Bull Creek Preserve
Forest Ridge Trail at Bull Creek Preserve
Welcome to the breeding grounds of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler! To protect this sensitive habitat and the species that call it home, the following rules apply to the Forest Ridge Trail year-round:
- No hiking in groups of more than 10 people
- No dogs
- No bikes
- No horseback riding
- No amplified or excessive noise
- No camping or campfires
Hiking alone or with small groups of up to 10 people is allowed on the Forest Ridge Trail year-round. Be a responsible trail user — always stay on the trail and practice Leave No Trace principles. Forest Ridge Trail is a rugged trail — plan ahead, as there are no restrooms or running water on site.
Consider limiting your activity on the Forest Ridge Trail from March 1–July 31 to be a good neighbor to wildlife. The Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered migratory songbird, and the rare Black-capped Vireo use the Bull Creek Preserve for nesting in the spring and early summer. During this time, they are especially sensitive to noise and other disturbances. Find alternative trails on adjacent parklands including the Bull Creek Greenbelt and St. Edwards Park, and elsewhere across Austin in the Austin Parks and Recreation Interactive Map.
The Bull Creek Preserve is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which protects and mitigates the loss of endangered species habitat in Travis County. Because the Forest Ridge Trail sits on preserve land, it has different rules than trails on neighboring parklands.
Bull Creek Permits
In the past, a Bull Creek Permit was required to use the Forest Ridge Trail during the Golden-cheeked Warbler's breeding season (March 1–July 31) to avoid disturbing nesting birds during this crucial time. In 2026, no permits will be issued or required as part of a pilot program to improve outcomes for responsible trail users.
We are monitoring trail use closely to see what impacts recreation has on habitat. The hope is that trail users will follow the rules to limit group size and reduce noise and other disturbance, which might allow responsible trail use by small groups to continue even during the nesting season.
Trail use is monitored closely. At any time of year, the trail may be temporarily closed with pedestrian gates locked at each entrance if recreational use threatens this protected habitat. Check trail status on the Wildland Trails Map.
Conditions that may result in closure include:
Trail users going off trail
Dog walking, biking or horseback riding
Camping or campfires
Overuse of the trail (groups of more than 10 people, or exceeding 240 people per day)
Amplified or excessive noise
Wet trails that could lead to increased erosion
Storm damage that makes trail segments impassable
Connect With Us
To report trail issues or if you are interested in volunteering to help maintain the Forest Ridge Trail, email Wildlands staff at wildlands@austintexas.gov.
Sign up for free guided hikes and volunteer workdays on the Wildlands Events page.
Visit the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve web application to learn more about the BCP.