River Place Canyon
One of Austin's best hikes, filled with endless wooden steps.
Hiking Moderate
- Distance
- 8.7 km
- Ascent
- 253 m
- Descent
- 253 m
- Duration
- 2-3 hrs
- Low Point
- 154 m
- High Point
- 282 m
- Gradient
- 6˚
River Place Canyon is renowned as one of the most aerobically difficult hikes in the Austin, Texas, area. This out-and-back trip through a small river canyon requires hikers to climb and descend a whopping 2,763 wooden steps one way. That's an incredible 5,526 steps round-trip!
Description
While the ups and downs add up to a fair amount of elevation gain and loss for a hike in Texas, with well-built stairs and a heavily-used trail tread, the technical difficulty of this hike is still quite mellow.
Difficulty aside, River Place Canyon is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful hikes in Austin, thanks to the heavy shade from the forest and the beautiful creeks that you'll walk alongside.
Sources: https://tribeza.com/austin-hiking-river-place-nature-trail/ https://www.lonestartravelguide.com/river-place-nature-trail-austin/
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Picturesque
- Water features
- Family friendly
- Forestry or heavy vegetation