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This gorgeous run shows you a bit of everything Lakeway Canyonlands has to offer.


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Map Key

5.8

Miles

9.4

KM

93%

Runnable

1,163' 354 m

High

765' 233 m

Low

751' 229 m

Up

751' 229 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Resist the temptation to take cut-through paths or non-marked "hack trails"....most cases of people getting confused or lost is because they took a "hack trail" or cut-through which was not marked with a trailhead sign.

Be careful on the upper canyon sections as there are some hazardous drop off sections (they are well marked, but stay aware).

Overview

This is a beautiful scenic 5.8-mile route for taking in a bit of everything the Lakeway Canyonlands has to offer. You'll find a great variety of terrain and plenty of shade if you stick to the route. This is an amazingly well-designed trail system with a lot of heart and thought put into it. The Canyon Trail section is probably the most fun section of the whole trip, with bridged creek crossings, nice trail details, and a great waterfall to see in wet months.

Once on the Canyonlands property itself, the Rim Trail winds back and forth to take visitors to the spectacular overlooks and vistas of the canyon. Soon the Canyon Trail descends into the lower elevations. In winter and spring when the ponds are full, migrating ducks can be seen stopping to rest.

The Rim Trail and its grand vistas are easily navigated with minimal physical exertion. The Canyon Trail requires greater effort as it is narrower and presents steeper inclines. However, this trail is well graded, marked and easily conquered. The Mt. Lakeway Trail will challenge even the most experienced runners and riders, but the views are well worth the effort.

Need to Know

When you get to the trail crossing of Canyon Trail and Mt Lakeway Trail take a minute to read the memorial stone about Ken Parmerter (1962 - 2014).... his tireless work made this trail system a reality for all of us who now get to enjoy it ! :)

Runner Notes

This trail is perfect for hikers/trail-runners looking to put in some nice all around training miles. Put your full gear on and bump through this run to see what kind of condition you are in!

Description

There are 5 trail segments that make up this route:
Trophy Trail
High Trail
Rim Trail
Canyon Trail
Mt Lakeway Trail

The main starting point for all the trails and runs in this system is the trailhead of the Trophy Trail, located on Trophy Drive just across from the Lakeway Swim Center.

There is a large trailhead billboard with a large trail systems map visibly obvious from the street. Take the Trophy Trail starting point just to the right of the trailhead billboard where you'll see the "Friends of Lakeway" wooden sign hanging at the start. From that point on, all trail crossings/connects are clearly marked with trail sign posts. Just follow the route here on Running Project and enjoy.

The route is almost entirely ascending or descending with very few 'cruise' sections. About .4 miles before the summit of Mt. Lakeway, you'll see a small path off to the right which goes out to an overlook point. This is a great photo op...and a nice place to have lunch and take in the views of the Texas hill country and Lake Travis.

There is a bathroom with a free purified water dispenser just as you start the High Trail segment.

After a fresh rain, you may want to wait to do this run as the lower Canyon Trail can get a little 'cakey' in sections...but still doable.

Plan on taking a couple hours or more the first time you take on the whole loop, and get to know its terrain before you go wild with it. Trekking poles are suggested. Wear appropriate hiking/trail-running shoes.

History & Background

You can read more info about the Canyonland trails and their history at the Lakeway Canyonlands
website.

Contacts

Shared By:

Donovan Acker

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 8 votes

#1150

Overall
  4.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
13%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#22

in Texas

#1,150

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13,485 Since Aug 7, 2017
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Photos

My son navigating us through our hike and creating new GPS tracks with the Hiking Project app ! :)
Aug 14, 2017 near The Hills, TX
Serene Loop Trail....
Aug 8, 2017 near The Hills, TX
Along the Canyon Trail... such a great afternoon get away!
Aug 8, 2017 near The Hills, TX
Out hiking the Pond Trail at Lakeway Canyonlands.
Aug 14, 2017 near The Hills, TX
Canyon Trail - Lakeway Canyonlands - Follow the featured route to see this shot along the way.
Aug 7, 2017 near The Hills, TX
View from the lookout point towards the top of Mt Lakeway (about .4 miles before the top, take the small trail to your right)
Aug 8, 2017 near The Hills, TX

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