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Barton
Springs, page 2
The
floor of the pool is made of limestone and Buda gravel mixed with clay, which
acts like cement. There are three general sections to the pool. The wading area
extends from the upper dam all the way to Bedicheck's rock where it drops off
steeply to sixteen feet. This is where the diving board is located over the main
spring. The area between the diving board and the lower dam is deep, from ten
to sixteen feet. There used to be a high dive in this section but it was removed
in the 1970s. The strip on the north side of the pool from the lower dam to the
lifeguard stand near the entrance is about four feet and has a gravel bottom.
It was once used as a lap lane. Lap lanes are not designated at Barton Springs
but lap swimming is very popular. Serious swimmers hit the pool early in the morning
to avoid the crowd and have an unspoken agreement about how to divide up the lanes.
Some swim between the sidewalks, while others prefer to swim the whole length.
Since the 1930s there has been an informal policy of leaving the front gate closed
but accessible to early bird swimmers, but recently an iron fence with a lock
was put in to keep children from entering unattended and to comply with city codes.
Large pecan and cottonwood trees provide plenty of shade and
either side of the pool is surrounded by grassy slopes. During the peak summer
hours it can get very crowded, with the teenagers hanging out on the east slope
and everyone else on the flatter west bank. Floats are allowed only in the deepest
section near the dam. You can still sunbathe nude inside the women's dressing
area on a few grassy areas that are open to the sky, but it is an unwritten policy.
The Polar Bear Club at Barton Springs, which has over
one hundred members, swims year-round. One member, Jill Carr, swam in such cold
weather that her hair froze when she exited the water!
The Barton
Creek Greenbelt officially opened in 1985. It is a 7.8-mile trail for hiking
and bicycling. Several swimming holes dot the trail. Rock climbers also practice
on the limestone cliffs. The trail is rocky and semi-primitive and cuts through
scenic wildflowers, trees, limestone cliffs, caves, meadows, swimming holes and
waterfalls. The trail varies from narrow ledges to wide walkways. Wildlife is
abundant in the park. Hiking in the Greenbelt will really give you the feeling
of being far away in the wilderness, not in the middle of the city, which it really
is. The trail extends from Zilker Park to Lost Creek, with a trailhead at Zilker
Park just west of the pool. You can also access the trail where Spyglass intersects
with Barton Skyway; behind Barton Hills Elementary School on 2010 Homedale Drive;
at the Gus Fruh Access at 2642 Barton Hills Drive; at Loop 360 near the office
buildings behind Brodie Oaks; and at Camp Craft Road at the intersection of Scottish
Woods Trail. The Loop 360 and Gus Fruh sections are wheelchair-accessible. Dogs
are permitted on leash only. For up-to-date trail conditions, call 472-1267.
A new trail is being built that will connect Southwest Parkway with
the Greenbelt at the MoPac Bridge. This 1.5-mile dirt trail will parallel Gaines
Creek. Construction will be performed by thirteen members of the National Civilian
Community Corps, which was created by Congress in 1993. No public funding will
be used.
When enjoying the Barton Creek Greenbelt, remember to pack
your trash and leave the trail better than you found it. The trail is open 5:00
A.M.-10:00 P.M.
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Barton
Creek swimming hole Gus Fruh Pool
Photo courtesy Chandra Moira Beal |
Barton Creek
flows forty-one miles from its headwaters in Dripping
Springs to the Colorado River, wandering through Hays and Travis counties.
It averages more than thirty feet in width at times which designates it as a navigable
creek by the Texas Constitution. While Barton Springs flows year-round, Barton
Creek responds more to spring and fall rains. During times of drought, the creek
may dry up and leave only a few swimming holes. When it is dry, you can still
see wagon ruts in the limestone bed that were carved out when the creek bed was
used as a route into town.
Floating Barton Creek in an inner
tube, canoe, kayak or boat is a favorite local pastime. Keep safety in mind and
always wear a lifejacket, even if you are an experienced swimmer. The creek is
shallow and dotted with trees and rocks which can easily upset your boat. Other
hazards to watch out for are fire ants, water and land snakes, poison ivy and
prickly plants. Wear sunscreen and river shoes or tennis shoes to protect your
feet. Never float during rain or thunderstorms or during periods of flooding as
the water can become muddy and hide hazards. Drink lots of water. Never boat or
tube alone.
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Sculpture
Falls
Photo courtesy Chandra Moira Beal |
A
number of
swimming holes dot Barton Creek and are accessible from the Greenbelt. Catfish
Pool is just below the junction of Barton Creek and Hebbingston Hollow. A
small footbridge traverses the north side. Sculpture Falls has rapids and
secluded sunbathing, just below Dam #7. Campbell's Hole has a small pebble
beach and is a reliable pool. It's located about one mile upstream from Barton
Springs. Legend has it that Robert E. Lee made numerous trips here while stationed
at a camp to the west; Sam Bass, Bonnie and Clyde, and Jesse James also used the
small cave above the pool as hideouts. Gus Fruh Pool is another reliable
swimming hole even during droughts. It's located near 2632 Barton Hills Drive
(respect private property). Triple Falls and Gus Fruh Park are at
the three-mile mark on the trail and have large boulders and deep water. Twin
Falls can be accessed at Loop 360 across from the entrance to Barton Creek
Mall. You will find a rope swing and good swimming under two small waterfalls.
Most access points have rest rooms and picnic tables. Of interest is Airman's
Cave, a 2.1-mile long cave. It is the longest cave in the country with an
average height of only three feet. Only five percent of the cave is tall enough
to stand up in, and usually one person gets stuck every year and has to be rescued.
For experienced spelunkers only!
The Austin Chronicle published
an excellent guide to hiking in the Barton Creek Greenbelt and floating Barton
Creek in their April 17, 1992 issue, reprinted in April 18, 1997... more
Barton Springs and Zilker Park continued
Copyright
Chandra Moira Beal and La Luna Publishing
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