Welcome to Austin, TX...
a city that embraces its wild side with miles of trails, acres of parks, and a river-like lake that flows through it all.
Your amazing Austin Trails scavenger hunt adventure will begin near the legendary Bat Bridge and lead you along trails and shaded paths that travel both sides of Lady Bird Lake as you take in the wild side of Austin. Your route will take you to famous sculptures, tributes to the city's beloved musicians, hidden art installations, and grand vistas of the Austin skyline as you explore the best sights and hidden gems of the city on foot.
While Downtown Austin pulses with live music and nightlife energy, the trails around Lady Bird Lake reveal a quieter and equally extraordinary side of the city. This scavenger hunt in Austin, TX takes you along one of the most beloved urban trail systems in America, where world class public art, sweeping lake views, and the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country come together in one unforgettable outdoor adventure. Whether you are a nature lover, a music fan, or simply looking for a unique way to explore the city, this smartphone-guided Quest delivers Austin's wild side in a whole new way.
Points of Interest Along Your Austin Trails Scavenger Hunt
Congress Bat Bridge
Your Quest begins near the Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Every evening from spring through fall, over one million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from beneath the bridge in one of Austin's most spectacular and unforgettable natural events.
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue
The bronze statue of Stevie Ray Vaughan stands proudly on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, honoring one of the greatest guitarists in the history of American music. It is one of the most visited and photographed landmarks on the entire trail system and a powerful tribute to Austin's musical soul.
Auditorium Shores
Auditorium Shores is one of Austin's most beloved outdoor gathering spaces, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events against the stunning backdrop of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline. Its open green lawns and waterfront views make it one of the most scenic stops on the trail.
Long Center
The Long Center for the Performing Arts is one of Austin's most architecturally striking landmarks, sitting elegantly on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Its striking design and world class performances make it a cultural cornerstone of the city's thriving arts scene.
Palmer Events Center
The Palmer Events Center is one of Austin's premier venues for conventions, concerts, and community events. Located along the lake trail, it is a significant landmark in the fabric of Austin's south shore waterfront district.
Shoal Beach
Shoal Beach is one of Lady Bird Lake's hidden gems, a quiet sandy stretch on the north shore where locals come to kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy the lake in its most natural setting. It perfectly captures the outdoor spirit that defines Austin's trail culture.
Lady Bird Lake
Your Quest concludes along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the scenic reservoir that serves as the heart of Austin's outdoor lifestyle. Surrounded by trails, live music, and stunning skyline views, it is a beautiful and fitting end to one of the most unique scavenger hunts in the city.
So take off your cowboy hat and put on your walking shoes to explore the trails and parks around Lady Bird Lake as you discover one of the best things to do in Austin ...Play the self-guided Austin Trails scavenger hunt tour game. Get ready to see the sights, and experience Austin's wild side in a whole new way!
FAQ: Austin Trails Scavenger Hunt
Have questions about our scavenger hunt in Austin, TX? Here are answers to the most common questions from players before they hit the trails around Lady Bird Lake.
How Long Does the Austin Trails Scavenger Hunt Take?
Most teams complete the Austin Trails scavenger hunt in approximately three to three and a half hours. At 2.65 miles this is one of the longer routes in the UAQ collection, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Because the Quest is completely self-paced, you can take extra time to enjoy the lake views, explore the art installations, or rest at any of the scenic spots along the trail.
Where Does It Start and End?
Your adventure begins at the corner of Barton Springs Road and S. Congress near the Congress Bat Bridge and concludes at Riverside Drive and 1st Street. The route covers approximately 2.65 miles along both sides of Lady Bird Lake through some of the most scenic and culturally rich trail corridors in Austin.
How Is This Different from the Austin Downtown Scavenger Hunt?
The Austin Trails scavenger hunt is an entirely separate outdoor adventure focused on the Lady Bird Lake trail system, public art, waterfront landmarks, and Austin's natural wild side. The Austin Downtown scavenger hunt focuses on the Capitol, 6th Street, and the urban core of the city. Both are unique experiences and make a great combination for a full day of exploring Austin.
What Players Are Saying
See what real players think about our scavenger hunts across the country.