Dallas White Rock Lake Run From the White Rock YMCA With a Day Pass
Updated October 6, 2026
This out and back run of about 12 km starts at the White Rock YMCA, reaches White Rock Lake at the spillway and follows the east shore trail past Winfrey Point to the Bath House Cultural Center. A shorter version turns at Winfrey Point.
White Rock Lake is a city reservoir in East Dallas, ringed by a trail of a little more than nine miles, with views back to the downtown skyline. The White Rock YMCA on Gaston Avenue sits about a kilometer from the spillway at the south end of the lake, so you can reach the water quickly. As of October 2026, the YMCA sells a single visit day fee that is valid only at the branch where you buy it, and you will need a government ID, a photo and a signed waiver at the desk. Leave your bag in a locker at the Y while you're out. Check at the desk before you head off, since some passes cover a single entry and you'll want to get back in to shower. Bring your own lock. As of October 2026, Bounce lists Dallas luggage storage from $3.95 a day if you are carrying more than a small bag.
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The run: White Rock Lake east shore from Gaston Avenue
You see a long stretch of the lake without committing to the full loop, with the skyline view at Winfrey Point and a historic bathhouse as the turnaround. The trail is wide and paved but shared with fast cyclists, so keep right and look before you pass.
- Distance
- 12.1 km (7.5 mi)
- Start
- White Rock YMCA
From the YMCA, run east along Gaston Avenue to Garland Road and the White Rock Lake spillway at the south end of the lake. Join the White Rock Lake Trail by the spillway and follow it north along the east shore, beside Garland Road and then East Lawther Drive. Pass the Dallas Arboretum fence on your right and climb gently to Winfrey Point, a little over 3 km from the start, with views across the water to the skyline. Short on time? Turn around at Winfrey Point for about 6.5 km. Otherwise continue north, follow the trail east around a cove and then west to the Bath House Cultural Center, the white art deco building on the water, about 6 km out. Turn around there and come back the same way to the YMCA.
Open the route mapThe branch lists open general and family locker rooms, a weight room, functional training space and an outdoor pool. The day fee is the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas price and is easy to buy on the spot with an ID. Allow about two hours for the full run and a shower, which matters on Sundays, when the branch keeps short afternoon hours.
- Price
- As of October 2026, $20 for an individual day fee at the branch
- Showers
- Yes
- Hours
- Mon to Thu 5 am to 10 pm, Fri 5 am to 8 pm, Sat 7 am to 6 pm, Sun 1 pm to 5 pm
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