Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

Austinites are known for their health-conscious attitudes, and the communities surrounding Lake Travis are no different.

You can always spot cyclists and runners in the area, whether in neighborhoods or even on the more busy roadways. You'd almost have to work at not being active considering the many miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming spots and array of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed all year long.

Recreational activities aside, the Lake Travis area is home to all manner of athletes, including various championship teams at the high school level. Among them is the Lake Travis High School football program which boasts six state titles.

But you don't have to be in training for a marathon to enjoy the great outdoors in the Lake Travis area. Check out some of the Lake Travis area outdoor activities you and your family can start enjoying today.

8 Things to Do Indoors with Kids in the Lake Travis Area

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | November 5, 2013

Rain! After doing the rain dance all summer it seems our hard work is finally paying off. Reports state we had the wettest October on record, with more rain predicted this first week of November.

But I have to admit, even though I’m grateful for the much-needed rain after a few days the kids and I start to get a little antsy from being cooped up inside. Sure, it’s fun at first but let’s face it – there’s only so many Rainbow Loom bracelets you can make or forts you can build before cabin fever sets in.

Mountain Bikers, Hikers, and Evil Dogs

Written by Todd Hower | September 16, 2013

On a recent mountain bike ride, a dog bit my foot! I was minding my own business riding down the trail when this evil dog came from the other direction and clamped onto my foot!

Now you might be thinking, here comes a rant complete with a new Lake Travis area Facebook Page — Mountain Bikers Against Unleashed Dogs and Owners.

Well … not today.

An Introduction to Wakesurfing

Written by Todd Hower | September 9, 2013

If you’ve spent any time on Lake Austin or Lake Travis recently, you may have noticed something you haven’t seen before. People of all ages are riding waves behind boats without the use of a rope.

Turns out you don’t need to go to the ocean to surf. It’s called wakesurfing and you can catch a wave right here in the Lake Travis area!

Now before you go out to buy a wakesurfing board and get behind a boat to give it a try, let’s go over a few of the basics.

The Boat

One of the most important rules you’ll need to know about wakesurfing – friends don’t let friends wakesurf behind boats with outboard engines! Please don’t try to wakesurf behind any boat where the prop is exposed. You only want to wakesurf behind a boat that has an inboard engine. In other words, the prop is underneath the boat and several feet away from the back where you’ll be surfing. That way, a fall won’t result in the loss of limb or life. For your sake, your friend’s sake, you parents sake, the whole sport’s sake, and your pretty face’s sake, never wakesurf behind a boat with an exposed prop.

Lake Travis Area Mountain Biking: Steiner Ranch

Written by Todd Hower | September 4, 2013

Did you know that you don’t have to live in the mountains to enjoy mountain biking?

Moving to Austin from the mountains of Colorado, I was surprised as anyone to discover an incredible system of mountain biking trails all over Austin and the surrounding Hill Country. You might be surprised when you discover that some of the best riding is right here in your own backyard!

There are miles and miles of mountain bike trails in the Lake Travis area. Some of the best neighborhood riding is located in the master-planned community of Steiner Ranch. There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the hills and canyons of Steiner Ranch.

Beat the Heat – Low Water Crossing on Lake Austin

Written by Todd Hower | July 17, 2013

It’s no secret — the peak of summer is hot in the Lake Travis area!

When temperatures start to climb and reach the triple digits, you might find it difficult to go outside. But after a few days spent indoors with your kids watching movies and playing video games in the comfort of air conditioning, you all start to get the cabin fever.

Trying to find relief at the neighborhood pool is tough when the water temperature is like that of a hot tub. Even the swimming holes at Lake Travis can feel like you’re jumping into a warm bath this time of year.

There are still a few places where the water is cold and refreshing.

Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

The Boat

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