Travis County park on a limestone peninsula jutting into Lake Travis, offering camping, swimming, cliff jumping, kayaking, and miles of rugged hiking trails with sweeping lake views.
General Information
How to Get There
From Austin (35 mi): Take US-71 West from Austin approximately 35 miles to Spicewood, turn right onto Pace Bend Road (RR 2322) at the lighted intersection near the Chevron station, and follow it about 4 miles to the park entrance gate.
Overview
Pace Bend Park is a 1,368-acre Travis County park occupying a dramatic limestone peninsula that juts into Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country west of Austin. The park's shoreline stretches for miles, offering an unusually diverse mix of activities in a single destination: cliff jumping and swimming from the rocky bluffs, launching kayaks and canoes from calm coves, casting a line from the bank, and exploring more than 8 miles of rugged hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through cedar and oak woodland before opening onto panoramic views of the lake. Dozens of primitive and developed campsites — many within steps of the water — make it a popular weekend retreat for Austin-area residents seeking a quick escape into nature without the long drive to state park facilities.
The park's geology tells a story of the Edwards Plateau, and the exposed limestone cliffs that ring the peninsula are its most iconic feature. During summer, those same bluffs become launching points for swimmers brave enough to leap into the clear, aquamarine water below. Because Pace Bend sits on a peninsula, prevailing winds funnel across the water from nearly every direction, making it a favorite among sailors and wind-sport enthusiasts on Lake Travis. The park is managed by Travis County and operates year-round, though spring and fall deliver the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and camping. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the grounds and along the beach, making it one of the more dog-friendly outdoor destinations in the Austin area.
Things to Do
Swim in Lake Travis
Enjoy designated swim coves and clear waters along the shoreline of Lake Travis. The park is one of the most popular swimming destinations in the Highland Lakes region.
Take in the Lake Travis Cliffs
Explore the dramatic limestone cliffs along the western side of the park, which offer some of the most scenic views of Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country.
Boat and Paddle on Lake Travis
Launch a boat, kayak, or paddleboard using the park's boat ramps and enjoy miles of shoreline and open water recreation.
Hike the Interior Trails
Explore miles of multi-use trails that wind through rugged Hill Country terrain, offering lake views, wildlife habitat, and access to remote areas of the park.
Enjoy Sunset Views
The park's cliffs and shoreline provide excellent locations for viewing sunsets over Lake Travis.
Top Trails
Pace Bend Park Loop
Distance: Approximately 11.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Scenic shoreline views, rugged Hill Country terrain, limestone cliffs, and continuous views of Lake Travis.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Pace Bend Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0. Sources: Travis County Parks information on camping, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, equestrian trails, park amenities, and Lake Travis access. [1](https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/pace-bend) Additional information regarding shoreline recreation, camping, trails, wildlife viewing, cliff overlooks, and park features. [2](https://thedyrt.com/camping/texas/pace-bend-park-lake-travis)[3](https://do512.com/visitpacebendpark)[4](https://www.komoot.com/guide/1889145/hiking-around-lake-travis)[5](https://thetouristchecklist.com/pace-bend-park/)[6](https://mycampingspot.com/camping-near-me/pace-bend-park-kate-s-johnson-cove/)