Pennybacker Bridge

I’m always looking for a great photo op. This spot did not disappoint. I snapped a bunch of pics with my iPhone because I didn’t bring my DSLR on this trip. Still got some decent shots (IMHO).
Parking to get up top maybe be a bitch. The little shoulder area was full, but luckily someone was pulling out as I arrived. Parking under the bridge is ample and I would miss taking photos from that vantage.
The trail to get up top is short, but steep in some places. I tried to navigate the easiest path, but there were a couple spots where my bad knees did not appreciate the stress.

Nice spot for a short hike. Beautiful views of Austin. The campers hanging out in their hammocks was a little awkward, since they hogged decent photo spots.

This is a beautiful bridge and it’s an Austin icon. I will drive out of my way sometimes just to go down 360 and cross over this bridge. The view from the overlook is very nice and I’ve even done a little fishing (not catching) under the bridge.

This unofficial overlook of the Pennybacker Bridge on Loop 360 is one of the most scenic spots in Austin. The pull-​off for the trailhead is immediately after the Courtyard Drive intersection on the southbound side of Loop 360 on the north side of the bridge. The trail is undeveloped and very rocky, which could prove difficult to the very young or less mobile. There are no trashcans or facilities, so be sure to take out what you bring in (don’t be a litterbug!).
On a clear day, you should be able to see the tallest buildings in the Austin skyline off in the distance above the steel arch bridge that spans Lake Austin/​Colorado River.

The Pennybacker Bridge is literally right outside my office. It is my favorite thing to see at 4pm as I am heading home just missing the rush hour traffic. This beauty is a backdrop of some of Austin’s beautiful artwork, family pictures and a symbol of Austin. The foggy mornings are especially scenic as the bridge seems to float among the clouds.
In the warm months couples and families alike hike up the neighboring cliffs of the Balcones and enjoy a picnic and/​or watch the sunset. Below the bridge boaters zip through Lake Austin.
One of my favorite days to view the bridge is during Tyler’s Dam that Cancer benefit where the community paddle boards 21 miles and benefits the Flat Water Foundation.

Want to personally see the view that the tourist bureau wants everyone to think about Austin?
Then park on the north side of the river on the southbound side of 360, park on the gravel and take the short hike up to a stunning overlook.
You are rewarded with a view of the hills, the river, the bridge, the skyline.
While trail is kind of steep in places and not well maintained (it’s not an official trail system) its not at all difficult.
Well worth the effort, just watch your step.

Whether you take in the view of the famous Austin landmark that is Pennybacker Bridge spanning over the Colorado from above, below, or on, it is a photogenic piece of form and function.
There are overlooks that you can hike to the top of from the pull-​offs on the side of 360 (there are no actual designated parking spaces, but seriously, y’all…don’t park like a douche and take up the space that 3 cars could fit in just because you decided to get creative with your parking maneuvers!) and they are definitely worth exploring.
The hike that I did to the top of the west side of 360 was pretty short and semi-​easy if you have the right shoes. There are rock outcroppings you climb up and down, so if you have short legs like me, you need to get innovative in ways to go around the higher ones.
I went on a Sunday afternoon (right before sunset) and it was pretty packed. I was just shocked that people had absolutely no decorum for those of us hiking up (or down) as they just went around you or cut you off w/​o so much as an excuse me! The hike back down is a little bit more involved as it is a little steep and again, for someone w/​short legs, there are spots where climbing down is the option. So again, c’mon people, be courteous human beings! The view will still be there, I promise!
That being said, once you get the top, the panoramas are pretty fantastic! The sunset (especially on a clear day) even more so! The colors you get when there’s just a bit haze in the air are spectacular! It was pretty crowded at the top and, again, people give zero f*cks about other people taking pictures or just walking into shots, so I recommend following the little path through the bushes and finding a viewpoint to (almost) call your own. Each little outcropping already had people sitting there, but I finally managed to find a semi-​spot of solitude to sit and just take it all in. It was an easy 30mins of just watching the boats on the water, listening to the white-​noise of the 360 traffic and watching the sun set as the slightest of breezes coming off the water cooled the 90 degrees of an oddly hot October day.
I definitely want to go back on a non-​weekend day and see if this helps with the troves of rude people (especially those that were letting their dogs run amuck near the top!) because this place is definitely one to experience more than once!

Get your hiking shoes on! This bridge provides a beautiful overlook of Austin if you’re willing to hike to the top of it. There is no entrance fee and there is free parking.
When friends from out of town would come visit, we would take them here. It is a great photo opportunity. Even if you don’t want the photos, the view alone is worth the drive and the hike.

I’m very lucky to live near very this wonderful bridge. I come down often for the view and the exercise and I never grow tired of the trips. Someone really knew what they were doing when they designed this one … THANKS!!!

very nice views the only thing i didnt like was there wasnt many trails or other spots to have a view from besides the main cliff.

Just a short walk up from the area where everyone parks is a beautiful view overlooking the bridge and of Lake Austin and downtown Austin! A free, quick attraction for people who have lived in Austin for years and never been or for people visiting town!

