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Ride Summary:
A refreshing green ride for Texas.
Trail Description:
30 miles of legal biking in town on single track. The green belt is super lush with high elevation jungle like vegetation. A super fast easy fun ride.
How to get there:
You can start at Zilker Park and park there, or park off MoPac and take a shorter ride. Enter at Barton Springs Pool or on Loop 360 (near MoPac Boulevard).
Additional Notes:
You can ride in this area any time of year.
| Posted by: Miss Chief on 3/4/2009 |
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The rating system seems arbitrary. Having ridden this trail for years and raced as an expert I can testify that there are still some sections that confound me even when I know what's ahead. This trail is by far my favorite thing about Austin.
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| Posted by: Geoff on 1/6/2008 |
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I have to strongly agree with Jimmy - this trails is NOT beginner. Even on its easiest sections, those that run parallel to the creek, you have to negotiate boulders and outcropping of rock. The Hill of Life section is not steep but the combination of loose rock, ledge climbs and length make it challenging for all but the most experienced riders. The more experience you get riding the greenbelt, the more you love it but if you're new to mountain biking, do yourself a favor and save this one for when the real beginner trails are no longer a challenge.
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| Posted by: Lancelot on 8/9/2007 |
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Austin was very fun! Beautiful trails through the greenbelt with spots all along Barton Creek to stop and swim. Fantastic woodland ferns and moss covered rocks with rock climbing walls. This trail is teaming with life. Nature rules. Austin MTB trails will not disappoint! Thanks!
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| Posted by: Jimmy on 4/10/2007 |
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To dirtworld. how do you come up with your rating system? this trail is definately not beginner level. walnut creek is definately a beginner trail but not the greenbelt. but as far as my rating for this trail i certainly give it a 2 thumbs way up! this trail has got everything. technical, fast single track, lots of twisty ridgerunners. I've been riding this trail since i moved to austin 7yrs ago. i love it so much i bought a house near it so now i can enjoy whenever. to whomever may desire an 8hr ride without hitting the same trail twice i highly recommend!
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| Posted by: TIFFY on 1/26/2004 |
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This trail is a good work out, but a little strenuous...be prepared to fall over the bars a couple of times if your a beginner like me...I DID!...ouch! ...but, over all, a fun ride even if you do end up getting beat up. I have been riding for 3 months and consider myself a beginner, but, watch for the rocky terrain in some spots. I warped my wheel a little between 2 large rocks but was able to get it fixed, however, if you're a beginner like I am, good coordination is a must.
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| Posted by: Raul on 8/12/2003 |
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I'm perplexed. The indicated milage and rating are misleading. The main trail which is 7.5 miles out, climb the "hill of life" turn around and ride the same 7.5 miles back totals 15 miles and is pretty easy. Try it without ever taking your feet off your pedals. There is thirty plus miles of trail out there connecting several sections of trail OFF the Main trail where there is NO foot traffic. Most definately not for beginners. Trail names like "Skywalker" and "Jedi". Superfast, supersteep off camber drops, rocky an super technical stuff. If you plan on walking up or down scary stuff then stay on the main trail because you could get hurt off the beaten path. If you have no fear and live to hammer then explore these sections or follow some riders who make an odd turn. This is the best Urban trail I have ridden.
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| Posted by: Dude on 6/22/2002 |
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This trail is without a doubt the best urban trail in any city anywhere. Its right in the center of town, but don't let that fool you. This trail has some of the best MTB terrain you can find for 100's of miles. The trail follows Barton Creek away from downtown toward the hill country. It is on the west side of the Balcones fault, so that means its very rocky. But its close enough to the fault to have some great vegitation, tall trees (shade), and rich soil in some areas (but the surface is mostly rocky). The trail is rated as "beginner" by dirtworld.com, but I disagree. I would put it as intermediate at least. I took some people from houston up there who always talked about how technical memorial park and warda were... they went crying home complaining that the trail was "too rocky" & "too hard".. boo-hoo!If you live in austin, you are loser not to give this trail a try.
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| Posted by: Andrew Fuchs on 6/9/2002 |
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This is the best all purpose trail Austin has to offer. Smooth single track with lots of technical sections as well. I have been riding this trail for years and I have yet to meet anyone who has made it to the top of the "hill of life" (the end of the trail) without getting off their bike.
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| Posted by: Barry Donaldson on 4/18/2001 |
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the trail is a whole lot of fun. beware though, when it rains or is just wet, if its not closed(or if it is)the rocks on the trail are as slick as ice. very difficult for the beginner to intermediate like myself, but well worth the ride, no matter the conditions.
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| Posted by: Jared Martin on 4/9/2001 |
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Excellent Trail! A notch or two above beginner, there are areas for experts. Plenty of jagged rocks, so bring a few tubes. Great swimming when the water is up, and plenty spots for rock climbing. Great place to meet singles!
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