Hill of Life — Attraction in Austin

Visitors should understand that this trail is very physically challenging, before considering a visit. In many parts it is steep, narrow, and slippery with sparse trail signage. If you cannot walk two miles without distress, don't attempt this hike. If you cannot swim, do not cross any water bodies or sit in any water bodies. Rains even several days prior can rapidly change the environment here, and unprepared visitors are often surprised by the strength of the current.

Rescue missions are common on the Hill of Life. People slip and fall, often receiving serious injuries. Water emergencies are common as well, sometimes ending tragically unfortunately. It is often very difficult for rescue crews to locate victims, so rescue is neither guaranteed nor quick on the Hill of Life. Star Flight is often called in due to the rugged terrain.

Also, because of a recent upswell of visitors, and the fact that the neighborhood near the trail is not meant to accommodate so many visitors, the City of Austin in implementing new parking regulations rapidly to ensure safety for visitors and residents. Parking will be increasingly limited as these regulations roll out. Be aware that many new no parking signs have been erected, and that the area is heavily patrolled now by parking enforcement. The City began towing illegally parked cars this weekend. With heavy police presence, open containers, driving under the influence, littering, off-leash dogs, leaving pet waste, theft, trespassing, aggressive behavior, etc., are all being closely monitored as well.

Hundreds of people have been flocking to this trail daily during the pandemic, resulting increased litter and other signs of human abuse of the natural world. If you are concerned about COVID-19 exposure, know that this trail is not a getaway from people at all. You will pass dozens of people going down, hundreds in the water, and dozens more coming back up. At the very least, a mask is necessary to slightly limit your risk if you are concerned about exposure.

Be prepared for both the logistics challenges, as well as the natural difficulty of this...

A few pointers for the greenbelt:

1. Be aware of how you park on the street. Not only is it residential but people seem to be selfish/unaware when parking. If a portion of the curb can accommodate two cars don't park in the middle. Be respectful of everyone else trying to use the greenbelt space and make room for others.

2. Also, if you are a dog owner and choose to violate the off leash ordinance, please please pay attention and clean up after your dog. We all want to enjoy our time here and seeing random dog poop or dog bags left along the trail is disgusting and embarrassing for the dog owner. If you are not responsible enough to monitor your dog and pick up after them please do not come to the trail. Poop bags are available at the trail head and can be tied or clipped to your dog's leash before and after use. **In addition, simply bagging the poop is not enough. You must take it back up to the top of the hill with you and throw it away. Don't act like a spoiled, lazy child and leave it on the ground for someone else to clean up. I've seen too many people use the excuse that they will come back for it and they never do. It takes minimal effort. Act like an adult and treat the green space with respect. It is an environmental hazard that affects the surrounding plant and animal life as well as the water quality. Quite simply: Don't be a piece of poo clean up after your dog.

3. Finally, if you are not responsible enough to clean up after yourself please don't come to the trail. Most often it's the weekend visitors who leave litter including beer cans, glass bottles (which are not permitted) and other miscellaneous trash (including cigarettes). If you don't have respect enough to clean up your own mess you are not welcome at the trail. If you want to act like a piece of trash please don't bring your filth into this green space. Have respect for nature and yourself.

Thank you from a native Austinite and daily trail runner for the...

My favorite hiking spot in Austin, Texas. After moving out here in 2019, I was introduced to this place while on a date, and I fell in love with Hill of Life at first sight. Multiple trails to hike on, a lovely river bed at the bottom, and respectful people that will (for the most part) say hi, while passing you by. People bringing their kids, and dogs to enjoy this wonderful gem, and other people going for a run (or biking) up and down this vast hiking area. From my experience, a peaceful and beautiful place, that gives me another way of recharging, resetting and refreshing my spirit. And it's a great workout, as I love how I feel during and after my hikes.

And getting the opportunity to sit by the mini-waterfall, watch people happily playing with their kids and/or dogs, as I'm soaking my feet in the cool water...Amazing!

Five stars!...