Barton Creek Greenbelt Gus Fruh Trail

Tips for enjoying Gus Fruh: bring sturdy shoes to get down to the creek (after rains the trail is muddy and slick!). The beach is all rocks so have something protective for your feetsies! Blankets/​towels are good idea to spread over socks or bring a camping chair to sit in. (Don’t bring your best blankets/​towels as many dogs are «off leash» here and don’t mind taking a minute to wipe their paws on your stuff). The rope swing looks promising (there’s always a big line for it), kids seem to like to «ride the current» off to the side of the main body of water and be respectful of the kayakers who are coming down the creek. Lastly, pack your good natured Austinite attitude and have fun!

Well surprise, surprise, surprise! I’ve been meaning to get out to this oddly named bit of the green belt for like 5 years. I finally made it! And there was water! The swimming hole itself was great — nice and cold and clear and clean. The trail was… well, damaged? I’m not sure but it looks like they’ve been doing some clearing out there after all the rains last year and much of the trail is blocked by trees and detritus.
If you plan on going on the trail, it’s not a leisurely stroll down a dirt path, it’s legit bouldering. Like, climbing all over stuff, picking your way delicately around giant rocks. I’d almost go so far as to wear gloves next time I came if I wanted to really get after it.

Lots of shade for most of the trail. The trail is wide in some spots and narrow in others. Very scenic in places. Nice for a first date. Bring your swimsuit and plan to get wet. In the summer it’s hot hiking in Texas so plan to dip in on your hike!

Who doesn’t love the greenbelt?! If you walk far enough you will find waterfalls! If you’re not from here you’d probably never know where to even find this place. One minute you’re on a major freeway and then bam in the middle of nowhere you pull over on the side of the road and find this magical rock bed stream that runs for miles. There are swimming holes and all sorts of Austinites running around and its dog friendly! Perfect place to go for a nice hike or a long walk in the wilderness in the middle of a huge city.

We decided one Saturday that we really wanted to get out and explore our city. So we hopped in the car and drove the Barton Creek Greenbelt trailhead located off Mopac. There was plenty of parking off the access road. The trail is nice, clean, and well marked. You can go as far as you would like, we chose to go for 3 miles and then turn around and go back to the car. The scenery is beautiful, especially after a rain when there is more water in the creek. Our only complaint is the number of bikers. They come through going very fast on this narrow trail and you have to jump out of the way to avoid a collision. Other than that, we loved it and we look forward to going back to the Greenbelt again soon.

Walked the trails today. Sign at beginning requires dogs to be on leashes and to use waste receptacles. I was disgusted by all the dog poop we had to avoid. We saw filled waste bags just lying on the edges of the trails. 99% of the dogs were NOT on leashes. I was just standing when one came up to me and showed his teeth and barked. I told the owner to leash him but he didn’t.

You can find a little forest oasis in the middle of the city. This is a win for everyone involved. It is strange to be calm and relaxed but here cars in the background. There are several paths and it is easy to get lost. Never fear you will find the highway or street so you won’t be lost for that long. It look like a place that is good for mountain bikers because I saw some man made ramps. I can see a few train runners get a jog in. I would not call this place a hike just a nature path with a few small hills. Nevertheless, a good place in the city.

It’s the Greenbelt! I come here as frequently as possible to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and get a little exercise in. One of the many things I love about Austin — having an abundance of hiking and biking trails so close to home. This place saves my life weekly after being cooped up in a windowless classroom with 21 7-​year olds all day! There are plenty of options in terms of length and route of your hike. The water level is constantly changing and, sadly, has gone back to almost nothing in a good portion of the creek recently. (If you see a silver water bottle down there somewhere, please give it back!) I love to watch the season changes here and see what different plants and flowers will pop up.
You always have to be careful of mountain bikers out here, although some are courteous and respectful, I’ve had to many near-​crashing experiences with dudes just bombing by me without regards to anyone else on the trail. Keep your eyes open. Also, when I first started hiking (or trail walking as I like to call it) out here, I never went without my cell phone. Trails are not marked and have many divergences, so if you don’t know your way around it can be crucial to have some sort of GPS with you. I’ve been looking for a hike that has more incline and is more challenging… I’ve found if you cross to the West side of the creek that trail provides of bit more elevation change although you have to either climb up or down a super steep/​sketchy hillside to get there. I’m still exploring.
Again, it’s the Greenbelt. It’s great. It’s makes life in Austin even more Awesome. Good stuff.

I wish I knew how to read maps better, because there is access to the Greenbelt trails right behind our apartment off of 360 and Mopac. I love coming here with our pups, especially when there is water in the creek.
However, I think there has got to be a more convenient way to get to some of the trails vs. parking right off of the on-​ramp to Mopac. It makes me so nervous, especially when we take the dogs.
This place is beautiful though. Lots of rocks — so make sure to wear comfortable shoes or hiking shoes. It’s usually packed, so I wish the trails were a little bigger at times to accommodate the heavy traffic on gorgeous weather days. But really, that’s my only real beef.
If anyone is an expert in Greenbelt adventures, please send me a direct message.

I’m apprehensive about posting this review. There’s another entry in Unilocal with the same name that points people towards the greenbelt at Barton Springs Road. I’m quite happy having people go tromp on the already over-​crowded Zilker area. I have better things to do than fight for parking at 7, 8, 9am on the weekend near The Rock by Mopac.
When you tell an Austin newbie that you’re going to Barton Creek Greenbelt, they assume you’re going to run near TownLake. However, the gem that runs from Lost Creek to 360 and Mopac is still largely unknown. There’s at least 3 miles of covered trail, an area with rock climbing, water (when available) for wading and dogs, and an area with murals. Mountain bikers come here as well but have to share the trail with hikers. There aren’t water fountains on the trail as far as I know.
Coming from San Antonio, I’ve had many options for running routes. None are fantastic, but I can rely on them not being overcrowded (which says something about the people). I’ve asked many people what are my running options in Austin. Invariably the only answer I get is «Town Lake». However, there’s more than that. There’s also the still pristine Barton Creek Greenbelt.

This was the closest check-​in I could get to the Barton Creek Spyglass entrance. And this is my favorite section of the Green Belt!!! (compared to the 360/​Mopac section). Not as kid-​friendly as 360/​Mopac section since there are more rocks & the entrance is pretty steep. AKA– not stroller friendly.
There are a few detours on this path since the last time I’ve come here– mainly due to the falling rocks. And when they mean falling rocks… they’re not just little rocks… it’s like HUGE CHUNKS of ROCK that can kill you. So… be smart & take the detours & stay alive.
Great for cross-​country running since a good portion is shaded & there are a few different areas/​scenery which makes for a really pretty run.
And yes, the green belt is currently dry– so don’t be fooled to bring a swimsuit. You won’t need it.
Dog-​owners, please bring clean up after your dog. We like our paths clean ;)