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.

Where are the Best Places for Texas Bluebonnets?

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 27, 2014

Springtime is a little bit like magic here in Central Texas. Starting around mid-March, Texas native plants begin their beautiful blooms in the fields around the Hill Country of Central Texas.

As the weather warms and local plant life begin their cycles, the Lake Travis area is home to some of the best and brightest places for wildflowers. Some of the more popular Texas wildflowers like bluebonnets, Indian blankets, winecups and Texas paintbrush all seem to magically appear overnight and blanket the hillsides and fields in spectacular colors.

It won’t be long before cars are pulled over along any road within walking distance of a patch of bluebonnets. Families unload and head into the wildflowers for a photo op. Your Facebook feed will also be covered in bluebonnets as friends and families share pics and continue the annual Springtime tradition.

The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, the cherry blossom to Japan, the lily to France, the rose to England and the tulip to Holland. — Historian Jack Maguire

Knowing the best locations for these moments is key for a priceless picture. Every year is a bit of a surprise which fields and locations will have the best blooms of the season. A fertile field one year will lay barren the next, so it’s always kind of an adventure to try to hunt down these prime spots for wildflower photo taking.

Krause Springs: One of the Best Swimming Holes in Texas

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 20, 2014

It’s finally Spring in Texas, and as the weather warms up, so will the Lake Travis area swimming holes. It won’t be long before temperatures start to creep into the 80s and 90s, and you’ll be ready to head out to one of the best swimming holes in Texas, Krause Springs in Spicewood.

A short drive out to the Texas Hill Country, it’s just a little over 30 miles West of Austin off Texas Highway 71 West, and well worth a visit. The 115-acre property has been privately owned by the Krause family for over 50 years since its founding in 1958, and serves as a great place to swim, camp and hang out on a muggy Texas afternoon.

Centuries-old bald cypress trees offer plenty of shade to shelter you from even the hottest of July afternoons. There are numerous picnic tables and grills throughout the site, in addition to newly-remodeled indoor bathrooms and shower facilities. If you plan on an overnight stay, there are campgrounds with electric hook ups and space for tents, campers and RVs.

Mount Bonnell: A Short Hike to Spectacular Lake Austin Views

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | March 14, 2014

Most of us in the Lake Travis area are familiar with Austin’s Mount Bonnell, well-known for the spectacular view from the top, but there are plenty of locals who have never actually made the short hike to see it for themselves. If you’re in that category, put it on your springtime bucket list!

It’s a shorter hike than you might think, and is easily accessible via a scenic drive on Mt. Bonnell Road (map). There’s no cost, the parking is free, it’s not commercialized and doesn’t take long at all. You can pop by for a brisk 20-minute walk or bring a picnic and stay for hours. If you can, plan to catch the sunset from the top. Breathtaking. Just bring a flashlight for the trip down.

Once you park, there are two ways to make your way to the top. You can climb the long, steep staircase or opt for the path on the right side. I prefer the path because you get to enjoy the lake views on the way up. Either way, it’s a surprisingly quick walk and easily doable with young kids (just make sure you stay on the path and don’t let them get too close to the edge!).

Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

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