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
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.
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.
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!
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
Educational Resources
Field Trip/Education Program Info
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