Downtown · Running route

Lady Bird Lake Running Route

Distance: 10.1 mi
Route: Butler Trail full loop
Area: Downtown

Run it, send your Strava link, unlock the medal — free.

The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is the heart of running in Austin. The Park Mile route is the full loop around the lake — about 10.1 miles along the water, under the bridges and past the downtown skyline. Every Austin runner has done it at least once; now it comes with a medal.

The route

Distance: about 10.1 miles for the full loop.
Terrain: mostly crushed granite, with concrete sections and the boardwalk on the south side of the lake.
Navigation: mile markers and wayfinding signs along the trail make it easy to track your progress.

Tips

Austin summers are hot — start at sunrise and carry water.
The trail is busy on weekends; keep right and watch for walkers and dogs.
Not ready for 10? The Zilker Park medal is a 3.1-mile loop on the same trail.

How to unlock the Lady Bird Lake medal

Run the route above — any pace counts, walk breaks included.
Copy your Strava activity link (or a link to a screenshot of your watch or phone).
Submit it on the Park Mile Passport page. Once approved, the Lady Bird Lake medal unlocks in your passport. It's free.

Running with a crew? Join the Park Mile club on Strava and share your park runs.