Explore Austin's fusion of nature and urban life
In Austin, Zilker is a name synonymous with urban parks and recreation, and this tour amply demonstrates why. We begin in Zilker Metropolitan Park -- get ready for a barefoot walk across the Great Lawn, home to the Austin City Limits Festival, and a true delight for your feet. This is also the first of several unique views of downtown Austin, so be sure to bring your camera.
A short hike brings us to the Zilker Nature Preserve, a 60-acre slice of wilderness with escarpments, a fern gully, and prickly pear studded meadows. There is also a cliff trail that affords an amazing view of Austin and its merger of city and nature. Totally worth the thigh-burning climb!
Finally, another short hike leads us to the Zilker Botanical Garden, 31 acres of carefully manicured gardens featuring native and hybrid plants in a variety of different settings. The tour ends where it began, in Zilker Park, which also offers plenty of additional fun, like swimming in Barton Springs Pool, renting a canoe, or exploring the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
For: Perfect for active people -- most of the hike is over fairly level ground though it covers several miles. It also provides some stunning views of downtown Austin and the surrounding area for photographers, plus natural setting and gorgeous gardens.
Your guide and admission to the Zilker Botanical Garden.