Should for sure be on everyone’s bucket list. It was an easy hike up (if you’re coordinated and athletic) So be careful on the way up. Only took about five minutes to get to the top and a breathtaking view.

Amazing view!!! We took our family up there to see the top of the bridge and it was gorgeous! You do have to climb up some rocks and it can be a little challenging if you’re not wearing the right shoes, but it’s worth it. I’ll be taking everyone up here that comes to visit me.

«Welcome to Austin, TX» is what I hear whenever I look out over this cliff side near the Pennybacker/​360 bridge.
This is literally one of the best views in Austin, TX. Located right before the iconic 360 bridge this overlook requires a short, steep hike to get to the cliff side. Once you get to the peak of the ridge you are welcomed with a captivating view of the Colorado river, 360 bridge, Austin country club golf course, Austin skyline, and the Texas sky. Take a moment to let the view sink in and the beautiful blend of nature and human development in one scene. This is one of my all time favorite places to visit and a must visit for anyone wanting to soak in the scenic beauty of Austin, TX. Overall, it’s free there isn’t a reason to not visit this location… unless if there are thunderstorms in the area.
Side note: if you’re travelling north the parking is located before you drive onto the bridge on the right side. It can be easy to miss and crowded so be aware of traffic as cars do travel fast down that road.

Beautiful view at the top! Nice hike. You can take a harder way up with a little more climbing, or an easier uphill walk on more even ground. Worth it when you’re done! You get a great view of the river.

We climbed up the cliff to get a great view of the pennybacker bridge and the Colorado River and it was beautiful! There is no barrier or railing so you climb at your own risk, but if you have good shoes and take your time you should be fine.

So I found out about this thing from Amazon TV. Weird right?
But just apple TV, amazon TV has a bunch of random images that serve as a desktop screensaver when it goes into idle mode. While I had the images scrolling, my gf tells me that she has actually been to one of those pictures. I figured all of those images were stock photos from all around the world, I did not once think that one of those images could be visited right here in Texas.
So I did a little bit of research and found out that it was actually the Pennybacker Bridge off 360 in Austin.
The bridge itself is nice, but the views on the cliffs nearby is what makes it spectacular. You can park along the side of the road and hike up the hill. It looks like both sides of the cliff are accessible, as when we were on one side we could see visitors on the opposite side.
Be careful when you get to the top, as there is no safety railing. The views overlook the bridge along with a golf course and a body of water.

I’m no fancy big city engineer but the bridge looks sturdy enough though the color is a bit ugly. Of course most people go there for the view. You can park on one side of the street only so follow the signs. There are also trails that let you go to the top of the cliff for a nice sunset or sunrise view. It’s not too bad but for older folks and children it might be tougher. I wouldn’t recommend this cliff for kids though since they might fall and die and ruin the cliff for everybody else.
As much as I liked the view, I should wag my finger in disappointment at some of the visitors who were smoking and throwing their cigarette butts down the cliff. I also saw plenty of empty beer cans and other garbage around there. For a city that prides in self on loving itself, it’s a bad look for you Austin.
On another note, on the east side cliff which is less traveled, I noticed that the path was blocked by some shady looking barbed wires and a «private property» sign that looked really shady. One of the locals who lived there told me she had lived there for many years and it was never there before and she thought it might be kids doing it so they can do some naughty things there without being walked in on. Sure enough, after sunset, I saw the usual suburban looking teenagers walking there and laughing and crossing the path. Cancel the prom Lou.

There are very few places I’ve been to in Austin with a view like Pennybacker Bridge. If you have sometime on your hand when you visit this hipster city, definitely pay this place a visit!
So it’s slightly confusing as to how a bridge is a tourist attraction… well let me help you understand. The bridge is sandwiched between two hills, and you can climb on either one for a really nice view of the bridge and river. The climb onto either hill is not bad, but definitely have climbing attire (like shorts or sporty shoes). I was stupid and wore my long khaki pants and sperry’s, which made climbing really uncomfortable. Once you get to the top of the hills, you will get an eye full of a nice view and take some nice pictures with your pals.
Other than that though, the bridge is like any other tourist attraction. minus the shops. So really, there isn’t that much to do at the bridge other than 1) climbing up 2) taking pics 3) leave. So don’t plan an entire day for this visit. Another thing to be wary of is parking. There isn’t any where to park your car… legally. There is a stretch of land/​grass by the highway/​bridge where people park (and where we parked), but that place has a couple «NO PARKING» signs very clearly labeled and doesn’t have too many spots. But people park there anyways though.
Ultimately, Pennybacker Bridge is a really nice experience, and for anyone who loves a good view, it is a place you shouldn’t miss in Austin!

There is something about this bridge that makes me smile.
Could it be the architectural curving arches? Maybe
Could it be the stunning view while driving across? Maybe
Could it be the cool breezes from the waters below? Maybe
Could it be it is free to cross it? Maybe
Could it be the name? A definite possibility as it was named for Percy Pennybacker, who was a pioneer in welded structures. Besides Pennybacker is fun to say.