Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Grand Opening

Join Hill Country Conservancy and our community partners to celebrate a major milestone—the grand opening of the new Mile Zero Trailhead and Education Pavilion at Zilker Park.

We’re kicking off the day with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a morning packed with free, family-friendly fun, including:

• Special remarks from community leaders
• Guided nature hikes and “walk & talks” with local experts and trail builders
• Bike rides with Austin Ridge Riders
• Live music from Bat City Brass Band
• Breakfast tacos from SLAB BBQ

This celebration marks a transformative moment for the Violet Crown Trail. The Mile Zero Trailhead and Education Center is a vibrant, educational entry point where visitors gather, learn, and connect with nature right in the heart of Austin.

What’s Mile Zero?
The trailhead features a striking steel “Zero” archway, a native wildflower meadow, a Butterfly Pavilion with benches, trail maps, and an overlook of Barton Creek with interpretive signage about our regional aquifer system. It honors the transition from city park to wildland while showcasing how native ecosystems protect our water supply.

Come celebrate the trail’s legacy—and its future—with us!