In Search of Sculpture Falls

**An Accidental Tourist Hike Through Barton Creek Greenbelt**

Let me start by saying, “I thought I was in shape.” Earlier in the week, I read a brief article about Sculpture Falls along the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin, ending at the so called “Hill of Life.” The Greenbelt runs several miles from Zilker Park, meandering southwest along fast & slow moving creeks, packed with waterfalls, steep hills and narrow tree-lined trails. Yeah, and a sign which said watch out for Coyotes, seriously?

The Friday before this adventure, I spent a little time at the Academy store in Katy, looking for proper footwear. About this time five years ago, I left behind my favorite pair of Cole Haan loafers when the group I traveled with decided mountain hiking (disguised as a stroll) was a good idea. This, especially when the hike ended in a torrential rainstorm. Yeah, not again.

Ironically, my mom called as I was driving to the departure point. We talked for a bit as I found a place to park. “Are you hiking alone?” “Yes ma’am.” Do you know anyone out there? “No ma’am.” I got off the phone before being sent to my room. It was that close. The entry to the greenbelt was in a neighborhood off route 360. To see this area is to know you are at the foot of the Texas Hill Country. The terrain is distinctly hilly, and in some ways slightly mountainous. A friend from Utah would laugh at the last statement, but still.

The Hill of Life

The entry to this part of the trail is called, “The Hill of Life.” Walking down this steep grade, you can’t help but watch your step as loose rock and exposed roots are everywhere. And as I went further down this path, I began seeing the faces of people heading up this hill. They were hurting, and I had no idea that would be me in a few hours. What I did notice, was the people navigating this hill were decent shape. Some were actually running up this trail. Bottoming out, I looked at a marker. The incline/decline was roughly a half mile. Good lord. There’s never a funicular when you need one.

At the bottom of the hill, the trail split in several directions. I’m told to the right and upstream there is a popular dam. Perhaps a path for another day. I could hear rushing water slightly to my left and in front of me. Remembering the google map directions, left was the path I needed to take.

No Name Falls

After catching my breath a bit, I was on my way. Crawling under a tree to follow the trail I arrived at what one described as the “no name falls.” There were probably 3 families and a few pets running around. You could see one long (but short in height) waterfall to my right. To my left, a short rocky area and further ahead and to the left several smaller falls. People were sitting in the water. Further upstream, the water was deep enough to dive in and I watched one woman dive and then disappear in the cool water. Talking to one family in detail. It appears the Father and I were in Ambergris Caye, Belize the same time over the summer. Small world, or maybe it was my hat that said “You better Belize it” that got his attention. After talking for a while and me snapping a few pictures, I said my goodbyes and continued my hike.

About here, the trail splits a bit. The higher trail is more wooded. Where I walked, was more narrow. I don’t mind telling you, I was a bit nervous about possible snakes in the tall grass to my left and right. You could hear things moving nearby. The key, was moving and I kept doing just that. I could not help but marvel at this beauty though. Probably 5-7 miles away was downtown Austin. It’s hard to believe you could be so close, yet so remote. One person said the water was low, as this was the end of the summer (aka dry season). Coming back after a week or two of rain, would likely paint a different picture of this area. The people who carved this path were genius as this is one of many escapes around the ATX for those who want to be close to nature. About 10 minutes later, another clearing to my right. This time, a small waterfall. It was peaceful and still. I was the only person there. I snapped a few photos. Turning downstream, I could hear people and music and continued my march in that direction.

Sculpture Falls

Looking to the left and right, the trail began to take a different look. The mountain face was much closer, and the trees began to completely cover the path. The sound of rushing water was a sign I was closing in on my destination. Take the craters of the moon, add a creek and falling water and you have Sculpture Falls. Walking down to the edge, plenty of people in the deeper water, people enjoying the sun along the edges and the rest trying to cross the pitted field of water and rock that make up this area. One dog decided to just plop down and cool off where he was (and right in front of me). I saw one hammock, apparently with one person inside (by the foot sticking out). Around the other side, sisters looking for the right spot to jump. Yes they took the plunge, screaming with joy all the way to the water. This was worth the hike, thinking at the time. These are the secrets of the locals, the so called Austinites. From what I’ve been told, this is one of many.

Heading back, it was easy to take in the beauty and color of this place. Flowers were everywhere. In your neighborhood, these may be considered weeds. Here, it’s natural. Checking my GPS, it was 1.5 miles back to the top of the Hill of Life and then the car. Seems easy enough. Those thoughts drifted through my head while walking. Leisurely stopping a few times to capture images of the creek, in some places the view was clear, in others through thick brush. Eventually, the so called “No Name Creek” called my name for a few more photos. Basically to take a break before walking back up the “Hill of Life.”

Death March

Unable to prolong the inevitable, I began walking up this hill. To say it kicked my butt, was putting it mildly. I was winded and panting within 10 minutes. Every few minutes the steep incline forced me to stop and gather myself. Mostly, I was kicking myself for not bringing a few bottles of water. In my head, I thought it would be extra weight. In reality, that was an ingredient to prevent heat stroke. Paying attention to my perspiration was key. Knowing that a lack of perspiration could be a sign of danger, I payed attention to my body. Suddenly, something told me to stop and sit. And that’s what happened. Several people stopped to check on me, clearly good people in this community. Pushing forward, I stood up and willed myself to finish this trip the right way. Next time, I will be prepared I told myself. Next time, I’ll be ready. At the top of the hill I sat there, thankful I made the journey. Sometimes you talk to God in church, others while on a trail. The message though was the same.