins out dramatically. Bring a trash bag and pack out some trash if at all possible, as this trail could definitely use the help since it is so close to 360.

Well..
User: nocman - 8/10/2003 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 3.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Went out and did a little hiking at Bull Creek. Looks like part's haven't seen traffic in a while and with the lack rain the water was very nasty in spot's. But other then that, nice quiet hike.

A very nice hike
User: HikerGirl - 6/8/2003 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.50 Miles Duration: N/A
I have gone on this trail several times (half one weekend and the other half another weekend). I lost the trail after it went under the bridge on one occasion but found it the next weekend. Will go back and do the whole thing next time! A very nice hike...people are very friendly. One part under the bridge by the swimming hole can get a little trashy sometimes with stuff washing down after a rain, however.

Sturdy hike through woods along the creek
User: figment - 5/14/2003 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 4.00 Miles Duration: N/A
Bull Creek has something for everybody - swimming, hiking, playing with your dog. The terrain is more varied than the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The popular swimming holes do get packed on summer weekends, though.

Love it.
User: nocman - 6/10/2002 [View Log Page]
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I've hiking Bull Creek many times and it's always nice. Always some water flow to the creek and normally quiet. Very nice place to go and if you goto a certin waterfall there is a hidden space behind the water fall, very nice to hide in..

Lots of dogs near the crossing
User: Centex Trekker - 2/16/2002 [View Log Page]
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Distance: 0.75 Mile Duration: N/A
I need to come back and finish this.