We love swimming holes. There is just something extra awesome about cooling off in nature. Many swimming holes in the Austin area are free and there are tons of options for cooling off. See the map below for the best natural Swimming Holes in the Austin area and the best access points to jump on the Barton Creek Greenbelt trails. For other ways to cool off in the Austin area, see our Austin Bucket List or our Austin Family Fun Map.
But it’s super frustrating to pack up for a day in Barton Creek day only to find out that there isn’t enough water to swim. Check out the Barton Creek water levels below based on water flow at Lost Creek and Mopac/Loop 360. If Barton Creek isn’t flowing, it’s likely that the other rain-fed creeks aren’t flowing as well (like Bull Creek). In that case, try one the many rivers or spring-fed swimming options. Emma Long Park or Barton Springs are two great examples.
Barton Creek water levels as of December 22, 2024, 12:20 am:
Above Mopac/360: Water is low, but still moving in spots* including Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls, etc.
Below Mopac/360: Not enough water for swimming* including Gus Fruth, Cambell's Hole, etc.
*Based on USGS flow gauges located at Lost Creek and Mopac/Loop 360:
Lost Creek Blvd.: 3.07 cubic feet per second
Mopac/Loop 360: 0.00 cubic feet per second
Water flow between 10 and 250 cfps is best for swimming
