Forest Ridge Trail at Bull Creek Preserve
Welcome to one of the last wild places in Austin! The Bull Creek Preserve is one protected area within the larger Balcones Canyonlands Preserve system. Staff from Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division (Wildlands) manage this preserve land, and staff from Austin Parks and Recreation Department manage the parkland nearby including Bull Creek Park and St. Edwards Park.
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) exists primarily to conserve habitat for endangered species, while allowing for the development of buildings, infrastructure, and roads in other parts of Travis County. Between March 1 and August 31 of every year, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered migratory songbird, and the rare Black-capped Vireo use habitat in the Bull Creek Preserve for nesting. Because this land was acquired by the City of Austin to protect habitat, that community-held goal is the first priority in the management of the preserve.
Hiking or walking on the trail in small groups (3 people or fewer) allows visitors to responsibly enjoy this natural space while safeguarding habitat. Trail use is tracked closely, and the trail may even be closed if recreational use is likely to negatively affect the habitat. Given the potential for degrading or disturbing habitat, horseback riding, dog walking, and mountain biking are not allowed within the Bull Creek Preserve at any time.
Bull Creek Permits
We have heard your feedback: In the 2025 season Wildlands staff are piloting a program to improve outcomes for both endangered species habitat management and responsible trail users. In the past, a permit has been required to use the trail between March 1 and July 31. This year, no permits will be issued or required to use the trail.
Spring and early summer are times when the warblers and vireos along the trail are especially sensitive to disturbances. Consider limiting your activity on Forest Ridge Trail during this season and exploring other trails across the Wildlands and across Austin!
At any time of the year, the trail may be temporarily closed, with pedestrian gates locked at each entrance, if recreational use threatens this protected habitat. Conditions that may result in closure include:
- Trail users going off-trail
- Biking, horseback riding or dog-walking
- Fire rings
- Overuse of the trail (large groups or individual trail use that exceeds trail capacity)
- Wet trails that could lead to increased erosion
- Storm damage that makes trail segments impassable
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
- “What if I have a current permit?”
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Thank you for participating in the Bull Creek Preserve Permit system in the past. In the 2025 season we are piloting a program to improve outcomes for endangered species habitat and responsible trail users like you. There will be changes made at each of the trailheads to Forest Ridge Trail. Through the process of earning a permit to hike on the Bull Creek Preserve Forest Ridge Trail all year round, you understand the importance of sticking to the trail, following trail rules, and letting us know at wildlands@austintexas.gov if you observe off-trail activity, trespass or other actions that violate trail rules. We’ll let you know if any further action with your permit is required.
If you’re interested in volunteering to help maintain the trail, please reach out to us at wildlands@austintexas.gov.
- “What if my permit is up for renewal?”
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Thank you for participating in the Bull Creek Preserve Permit system in the past. We are not planning to issue permits for the 2025 season. We are piloting a program to improve outcomes for endangered species habitat and responsible trail users like you. There will be changes made at each of the trailheads to Forest Ridge Trail. Through the process of earning a permit to hike on the Bull Creek Preserve Forest Ridge Trail all year round, you understand the importance of sticking to the trail, following trail rules, and letting us know at wildlands@austintexas.gov if you observe off-trail activity, trespass or other actions that violate trail rules. We’ll let you know if any further action with your permit is required.
If you’re interested in volunteering to help maintain the trail, please reach out to us at wildlands@austintexas.gov.
- “Why is this changing?”
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We have heard from you - and we’re trying something different. Wildlands staff have received feedback from folks that have been through the permit system. We are piloting this program to improve outcomes for both endangered species habitat and responsible trail users like you.
- “What is and is not allowed?”
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Within the Bull Creek Preserve, at any time of year, the only recreational activities allowed are those considered “passive public use,” meaning they do not disturb wildlife or habitat. Walking or hiking are appropriate activities. If you’re interested in free guided hikes on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve learn more and sign up at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.
Biking, horseback riding, dogs (even on a leash), and hiking or jogging in groups larger than three, are not allowed within the Bull Creek Preserve at any time of year.
- “How can I hike on this trail?”
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Forest Ridge Trail is a rugged trail on Bull Creek Preserve. Plan ahead- there are no restrooms or running water on this trail.
Please review the trail rules posted here and be sure to follow them.
Trail rules: biking, horseback riding, dogs (even on a leash), and hiking or jogging in groups larger than three, are not allowed within the Bull Creek Preserve at any time of year.
- “What are some trails in the area that I can bike on?”
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Biking is not allowed on the Bull Creek Preserve at any time of year. If you’re looking for a place to bike nearby, check out this interactive map from the Parks and Recreation Department: www.bit.ly/parksnearme.
- “Where are some trails in the area that I can walk my dog on leash?”
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Dogs are not allowed on the Bull Creek Preserve at any time of year. If you’re looking for a place to walk your dog nearby, check out this interactive map from the Parks and Recreation Department: www.bit.ly/parksnearme or www.austintexas.gov/department/dog-parks.
- “Where are some dog parks in the area where I can let my dog off-leash?”
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Dogs are not allowed on the Bull Creek Preserve at any time of year (even on a leash). If you’re looking for a place nearby that is pup-friendly and allows off-leash dog use, check out this list of dog parks in the Austin region: www.austintexas.gov/department/dog-parks.
- “Are there other conditions that could lead to the trail being closed?”
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Wildlands staff and volunteer trail stewards monitor trail conditions closely and may close the trail if conditions are wet and trail use could cause lasting damage, erosion or impact water quality. The trail may also be closed if conditions are unsafe for trail users, for example, if storm damage or vegetation is impeding the trail or is at risk of falling on the trail.
- “How can I find out more about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve?”
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The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) exists primarily to conserve endangered species and their habitat. Between March 1 and August 31 of every year, the Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered migratory songbird, and the rare Black-capped Vireo use habitat in the Bull Creek Preserve for breeding. These birds have limited breeding ranges and trail rules are designed to minimize impacts from trail use to the important habitat in Bull Creek Preserve.
To learn more about the BCP visit www.austintexas.gov/BCPstory or sign up for a free guided hike or volunteer workday at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.