The word “Texas” conjures up images of cowboy hats, country music, BBQ and Longhorn cattle. While Austin certainly has all of that, there is also so much more. For starters, this city in the heart of Texas has long been billed as the live music capital of the world, hosting legendary musicians such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters and Willie Nelson.
There is always something to do and see here with huge festivals such as South by Southwest, the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival. But for paddlers, Austin’s greatest asset is the great day trip lying right at its doorstep. The blue-green Colorado River winds through downtown and is the perfect place to wet a hull and enjoy some of what this vibrant city has to offer. From the river, Austin is unique, with a cosmopolitan skyline partially obscured by a nearly continuous green space of parks and trees surrounding the river. The trails around the river are easily accessed from downtown and always host an energetic group of joggers, dog-walkers and sightseers. On many days, you’ll notice the distinctive aroma of cedar trees, and the numerous blue-sky days add to the beauty of the area.
With mild winter temperatures and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Austin offers good paddling year-round.
Summers can be downright hot with temperatures soaring into the triple digits. If you don’t mind the heat, however, summer paddles are great. Austin’s southerly latitude also makes it a great place for winter trips. The average winter low is 40˚F, but it’s not unusual to see afternoon temperatures near 60˚F. During the spring and fall, the temperatures are almost always pleasant.
Town Lake
Water control dams have been placed on the Colorado River to the northeast and southwest of downtown Austin, creating Town Lake. The term “lake” is somewhat of a misnomer here, as it retains the look of a river. Spanning six miles between the dams, Town Lake is perfect for either a quick tour of the city or a longer paddle by traversing multiple trips between the dams. With the exception of a couple of slow-moving tour boats, powerboats are not permitted on the lake, making it that much more enjoyable to paddle.
Town Lake is easily accessible by walking from downtown or taking public transportation from most parts of Austin. The Capital Metro bus system runs to nearly all corners of the city and maintains a reliable schedule.
There are two convenient put-ins on the north side of Town Lake; both can be reached via the walking trail that encircles the lake. One put-in is a public boat launch located east of downtown at I-35. Here you’ll find a boat ramp and a large, grassy shore that’s perfect for loading boats and preparing gear. Another put-in is located just west of downtown in front of Austin High School on Stephen F. Austin Drive. A wide concrete drainage outlet slopes gently into the lake and is accessible from nearby public parking lots. Both spots offer great access to the lake, but the I-35 put-in has more room and usually has fewer people.
Putting in from Austin High and heading northwest, you’ll find yourself leaving downtown and paddling along the high bluffs that overlook Town Lake. Here, dense trees line the shores, and homes are built into the landscape. During the spring, a profusion of wildflowers bloom along the lake and all over Austin. The bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush splash broad strokes of brilliant colors onto this urban landscape and must be seen to be believed!
Approximately two miles upriver from the put-in at Austin High is the Tom Miller Dam. At the foot of this massive dam is Red Bud Isle Park, a small island with rocky outcroppings at one end. Painted turtles frequently sun themselves here and jostle for position on the rocks. When little water is being released from the dam, the surface is typically calm and water levels are often too low to circumnavigate Red Bud Isle. During periods of heavy rain, however, large volumes of water are released and the current can be turbulent and swift.
Paddling east from the Tom Miller Dam will take you back into town. Crossing under MoPac Boulevard (named after the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which runs parallel to it), you’ll likely encounter racing shells, as you will just about anywhere on the lake. The popularity of these fast, sleek boats is due at least in part to the University of Texas Crew—rowing competitively since 1969—and local rowing clubs.