Hill of Life

Great trail but make sure to wear good shoes. About 1/2 mile is lots of rocks so I am happy I decided to wear trail shoes and going back up is a little tough. Definitely wouldn’t wear flip flops. Lots of shade though and stopping where the water is was a nice break. We did have to pay to park in the neighborhood. It wasn’t bad though. I paid $7 for 3 1/2 hours.

I was in Austin for New Year's trip and decided to hit some trails - I started by making my way up to Sculpture Falls, but unfortunately it was very dry.

Decided to continue up to the Hill of Life Dam and definitely was satisfied with my decision.

Good little waterfall, some beautiful bluffs along the trail. The ascent up to the Hill of Life trailhead (or down from there to the dam) is a little bit technical and can be strenuous depending on your physical ability, but overall definitely worth it and a hike I would certainly recommend.

Good hike with a lot of elevation in a short distance. Can extend along the river or just up and down is a good workout.

The Hill of Life Trail (Sculpture Falls Trailhead at Barton Creek Greenbelt) is beautiful at nearly any time of the year. The trail features easy to read mile markers which makes navigation easy even when straying from the trail to see the creek. Due to the decent slope of the hill, the Hill of Life Trail is awesome for workouts.

It will take you 3.2 miles going to Sculpture Falls and back to the starting location of Hill of Life.

I would say this is between a medium to difficult trail because there are huge incline and declines. You definitely need hiking shoes for the trail. Lots of dogs off leash.

Two beautiful waterfalls along the way. 3871 foot elevation. Strongly recommend this trail because Sculpture Falls is one of Austin‘s hidden gems! Perfect for photos, swimming and picnics

Lovely shady paths .. plenty of water flowing over sculpture falls. Temperature perfect at this time of year. Parts of trail quite rocky so take care. The sound of the river ever-present and so soothing.

Unfortunately, limited parking spots in front of some house. Be careful some property noted there is no able to park with car. Mostly weekend very busy . Luckily, very easy the parking ticket you can pay it online and add more time if you need.

This is not a challenging trail (meaning no technical rock hiking).. it’s just strenuous with small rocky steps .. so you’ve to watch your steps..

The parking is awful ($2/hr is okay), but the Park Atx App sucks, because you’ve to deposit $10 in it.. even when you plan on using just $2…most likely one time visitors will forget the app and that it has their deposit..

This trail is slightly more challenging than some of the others around barton creek, but it is worth the effort if you come prepared. Very beautiful landscape. Since portions are not well shaded, so bring sun protection. Best to go when it's not too hot... bring lots of water! And some good hiking boots.

I love taking this way to get to sculpture falls. It’s a little challenging and has nice views. Wear appropriate footwear (not flip flops). Bring water. Have fun!

There is a .5 mile steep 300-400 ft incline that is challenging, but mostly a flat trail along the greenbelt when you get to the bottom. From the Hill of Life to Mopac is about 3 miles and the majority is fully shaded and dog-friendly!

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! Highly recommend!

Beautiful trail! Not great for young kids. And beware of all the poisonous oak and poison Ivy.

Awesome hike. It is long but don't give up. Sure all the people passing you on the way back up, sweaty and out of breath, will be a discouragement but notice none of them are telling you to turn around. Absolutely peaceful gorgeous water (if it hasn't dried up) awaits you at the bottom. A semi quick additional hike in either direction takes you to some more beautiful scenery. Just don't forget you still need to climb up :)

Beautiful and lively. It has clean running water until mid summer. Great for hiking and picnics.

This is one of the trailhead for access to Sculpture falls. Downhill at start but a workout on return. Sculpture falls is a great in town hike!!

Fun hike! Pretty exposed so bring some sunscreen or a hat. Parking can be a little tough in the neighborhood so leave time to find a space and walk to the trailhead. Great place to take kids but they'll need help if they have little legs because there are some large steps down on the trail. The way back is all uphill so save some energy for the trip back.

My favorite short and fun trail of Austin. Small and challenging with phenomenal views. Great photo opportunities. Very few people take this trail.

If you're not used to a decent incline, the Hill of Life will definitely work the buns. As other reviewers have noted, the main trail is a bit slippery so watch your step. Otherwise there is a nice view of the Barton Creek area from the top. Once at the bottom there are several spots to take a dip in the water or just relax. Once you're set for the return ascent back up, get ready, it is a fair stretch back up. Either way the walk is worth it. I definitely recommend visiting if you find yourself in the vicinity.

What a great hike.....spent 5 hours easily. Water is calm and perfect for kids. Go early and spend day. End at sculpture falls but lots of water stops on way.