Lady Bird Lake

Visitor's Information

Hours: 5 AM to midnight daily

Fees: Free

Parking: Multiple - Parking for Boardwalk along S. Lakeshore Blvd. between Pleasant Valley Road and Riverside. Parking lots at Festival Beach, Nearby downtown parking.

Rules: Fishing allowed at rest areas but not along main trail. Electric scooters not permitted on the trail. Electric bikes under 10 MPH are permitted.

Explorer's Checklist

Latest Explorer Observation

redbud
50x1200 wave separator

The Colorado River is over 800 miles long, the longest in Texas. Forming in the plains of northwest Texas, it winds its way south to the Gulf of Mexico. Part of it flows right through the heart of Austin as Lady Bird Lake. Water from the Edwards Aquifer and several of the city’s favorite creeks – Shoal, Waller, Barton, Bouldin, Blunn, and Johnson – feed into it.

Encircling a good portion of Lady Bird Lake is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop that provides residents and visitors a place to bike, walk, jog, kayak, stroll, or paddleboard from Austin’s urban core to green spaces and city parks.

The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
The Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge
50x1200 wave separator
ladybird lake trail

Trail History

Lady Bird Johnson, urban conservationist Roberta Crenshaw, and Director of Parks Beverly Sheffield were key figures who pushed for the beautification of Town Lake (as it’s known to longtime residents). In 1971, their vision for a parkland trail became reality with the support of Austinites including Mayor Roy Butler and his wife Ann. A benefit fundraiser was held at the LBJ Ranch played by a young upstart, Willie Nelson.

50x1200 wave separator

The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake

Austin's Mexican Free-Tailed Bats aren't dangerous. In fact, we should thank them - they eat 10,000 - 30,000 pounds of insects every night!

50x1200 wave separator

Volunteer Info

Save Barton Creek Association

City of Austin Wildland Conservation Division

Austin Parks Foundation

Keep Austin Beautiful

TreeFolks

City of Austin Watershed Protection Department

50x1200 wave separator

Explorer Gallery

long skinny block color tweaks