Review Date
March 9, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: rd1034 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
When I'm not riding City Park I'm usually found on the Barton Creek greenbelt. It's true that there's hardly any trail markers, but that's half the fun. You'll eventually find your way out so don't freak out. There are tons of side trails that will offer a higher difficulty level for the experienced rider, or for a faster ride stay on the main trails. I also recommend starting out at the hill of life and ending up at zilker park (you'll need two cars, one to park at the hill and one to park at zilker). Once you get this hill down pat then you can graduate to City Park :-)

Recommended Route:
Just go crazy, you'll get out eventually.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
City Park!!!!!!!!

Review Date
February 28, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: swaustex ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
The Barton Creek green belt is not really one trail. The main trail that is on maps is more like a connector to various trails of various difficulty. Most visitors will rent a bicycle from bicycle sport shop and start out at Zilker park. The first couple miles of trail from that point basically get you out of the downtown area. There are some interesting parts there, but nothing like what you will see starting at mile number 3. It is true that the trail is not marked worth a damn. My advice would be to find someone that looks like they know what they are doing and ask them if you can tag along. The people on bikes down there are friendly and everyone likes to show a new person "the cool stuff". There is more like 30+ miles in the greenbelt. Austinbike.com has some links to maps that have the trails leading off the main trail. If you ride from Zilker and you don't get past at least two miles from the trail head you will NOT be impressed.

Recommended Route:
I prefer the upper greenbelt/wilderness area, but it is seven miles from Zilker and you can get easily lost on the switch backs and ridge lines. If you don't bring enough water it can also be very dangerous.

Review Date
October 29, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
3.33 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: mccartney7499 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
A fun romp through the woods. It really does feel like you're a million miles from nowhere at times,and the scenery can be absolutely stunning. For being a supposedly simple trail that follows a creek it's suprisingly easy to get lost here. The "main" trail isn't always well-defined,and the many,many creek crossings only add to the confusion. The trail is a mixture of wide open,somewhat twisty singletrack,and something that resembles someone's small intestine that's been lined with east coast style(aka boulders) rock gardens. The "hill of life" is a loose,somewhat steep climb that really isn't very exciting going up or down. One thing to be aware of is the large number of people that are hiking or walking here at any given time. Many of them also bring along their dogs which are,of course,not on a leash. It makes for some interesting trail encounters. All I can say is be cautious,especially around blind corners.

Recommended Route:
Start at Zilker Park and follow the creek. Don't bother with the side trails until you can make your way along the main trail w/o getting lost. If possible find someone who knows the trails to show you around if it's your first time. I'd probably skip the "hill of life" unless you've heard of it,and just have to try it to say you did. I didn't get to ride any of them because of time constraints,but it looks like there might be some fun stuff past the "hill of life".

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Walnut Creek for a fast,fun,rollercoaster,bmx like ride.
Lake Georgetown for an epic type,all singletrack ride that's technical,but with a good flow

Review Date
April 21, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Julio0703 ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Can be confusing but that's part of the fun. Getting lost and finding new trails. I love this trail and it gives me a great work out everytime. I enjoy crossing the water, it gives for a nice cool down period during rides.

Recommended Route:
??

Other recommended trails in the same area:
City park <-- my personal favorite

Review Date
April 12, 2005

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 8 votes

Reviewed by: Nocturnus ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Wow, I started at Zilker Park and went to a little pass Gus Furh and all I can say is I did about as much riding as I did walking over all the rocks. After I went over the first crossing it was basicly rocks, rocks and more rocks. One area looked like it had a recent slide. I normally hike this greenbelt but have never been on the part I rode today. Kinda sucks.

Recommended Route:
I would suggest starting at the parking area that is downhill from the Toys-R-Us and riding towards the Hill of Life.