Austin Lady Bird Lake West Loop Run and a Castle Hill Fitness Day Pass

About 5.5 km of the line, more than two thirds of it, is on trails, and each bridge looks back at downtown from a different angle. The way out is downhill, but the last 3 km climb about 35 meters from the lake back up through Old West Austin, so save something for the finish. Go early, before the heat builds and the trail fills with walkers, cyclists and dogs.

Distance

8.1 km (5.0 mi)

Start

Castle Hill Fitness

Cross Lamar at the signal, run east on 12th Street and drop onto the Shoal Creek Trail, which follows the creek south to Lady Bird Lake. Turn left along the north shore, then cross to the south side on the trail along the South First Street bridge. Once across the river, take the steps down to the lakeside trail and cross the service drive that runs under the bridge at the marked crosswalk. Follow the trail west by the water through Auditorium Shores. As of October 2026, an Austin Water reclaimed water main project has closed a lane of West Riverside Drive through about October 21, so this loop keeps to the trail. More work is planned into 2028. Near its west end, it swings inland, and a short stretch beside Riverside Drive brings you to the James D. Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, which takes you back north. That short stretch was open in early October, but a later phase of the work could close it, so watch for signs. Follow the north shore west, with a short stretch on Stephen F Austin Drive past Austin High School. Turn at the foot of the steps up to the Roberta Crenshaw Pedestrian Walkway, under the MoPac bridge. Take the Johnson Creek Trail north beside MoPac, cross 5th Street and follow Campbell and West Lynn Streets to 6th Street. After a short stretch on the busy 6th Street sidewalk, turn up Winflo Drive and climb through Old West Austin on 9th and Blanco Streets to 12th Street, then head east to the gym.