Best of Austin®

Best Hidden Entry to the Violet Crown Trail

The 290 Trailhead in Sunset Valley

click to enlarge Best Hidden Entry to the Violet Crown Trail
photo by Jana Birchum

The balance of Austin’s urban life and love of nature is delicate – we’re a city of Downtown dwellers by day and trail hikers by the weekend. The 30-mile Violet Crown Trail sneaks its way across town, hidden in plain sight. You’d miss it if you didn’t know what to look for, but just off of 290 is a partially hidden trailhead to the VCT. The zipping of cars and occasional honking of a disgruntled driver may disrupt the serenity of the entrance, but once you’re on the trail all thoughts of rush hour are gone.