Imagine settling on the banks of a creek in 1837. That is how William Barton gave his name to Barton Creek. This is also how the Barton Creek Greenbelt got its name.
Today we explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt. It is a 7.25-mile stretch of public land. It extends from Zilker Park to the Lost Creek neighborhood. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers a diverse landscape. It features limestone cliffs and dense foliage. Shallow bodies of water dot the area.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt was established in 1974. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department manages it. The Greenbelt consists of three areas. These are Barton Creek Wilderness Park, the Upper Greenbelt, and the Lower Greenbelt.
Austin has a humid subtropical climate. This means hot summers and mild winters for the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The area gets 30 to 35 inches of rain each year. Most rain falls in the spring. The second-highest rainfall occurs in the fall. The creek flows actively for only one to two months a year. This depends on rainfall.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a haven for adventure lovers. Limestone cliffs make for excellent rock climbing. Hikers and bikers visit year-round. Mountain biking is harder during the wet season. Trails cross the creek bed. A pedestrian bridge east of MoPac Expressway helps people cross. Heavy rainfall can raise the creek level. This allows swimming, cliff diving, kayaking, and tubing. The annual “Tubin’ the Belt” parade happens in the spring. Hundreds of people tube the Greenbelt.
Adjacent to the Barton Creek Greenbelt is Airmen’s Cave. It is the longest cave in Travis County at two miles. The entrance is sealed. This is because many novice spelunkers got lost. Guided explorations can be arranged. This is done through Austin-area spelunking organizations.
In the 1970s and 1980s, hikers faced challenges. They had to navigate fences to access the creek. The initial Greenbelt “River Rats” had a clear message. “You carried the trash in…you carry the trash out. Don’t let your trash mess up our clear creeks and rivers.”
The Trust for Public Land has donated land to the Greenbelt. In March 2009, they donated 14 acres. Earlier, in 2007, they donated 44 acres. Between 1992 and 1999, TPL bought nearly 1,000 acres. They transformed a thin stretch of public land. It became a major metropolitan park.
In 2011, the City of Austin’s maintenance team completed many projects. They worked on erosion control, habitat restoration, and GIS mapping. AmeriCorps members assisted them. Nonprofits also play a role in maintenance. Greenbelt Guardians and others organize volunteer days. National Trails Day occurs every year on the first Saturday in June.
Popular spots in the Barton Creek Greenbelt include Twin Falls. Other spots include Campbell’s Hole, The Flats, Gus Fruh, and Sculpture Falls.
The Barton Creek Greenbelt faced threats in the 1970s and 1980s. Increased development threatened water quality and wildlife. Public outcry led to watershed ordinances. The Save Our Springs Citizens Initiative of 1992 limited construction. It also set pollution-prevention standards.
Today, the Barton Creek Greenbelt remains a vital resource. It offers recreation and protects endangered species. It improves water quality for Austin. It stands as a testament to conservation efforts. These efforts ensure its beauty for generations to come.