Last week, I traveled to Austin for SXSW EDU for work. It was my first time in the city, and I was excited, not only for the conference but also to catch up with a wonderful friend who lives there. I’d also heard amazing things about running in Austin, and after spending the winter running through D.C.’s cold streets, I was more than ready for a change of scene and a dose of Texas sunshine.

Several running friends had told me that if you’re staying in downtown Austin, running along the Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake is the thing to do. They were absolutely right.

Lady Bird Lake, formerly known as Town Lake, is a scenic reservoir on the Colorado River, though it looks much more like a river than a lake. It was created in 1960 as a cooling pond for a power plant, but today, it’s all about recreation and enjoyment away from the busy city. The 10-mile loop around the lake is one of the best inner-city running routes I’ve ever experienced, similar to the Charles River in Boston, or the Lakefront Trail in Chicago.  It’s flat, wide, and well-maintained, with a mix of soft trail, paved sections, and a few stretches of floating boardwalk that offer incredible views of the city skyline reflecting off the water.

On my first morning, I headed down to the trail for an easy three-mile out-and-back run to get my bearings. I loved it so much that I ran there every morning of my trip, taking a slightly different route each time. By my last day, I committed to the full 10-mile loop, and it was the perfect way to end my time in Austin. The sun was shining, the water was sparking and the trail was full of friendly runners.

What Makes the Trail So Great?

Beyond the beautiful scenery, what struck me most about the Butler Trail was how runner-friendly it is. There are plenty of water fountains (some even designed for dogs!), bathrooms, picnic tables, benches, and even outdoor exercise equipment. The entire route is easy to navigate, with multiple bridges that allow you to customize your run distance.

The running community in Austin was so friendly. People were running solo, in pairs, and in big groups and were always respectful of each other as they passed or stopped to take a breath.  At every water stop, people were chatting, stretching, or just soaking in the views. As someone who often runs alone, I loved this sense of camaraderie – it reminded me of why running is more than just exercise and of how supportive running communities can be.

The Best Part? The Views.

Even in late winter, Austin felt like spring – warm mornings, golden sunrises, and a refreshing breeze off the water. The trail offers a mix of peaceful lakeside stretches, tree-covered paths, and stunning views of Austin’s skyline from multiple vantage points. You’ll never be bored running around the lake as there are just so many things to see.

One evening, I decided to switch things up and run at sunset instead of in the morning, accidentally timing my finish to catch Austin’s famous bats emerging from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Watching 1.5 million bats take flight as I cooled down was a moment I won’t forget.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• The trail is not fully lit at night, so stick to daylight or early evening runs.
• No swimming! The city enforces a $500 fine for jumping in the lake as it’s dangerous.
• If you’re visiting in the summer, start early – Texas heat is no joke.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Austin, whether for work, fun, or SXSW, running the Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake should be on your ‘to-do’  list. It’s one of the best urban running experiences out there scenic, social, and the perfect way to start (or end) your day.