The “lake view” peninsula town of Lago Vista, Texas is a charming active community fewer than 20 miles from all that Austin has to offer. The scenic Colorado River winds around and adjacent to the city.

Even better it’s home to some of the best hiking in the Hill Country. With canyon trails, creek trails, small waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and even (ahem..) a clothing-optional scenic beach.

Welcome to Lago Vista, Texas. A wonderful place to visit for active people who love the outdoors.
Lago Vista Emergency Information/Facebook
Let’s set up our base camp at this lovely bed and breakfast near Lake Travis. Sure we could rough it and camp in the hills, but would you turn down this zen retreat with a pool, two hot tubs, and a lovely view of Lake Travis from your deck?
Management/Tripadvisor
Casa del Sol is a pet-friendly B&B with five unique rooms to choose from, each with its own private patio and entrance. You’ll be 25-minutes from the heart of Austin and within a short drive from all the hiking, you can handle.
Warm up those hiking feet with a nice moderately challenging cruise on the Cactus Rocks Trail. It’s a 1.25-mile out-and-back trail in Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
Miriam Becker/AllTrails
Open year-round, this is a popular trail for birders as it passes through the habitat of the golden-cheeked warbler. Keep your eyes peeled for this endangered jaunty little songbird with a beautiful voice.
Another sight you’ll enjoy while in-and-around Lago Vista is Lake Travis. A trip to Peace Bend Park is another must-see hiking destination.
TC Parks/Travis County Texas
There are numerous trails winding throughout the hills with stunning lake views and the surrounding Hill Country. If you are lucky you might even spot some of the local wildlife including raccoon, fox, ringtail cat, whitetail deer, and dozens of bird species.

There is a small daily per-person park fee to enter. Children 12 years and under are free, as well as disabled Veterans.

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In the southeastern corner of Lago Vista, you’ll discover the hidden gem of Arkansas Bend Park. You'll find camping, hiking, and plenty of sights to see along the Colorado River.
Melissa Erwin/AllTrails
This 300-acre park contains five miles of hiking trails with rivers, lakes, and cove views. Often called "the most beautiful spot on Lake Travis" - it’s a spot the locals will tell you not to miss if you love the outdoors.
On your way back from a day of hiking swing by the Latte Vista Cafe for delicious sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and of course specialty coffee and non-coffee beverages.
Latte Vista/Facebook
Lago Vista locals will tell you this is a great place to grab some food and a friendly smile. Visit them on Facebook for a peek at their tasty menu.
You didn’t think we were going to leave out the only clothing-optional beach in the state of Texas did you? Hippie Hollow Park includes a scenic one-mile paved trail with a set of steps that lead down to some gorgeous views of Lake Travis.
Matthew Rutledge/Flickr
The park does charge a per-person fee to enter which is taken at the entrance as you drive in. Visitors must be 18 years and older.
Back at your private retreat rest those weary hiking feet on your patio as you enjoy a beautiful Texas sunset. Making plans for the next day’s hiking adventures is a must too.
Management/Tripadvisor

Now that you’ve been introduced to a few of the hiking trails in Lago Vista, Texas isn’t time to pack your bags, book that zen retreat, and see what other adventures await in this charming little Texas town?

If you have already spent some time exploring the area please leave a comment and tell us all about it.

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Featured Addresses
Casa del Sol Bed & Breakfast, 3905 Highland Dr, Austin, TX 78734, USA
Cactus Rocks Trail, Cactus Rocks Trl, Texas 78645, USA
Pace Bend Park, 2805 Pace Bend Rd N, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Arkansas Bend Park, 16900 Cherry Ln, Lago Vista, TX 78645, USA
Latte Vista Cafe & Coffee Shop, 20520 Farm to Market Rd 1431 B, Lago Vista, TX 78645, USA
Hippie Hollow Park, 7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732, USA