Not every water adventure near Austin requires a 1-hour drive. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is Austin's urban nature escape, with over 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, spring-fed swimming holes, and limestone cliffs, all within the city limits. And at the heart of it: Barton Springs Pool, one of the most iconic natural swimming pools in America.
Barton Springs Pool
If there's one thing that defines Austin's outdoor culture, it's Barton Springs Pool. This isn't a chlorinated city pool — it's a 3-acre, 1,100-foot-long natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, fed by underground springs that keep the water at a constant 68°F year-round. Over 500,000 people swim here every year.
The pool varies from 0 to 18 feet deep, with a natural limestone bottom. The south side is shallow and great for kids; the north side drops off into deeper water. There's a diving board, grassy hillsides for sunbathing, and shade trees along the banks. It's open for swimming daily except Thursdays (closed for cleaning).
Admission: $5 for Austin residents, $9 for non-residents, $3 for juniors/seniors. Cash and card accepted. Hours vary by season. Check the City of Austin Parks & Recreation page for current hours.
Rules: No food, alcohol, glass, or portable speakers inside the pool area. No floats or inflatables (except for children's life jackets). Dogs are not allowed. Lifeguards are on duty during operating hours.
Greenbelt Swimming Holes
Beyond Barton Springs Pool, the Greenbelt has several natural swimming holes along Barton Creek. Critical caveat: these are entirely water-level dependent. After good rains, they're stunning. During drought, they can be bone dry.
- •Sculpture Falls. The most popular Greenbelt swimming hole. A wide limestone ledge creates a series of cascading falls into a deep pool. About a 1.5-mile hike from the Sculpture Falls trailhead (off 360). When flowing, it's one of the most beautiful spots in Austin.
- •Twin Falls. A shorter hike (~0.5 miles from the parking area). Two cascading falls into a pool. Popular and can get crowded on weekends. The trail is well-maintained.
- •Gus Fruh Pool. A deep, cliff-lined swimming hole. Some sections are 15+ feet deep. Cliff jumping is popular (at your own risk). Access from the Gus Fruh trailhead on Barton Hills Drive.
- •Campbell's Hole. Near the Spyglass trailhead. Deeper pool surrounded by cliffs. Less crowded than Twin Falls but a longer hike.
For more swimming options beyond the Greenbelt, explore our guide to the best swimming holes near Austin.
Hiking & Biking Trails
The Barton Creek Greenbelt trail system stretches over 12 miles from Zilker Park to the Highway 360 trailhead. The main trail follows Barton Creek through limestone canyons shaded by old-growth trees. It's one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Austin.
Hiking: The trail is mostly flat to moderate difficulty, with some rocky sections. You'll pass swimming holes, creek crossings, cliff formations, and wildflower meadows. Multiple trailheads let you choose your distance — from a quick 1-mile out-and-back to Twin Falls, to the full 12-mile traverse.
Mountain biking: The Greenbelt is one of Austin's premier mountain biking destinations. Technical rocky sections, creek crossings, and hill climbs make it challenging and fun. Bikers and hikers share the trail — yield to hikers and call out when passing.
Rock climbing: Several limestone cliffs along the Greenbelt are popular bouldering and sport climbing spots. The Seismic Wall and Gus Fruh Wall are the most well-known. Bring your own gear — no commercial climbing services on the Greenbelt.
DIY Floating on Barton Creek
Can you float Barton Creek? Sometimes. When water levels are high enough (usually after sustained rainfall), you can tube short sections of Barton Creek. But this is a very different experience from organized river tubing on the San Marcos or Comal.
No outfitters operate on Barton Creek. There are no tube rentals, no shuttles, no organized float routes. You bring your own tube (BYOT), hike in, and float whatever sections have enough water. The creek is often too low — during drought years, Barton Creek can be completely dry for months.
Our honest take: If you specifically want to go tubing, drive 45 minutes to the San Marcos River for a guaranteed, reliable float with outfitter support. Barton Creek is incredible for hiking and swimming, but it's not a reliable tubing destination. Compare your options in our river comparison guide.
Deep Eddy Pool
While we're covering Austin's best water spots, Deep Eddy Pool deserves a mention. Located on Lake Austin Boulevard, it's the oldest swimming pool in Texas — in continuous operation since the early 1900s. It's spring-fed, unheated (so it stays cool), and has a dedicated lap lane section plus a shallow end for kids.
Deep Eddy is smaller and less famous than Barton Springs, but locals love it for exactly that reason — fewer tourists, shorter lines, and a more intimate vibe. Admission is $5 for adults (resident), $9 non-resident. No alcohol, glass, or food in the pool area.
Barking Springs (Dog-Friendly)
Barking Springs is the unofficial name for the spillover area just downstream of Barton Springs Pool. The spring water flows over the dam and creates a shallow, rocky swimming area that's free, open around the clock, and dog-friendly.
It's a beloved Austin spot — locals bring their dogs to splash in the cool spring water after hikes. The water is the same 68°F spring water that feeds Barton Springs Pool. There are no amenities (no lifeguards, bathrooms, or trash cans nearby), so pack in and pack out.
Greenbelt vs Guided River Tubing
Here's the honest comparison:
- •Barton Creek Greenbelt: Free or cheap. In Austin — no driving. Best for hiking + swimming combo. Water-level dependent. No outfitters. DIY only.
- •Guided river tubing (San Marcos, Comal, Guadalupe): $15-$40. 45-60 min drive. Guaranteed water levels. Outfitters handle tubes, shuttles, everything. 2-4 hour organized float. Best for groups and parties.
Our recommendation: Visit the Greenbelt for a quick Austin swim or hike. Check out a guided river tubing trip when you want a full-day float experience. They're complementary activities, not competitors. For weekend planning, check our things to do in Austin guide.
Rules & Access
- •Greenbelt hours: 5 AM to 10 PM daily. No overnight camping.
- •Parking: Trailhead parking fills up fast on weekends. Arrive before 10 AM. Popular trailheads: Zilker Park, Spyglass, Gus Fruh, Sculpture Falls, 360 Access.
- •No alcohol in Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy, or Zilker Park.
- •No glass anywhere on the Greenbelt or in pools.
- •Dogs: Allowed on Greenbelt trails (leashed) and at Barking Springs. Not allowed in Barton Springs Pool or Deep Eddy.
- •Trail conditions: Trails can be muddy and slippery after rain. Some creek crossings may be impassable during high water.