Today we enjoyed one of our favorite outings: Mountain View Park (9000 Middlebie Drive) and Spicewood Valley Trail (accessed across Callanish Park Drive from the park).
Mountain View Park has a fun playscape as well as a pavilion, baseball field, and tennis courts. But, please note that the park may still be closed due to COVID-19.
We followed this sidewalk toward Callanish Park Drive.
We crossed the street and found the trail entrance, which looks like this.
As soon as you get closer, you can see the trail heading down.
The trail is easy to follow and has rails to help you down the steeper sections.
As you can see, this part of the trail is not stroller-friendly.
Once you get to the bottom of the steep section, the trail is relatively flat.
We turned right at this distinctive rock.
We went about 1/4-mile and stopped for a while at our favorite spot, where an old dam creates a small waterfall on Bull Creek.
This is one of my 10-year-old son’s favorite fossil hunting spots. He said that all of the leaves on the ground made it harder to find fossils.
The waterfall scene is very relaxing. It’s also a good area for the age-old kids’ past-time of throwing rocks into the water!
We walked down the creek a little bit and found a nice, secluded place to sit.
The trail continues further down, but after spending some time near the water, we were ready to turn back the way we came and head back up.
Save some energy to get back up the ridge on the return trip!
THE RUNDOWN
Austin Active Kids Opinion:
One of our favorite outings… It feels like an adventure and there are so many fun things to discover!
Outing Time:
About 1.5 hours
Outing Distance:
1.5 miles
Reminders:
Mountain View Park has restrooms, a water fountain, picnic tables, and a fun playscape. Bring mosquito spray, water bottles, and a trail map if you plan to hike Spicewood Valley Trail. Please note that due to concerns (or lack of information) about the water quality, we do not go swimming in Bull Creek. The park playscape, restrooms, and pavilion were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions on the day we went.
What else should I know?
The trail is very narrow which can make social distancing a challenge. We brought our masks and slipped them on anytime we came upon other people on the trail. We also stepped off the trail briefly to the side to let others pass easily. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
Hours
I could not find exact hours, but this is a neighborhood trail. Please keep noise levels down and be respectful of people living nearby.
Location
8043-8585 Scotland Well Dr, Austin, TX 78750
