Violet Crown Trail
Share
The VCT will traverse a 30-mile corridor of urban parks and rural natural areas, from downtown Austin into publicly-owned preserved lands in Hays County.
The Violet Crown Trail began as a vision in 1998 to create the first regional trail system in Central Texas. After nearly 20 years of strategic land acquisition and planning, it’s on its way to becoming Central Texas’ newest hike and bike trail. The trail will provide a unique recreational experience as it passes through the urban wildlands of the Barton Creek Wilderness Park, the City of Sunset Valley and eventually into Hays County. Along its route, the trail will connect scenic natural areas to neighborhoods, shopping centers, a library and public parks. Passing near the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Violet Crown Trail will head south, winding through the rolling countryside of the City of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands in a uniquely natural setting. The Violet Crown Trail represents the greater vision of Hill Country Conservancy’s work to get people out on the land. Surrounded by wildlife, clean streams and breathtaking views as it runs through land preserved by HCC and its partners, the trail will give users an opportunity to experience these conservation lands for the first time.
07/07/2025
Trail Update:
Our trail crew has been hard at work checking conditions along the Violet Crown Trail, and the good news is—the trail is in good shape between the 290 Trailhead and the La Crosse Trailhead! 🙌 However, with recent flooding and the potential for more rain in the forecast, we urge all trail users to use caution when heading out.
🚧 Watch for muddy or washed-out areas
⚠️ Avoid low-water crossings during or after rain
🌦️ Always check the weather before you go
🚴♂️ Please hold off on biking until the trail has fully dried out
The VCT is built to weather storms, but your safety is our top priority. Big thanks to our trail team for their quick work keeping the trail safe and beautiful!
If you spot any trail damage or hazards, please submit a report at violetcrowntrail.com/contact.
07/05/2025
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: Due to heavy rains, please stay off the Violet Crown Trail until conditions have improved. Water can rise fast and without warning.
05/29/2025
Texas heat cramping your outdoor walking routine? Try these shady strolls for hot days. Texas summers are hot, but we offer a brief guide to walking during the hottest months.
03/18/2025
Violet Crown Trail update!
In February, the City of Austin finished a project to help people safely reach the Violet Crown Trail in Southwest Austin.
The new path along MoPac’s southbound service road connects William Cannon Drive to the trail’s western trailhead, making it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to cross William Cannon.
📸Austin Transportation and Public Works
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/critical-connection-point-constructed-along-violet-crown-trail-in-austin/
03/06/2025
The Violet Crown Trail is more than just a path—it will be 30 miles of nature, connection, and adventure through Austin’s most beautiful landscapes. This , invest in the future of the VCT by donating to Hill Country Conservancy! Together, we can keep the trail open, safe, and accessible for generations to come.
👉 Donate today: https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/hillcountryconservancy
TX
03/05/2025
Support public access, trail maintenance, and engaging outdoor programs by donating to Hill Country Conservancy this ! Your gift fuels the next phase of our mission—building a 30-mile trail connecting Austin’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.
Make a lasting impact—donate today! https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/hillcountryconservancy
02/25/2025
Have you visited the pollinator garden at the 290 Trailhead? 🦋
This vibrant space not only adds natural beauty to the trail but also provides essential support for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators! 🌸🐝
The eye-catching pollinator sign, designed by Kristi Olberding Fehrenkamp—an HCC supporter and member—highlights the importance of these vital species.
Plus, the trailhead features incredible one-of-a-kind steel creations by Anne Armstrong of Ann-Made, including custom water fountains, a boot scraper, and a beautifully crafted pollinator sign.
Want to see our pollinator gardens in action? Visit the ones at the 290 Trailhead and Deer Park Trailhead next time you're on the trail! Or better yet join us for our Walk and Talk at the 290 Trailhead on March 14 and discover behind-the-scenes stories and insights about constructing the Violet Crown Trail. Click the link to sign up now: https://givepul.se/1qqg7u
02/14/2025
Showing some love for the Violet Crown Trail this Valentine’s Day!
Huge thanks to our small but mighty crew of volunteers who spent their morning giving back to nature! 🌿💪 Together, they collected over 64 pounds of trash, helping to keep the trail beautiful and safe for the entire community. 💘
Want to spread the love too? Join us for our next Sweep the Creek Cleanup on Saturday, March 1 for It’s My Park Day! Let’s come together to care for the places we love. Click the link to register now: https://givepul.se/djv07e
02/07/2025
💖 Give the Violet Crown Trail some love this Valentine’s Day! 💖
Join Hill Country Conservancy on February 14 for a special Valentine’s Day trail cleanup at the Sunset Valley Trailhead. Spend your morning giving back to nature as we walk the trail, pick up litter, and help keep this beloved space clean and beautiful.
Let’s show the trail some love—sign up today! https://www.givepulse.com/event/534069-Violet-Crown-Trail-Cleanup-Sunset-Valley-Trailhead
01/28/2025
"Violet crown sighting on the Violet Crown Trail."
Throwback to this stunning photo captured by ! Did you know Austin earned the nickname “City of the Violet Crown” thanks to the breathtaking violet glow that graces the hills at sunset? Inspired by this iconic phenomenon, we named our trail the "Violet Crown Trail" to honor Austin’s unique natural beauty.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Contact the organization
Telephone
Website
Address
Post Office Box 163125
Austin, TX
78716