Austin's Best Trails

Austin's best jogging routes

Earlier today, I attempted my first post-Spring Break run. The large quantities of food, sun, and beverages that I had absorbed during the previous seven days finally caught up to me, and I felt inspired to return to my years-old passion for running.

I began by cruising down Rio Grande Street, breathing in the warm spring air, bouncing with every step and generally giving off - what I believed to be - a magazine-cover-esque image of health.

Yours truly, standing at the State Capitol before 

the 2014 Austin Marathon. Photo courtesy of  

Christopher Delgado.

At mile two, as I sweated my way up the steps of the State Capitol and wheezed in gasps of life, I realized that I might be giving off a slightly different image...perhaps that of a slightly hungover Sylvester Stallone trying to recreate his famous scene in "Rocky". I reached the top of the stairs and, legs shaking slightly, conceeded that spring break had taken a bigger toll on me than I had realized. 

However, the view from the steps of the Capitol was worth the fight. The beautiful Austin cityscape stretched across the blue, cloud-studded sky in front of me and I was reminded of how much I enjoy running in this great, vibrant town.

I have spent my whole life in Austin and been an avid runner since a young age. Having explored most of Austin's streets, trails and creeks and participated in local marathons, triathlons, and fun runs, I have learned which trails have the best views and make the toughest workouts. 

In my unprofessional (but quite expereinced) opinion, here are the three best jogging routes in Austin, Texas:

3. Mount Bonnell Road

The view from the top of Mount Bonnell - one the most spectacular jogging routes
in Austin. Photo courtesy of Jonathon Vail Photography.

Although this is a challenging run, it features one of the most impressive views in all of Austin: the view from the top of Mount Bonnell, overlooking Lake Austin and the Texas hill country. 

I suggest beginning your run at the intersection of Mount Bonnell Road (MBR) and 35th Street and pumping your way up the steep hill to the entrance of the park. From there, you can either continute along MBR until it intersects with Waterford Place (a total four-mile run), or enter the park and do several sprints up the long, steep staircase that leads to the top of the mountain. 

Ultimately, you get to enjoy the incredible view at the top!

2. Shoal Creek Trail

The Shoal Creek running trail juxtaposes some of Austin's most vibrant natural scenery
onto the city's recognizable skyline. Photo courtesy of 365 Things Austin.

This trail is one of my personal favorites as a UT student. With an entrance close to campus (at the intersection of 24th Street and Lamar), is very convenient and surprisingly scenic.

Shoal Creek takes you down into the depths of Austin's natural preserve, transporting you out of the heat and dust of The Drag and submerging you in the silence of the forest and flowing water. From campus, you can find the entrance underneath the Lamar bridge and jog it down until it connects with Lady Bird Lake, totaling about five miles.

Along the way, you'll be surprised to look up every now and then and find yourself running underneath some of Austin's most recognizable features, including Sixth Street and the Frost Bank building. Be careful, though! After large rains, the creek tends to overflow and your run may take a turn for the wetter.

1. Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) Running Trail

The Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail winds through some of Austin's most
prominent areas, like Zilker Park, Barton Creek, the downtown district, Auditorium
Shores, and more. Photo courtesy of Jonathon Vail Photography.

Although I am certainly not the first runner to discover the Town Lake trail - err - "Lady Bird Lake," as it is now known - I have always had a deep appreciation for the beautiful hike-and-bike trail. With multiple access points, various distance options, and a surreal running environment, this route is hands down the finest in Austin.

For a fellow college student, I would suggest beginning your run at the Austin High School parking lot and heading east alongside Cesar Chavez Street. The gravelly trail is perpetually shady and gives a great view of both the city skyline and the waters of Lady Bird Lake.

When you reach Congress Avenue bridge, cross the lake. From there, you may either channel your inner marathoner and turn left (sending you along the eight-mile route), or content yourself with a fun four-mile blitz by turning right. Either way, you will finish feeling accomplished and loving the great city of Austin.

These three routes have brought me pleasure for years and I hope you have learned a thing or two about Austin's most unique running opportunities.

I'll see you on the trail soon!