Red Bud Isle

A Dog Paradise

Situated on Lady Bird Lake, just below the Tom Miller Dam, Red Bud Isle is a 13-acre off-leash dog park that's become something of a canine utopia in Austin, Texas. This peninsula offers a scenic, natural environment for dogs and their owners to explore. A gentle loop trail winds around the island, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding waters and local wildlife. The paths are shaded by cypress and red bud trees, which create a beautiful display in spring when they bloom. And if you think that's pretty, just wait until fall when the cypress trees transform into a canvas of orange and yellow.

Natural History

There's something fascinating about how Red Bud Isle came to be. It wasn't always here - the island formed when granite blocks washed downstream during the great Lake Austin dam break of 1900. Over the decades, sediment gathered, plants took root, and voilà - an island was born. If you look carefully along the shoreline, you can spot sunset granite blocks from the original dam. It's a nice little connection to Texas history, as these are the same granite pieces quarried from Granite Mountain in Marble Falls that were used in the Texas Capitol building.

A dog sits next to the Colorado River

Photo: 3CENT (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recreation Opportunities

While dogs might be the stars of the show here, Red Bud Isle offers plenty for humans too. The western edge gives you a great view of an impressive sheer rock wall across the water - a detail that adds to the island's character. Water enthusiasts frequently launch their canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards from the shores, taking advantage of the easy access to Lady Bird Lake. If you're into fishing, you can find plenty of spots along the shoreline to cast a line. Bird watching enthusiasts appreciate the variety of feathered friends that call this place home, and nature lovers might be interested to know it is a turtle hatchery for Texas River turtles.

Visitor Information

A word to the wise: this place can get packed, especially during weekends and peak hours. The parking situation is limited - only about 20 spaces in the small lot - so you might need to be patient waiting for a spot. The park welcomes visitors 7AM to 10PM daily. You'll want to plan ahead as there are no restroom facilities or drinking fountains on the island. Several benches are scattered throughout, ideal for taking a breather and soaking in the scenery. You should also keep an eye out for poison ivy in some areas, so it's best to stick to the trails. During summer, be aware of potential blue-green algae in the water, which can be harmful to dogs.

Dog-Friendly Features

As an off-leash park, Red Bud Isle gives dogs plenty of space to roam. Here, pups can run freely, explore to their heart's content, and make new furry friends. The trails are wide and flat, making for an easy stroll for both dogs and their owners. There are multiple spots where dogs can splash into the water for a swim - a particularly welcome feature during those hot Texas days. Dog waste bag stations are available throughout the park, and taking responsibility for your pet's waste helps keep this special place clean and enjoyable for everyone who visits.