Ready for a short-and-sweet Austin adventure that delivers big scenery fast? The St. Edwards Green and Red Loop winds 2.7 miles through shady limestone canyons, creekside ledges, and pockets of wildflowers that pop after rains. You can chase the gentle waterfalls, spot turtles in Bull Creek, and still make it back for tacos before lunch.
Lace up early, beat the crowds, and let the Hill Country soundtrack of water and birds do the rest.
1. Trail Overview and Best Times to Go
This loop threads together the Green and Red trails at St. Edward’s Greenbelt, giving you a compact sampler of Austin Hill Country. Expect limestone shelves, oak and juniper shade, and quick detours to Bull Creek overlooks. Mornings feel peaceful, with birdsong bouncing off canyon walls and light tipping the cliffs.
Go right after a good rain for flowing falls and vibrant wildflowers, but watch for slick rocks. Summer brings swimming holes and thicker foliage, while fall colors glow gold along the creek. Start at 5 AM when gates open if you want quiet and parking.
Weekends fill quickly, so arrive early, lock and hide valuables, and keep dogs leashed. You will finish smiling, shoes dusty, and camera full.
2. Navigation, Distance, and Elevation
The combined loop runs about 2.7 miles with modest elevation, roughly 150 feet of gain spread across gentle rollers. Wayfinding is straightforward thanks to color-coded posts and intuitive creek-as-compass navigation. When in doubt, listen for water and scan for well-trodden rock.
Expect short ledgy climbs and narrow singletrack where bikes and hikers mix, so step aside on blind corners. Creekside segments may reroute after floods or get muddy, adding a few minutes. Crossings vary by flow, from easy hopstones to calf-deep wades.
Download an offline map before arriving since service can dip in the canyon. Pause at junctions to confirm colors and direction. You will loop back to the lot feeling oriented, not lost, with time left for a second lap.
3. Waterfalls, Swimming Holes, and Creek Crossings
The star features sparkle along Bull Creek where limestone dams push water into ribbons and curtains. After rains, falls hum and pools clear to jade, inviting a careful wade. In summer, bring water shoes and enjoy shallow swims near calmer eddies.
Crossings shift with seasons. Sometimes you will tiptoe mossy rocks, other times you will step through cool water. Trekking poles help when flow is strong or algae slickens the ledges.
Move slowly, keep pups close, and never jump blindly. Respect closures if water surges. Even in drought, small pockets hold turtles and fish, a reminder the creek persists.
4. Wildflowers, Wildlife, and Seasonal Color
Spring paints the loop with bluebonnets, yellow composites, and paintbrush edging the path. Butterflies and dragonflies hover near seep zones while cardinals flicker in the canopy. Pause at sunny clearings where bees work quietly and lizards dart between stones.
Summer greens thicken around the creek, shading turtles on logs and tiny fish in shallow runs. Fall warms leaves to copper and gold, a soft glow against pale limestone. Even winter offers texture in bark and bluff lines.
Bring a small lens cloth since creek mist can fog your camera. Step lightly, avoid trampling blooms, and give snakes space if you see one sunning. You will leave with pockets of color saved to memory.
5. Parking, Safety, and Trail Etiquette
The lot at 7301 Spicewood Springs Road is small, so arrive early or prepare to park along the shoulder where legal. Sadly, break-ins happen, so lock, take, and hide. Leave consoles open to show nothing worth smashing.
Trail etiquette keeps the vibe friendly. Yield to uphill hikers, step aside for bikers, and keep dogs leashed near narrow ledges and crossings. Pack out trash, even the stray bottle cap you did not drop.
There are no restrooms or water, so come prepared. Stick to marked paths to protect fragile banks and wildflowers. A little courtesy and awareness keep everyone safe and welcomed back.
6. What to Pack for a Comfortable Loop
Light trail runners grip limestone well and dry fast after splashes. Pack one to two liters of water, a salty snack, and a small first-aid kit. Sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and sunglasses handle the exposed ledges.
Slip water shoes or sandals in your pack if you plan to wade. Trekking poles add balance on slick crossings and steep steps. A quick-dry towel and a spare pair of socks keep the ride home comfy.
Download offline maps and bring a tiny trash bag for micro cleanups. If hiking at dawn, a headlamp and bug spray help. Keep it simple and you will float through the loop.
7. Family and Dog-Friendly Tips
This loop welcomes kids and leashed dogs, with plenty of shade and short bailout options back to the lot. Choose the creek-first direction for early motivation and a cool-down stop near the falls. Keep small feet away from slippery ledges and algae streaks.
Bring snacks and let curiosity set the pace. Turtles, minnows, and skipping stones turn half miles into memories. Pack a lightweight towel, extra water, and a dog bowl since there are no facilities.
Mind narrow sections where bikes appear quickly and coach single-file walking. Teach Leave No Trace with a pocket trash hunt. You will head home sandy, damp, and very happy.
8. Local Logistics: Hours, Access, and Nearby Eats
Hours run 5 AM to 10 PM, perfect for sunrise starts and golden hour finishes. The trailhead sits minutes from Northwest Austin neighborhoods, so you can squeeze a loop before work. Cell service is spotty in low spots, fine on ridges.
Afterward, towel off and chase tacos or coffee along Spicewood Springs or 183. Muddy shoes welcome at most patios. On summer afternoons, shade and an iced drink taste extra sweet.
If flows are low, come for birds, bluffs, and the quiet. After storms, expect lively waterfalls and slick rock. Either way, this compact loop punches way above its distance.