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The Ultimate Austin Cycling Guide

Discover the best mountain bike trails and bike paths in Austin, TX. Plus some of our favorite bike shops!

Austin is a cycling haven deep in the heart of Texas, with a vibrant mix of flowy singletrack, technical hill country terrain, scenic gravel loops, and bike-friendly city paths.

With its warm weather, active community, and access to both urban and remote rides, Austin is one of the most versatile riding cities in the U.S. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this guide highlights the best places to ride and top bike shops in and around Austin.

cyclist riding a mountain bike down a mountain trail

Top 5 MTB Trails In Austin

Austin’s mountain biking scene blends fast, flowy singletrack with rugged limestone terrain and even a lift-served bike park just outside the city. Here are five of our favorite places to ride, ranging from beginner-friendly loops to advanced, technical challenges.

Top 5 MTB Spots

  1. Walnut Creek
  2. Brushy Creek Regional Trail
  3. Barton Creek Greenbelt
  4. Spider Mountain Bike Park
  5. Greenbelt (Zilker & Surroundings)
1

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

📍 20 minutes north of downtown Austin

With smooth dirt and fast flow, Walnut Creek is Austin’s most beginner-friendly trail system. Riders can link up mellow loops or tackle more technical offshoots for a full day of progression. Expect dense tree cover, punchy climbs, and plenty of trail features to keep things interesting.

2

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

📍 30 minutes north in Cedar Park

Brushy Creek offers over 30 miles of singletrack, with something for every rider. The Suburban Ninja section delivers flowy berms, rocky tech, a pump track, and a growing jump line. It’s the most dynamic and complete trail network in the area, ideal for weekend warriors and seasoned locals alike.

3

Barton Creek Greenbelt

📍 Just southwest of downtown

Tucked into the heart of Austin, Barton Creek Greenbelt offers natural, chunky terrain with tight technical lines and challenging features. It’s not groomed or flowy—but it is iconic. Ride when dry and be ready for rock gardens, creek crossings, and some truly scenic terrain.

4

Spider Mountain Bike Park

📍 ~1 hour northwest of Austin (Burnet, TX)

Texas’ only lift-served bike park, Spider Mountain delivers gravity riding without the climb. The park offers a variety of downhill trails for all levels, including jump lines, tech runs, and beginner flow trails. Ideal for enduro and DH riders who want to session laps and push limits.

5

Greenbelt (Zilker & Surroundings)

📍 Throughout south-central Austin

This network of informal offshoot trails expands on Barton Creek with intermediate to advanced lines that wind through the city’s green spaces. Expect chunky rock features, natural limestone slabs, and tight switchbacks. Some of the best "urban" tech in Texas hides here.

cyclist riding a yellow road bike on a mountain path

Top 5 Gravel, Road & Urban Cycling Routes Near Or In Austin

Austin’s cycling scene isn’t limited to dirt. The city and surrounding Hill Country offer some of the best road, gravel, and paved path routes in Texas. From scenic highway loops and rolling gravel backroads to car-free urban trails, these routes are perfect for training rides, casual cruises, or exploring new terrain.

Top Road, Gravel & Path Rides

  1. Loop 360 / Capital of Texas Highway
  2. Southern Walnut Creek Trail (Paved Path)
  3. Fitzhugh Road Loop
  4. Austin to Driftwood Gravel Route
  5. Lance Armstrong Bikeway (Paved Urban Path)
1

Loop 360 / Capital of Texas Highway

Distance: ~14 miles round trip

Elevation: Rolling hills with ~1,200 ft of gain

A local road cycling classic, this scenic stretch cuts through west Austin with wide shoulders, smooth pavement, and steady rollers. Popular with road cyclists training before work or on weekends.

2

Southern Walnut Creek Trail (Paved Path)

Distance: ~10 miles one-way

Surface: Fully paved, multi-use

A peaceful greenbelt-style path stretching from Govalle Park northeast through woodlands and quiet neighborhoods. Great for leisure riders, commuters, or road cyclists looking for a car-free warmup.

3

Fitzhugh Road Loop

Distance: ~40–60 miles depending on route

Surface: Varied: road & path

Overview: This iconic road loop west of Austin connects Fitzhugh Road, Johnson City Highway, and Hamilton Pool Road for a hilly, low-traffic ride with sweeping Texas Hill Country views.

4

Austin to Driftwood Gravel Route

Distance: ~50 miles round trip

Surface: Mixed gravel and pavement

A favorite among gravel riders, this rural loop heads south toward Driftwood, passing by creeks, ranch land, and wineries. Some technical sections but mostly smooth hardpack.

5

Lance Armstrong Bikeway (Paved Urban Path)

Distance: ~4.6 miles

Surface: Paved, multi-use

A downtown connector running from east Austin to Zilker Park, linking riders to Lady Bird Lake, Shoal Creek, and more. Ideal for commuters or sightseeing on two wheels.

purple bicycle displayed in a bike shop

Austin's Best Bike Shops

A great ride starts with a great shop. Whether you need a quick tune-up, expert gear advice, or a custom bike build, Austin is home to some of the most passionate and knowledgeable bike shops in Texas. Here are a few of our favorites.

Top 3 Bikes Shops in Austin, TX

1. Dogspeed Cycles

2. Eastside Pedal Pushers

3. Clown Dog Bikes

1

Dogspeed Cycles

📍 1619 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

📞 (512) 902-2486

🕒 Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 6 PM | Sat–Sun: 7 AM – 4 PM

With a near-perfect Google rating and a fiercely loyal local following, Dogspeed Cycles blends expert bicycle repair with laid-back Austin charm. Known for custom builds, vintage restorations, and a strong coffee game, it’s the kind of neighborhood shop where riders linger long after their tune-up. Whether you’re rolling in for a flat fix or planning your dream bike, Dogspeed brings the knowledge, and the vibes.

2

Eastside Pedal Pushers

📍 4607 Bolm Rd Suite B, Austin, TX 78702

📞 (512) 826-3414

🕒 Tues–Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM | Sun: 10 AM – 3 PM | Closed Mondays

Eastside Pedal Pushers is an Austin staple with a no-frills, all-skills vibe. Tucked away on Bolm Road, this small but mighty shop is known for reviving vintage frames, wrenching on daily commuters, and helping riders of all levels keep their bikes dialed. The staff is friendly, fast, and deeply experienced—making it a favorite for those who value quality service without the big-box feel.

3

Clown Dog Bikes

Clown Dog Bikes

📍 2821 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78705

📞 (512) 477-4221

🕒 Mon–Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Closed Sundays

A true Austin original, Clown Dog Bikes has been serving the local cycling community with old-school charm and reliable service for years. Located near UT, this shop specializes in road and fixed gear bikes, with a well-stocked selection of accessories and parts. Known for quick repairs and no-nonsense advice, Clown Dog is a go-to spot for students, commuters, and anyone who appreciates a shop with character.

cycle limited store employees posing together

Who We Are

At Cycle Limited, we’re riders too. Based in the Boca Raton, Florida, we make it easy to buy or sell high-quality bikes online, from mountain and road to gravel and electric. Every bike is certified pre-owned, fully tuned by our expert mechanics, and shipped directly to your door, ready to ride.

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