📍 ATX Off-Leash: Onion Creek Greenbelt – A Creekside Adventure for Dogs

Ellie loved this creek

Not every off-leash area in Austin is worth the trip, but Onion Creek Greenbelt? This one’s a win. 🌿🐕

If your dog loves exploring trails, splashing in water, and staying engaged with you, this might be your next favorite spot. Here’s what made this adventure a standout experience.

🐕 First Impressions: Happy Dogs & Solid Trail Etiquette

From the moment we hit the trail, the vibe here felt different from other off-leash areas. Every dog we passed gave a quick air sniff and kept moving. No chaotic greetings, no over-excited jumpers—just dogs having a blast with their owners.

Ellie, of course, wasted no time climbing trees after squirrels (because apparently, that’s her thing now), while Ba’cho, my senior shepherd, trotted along, fully enjoying the fresh scents and open space. The trail itself was well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it perfect for both high-energy dogs and more relaxed explorers.

The plan was to make it to the creek, and when we did? It did not disappoint.

🏊 The Creek: A Dog’s Dream Playground

The water was just deep enough in some areas for a swim, but for the most part, the dogs were running through, chasing sticks, and splashing around. Ellie went full aquatic retriever mode, while Ba’cho stuck to a leisurely wade, cooling off while still keeping an eye on the action.

For about 20 minutes, we had the creek all to ourselves, but then we got a surprise…

🚨 Two horses. A mother and daughter on an afternoon ride came right down the trail, their horses stepping carefully through the shallow water.

It was one of those moments that could go either way. Luckily, my dogs are used to seeing new things without losing their minds, but it was a reminder of why solid off-leash skills matter.

This is one of those situations where an emergency stop is more valuable than a recall. If your dog is on the other side of a horse from you, calling them back could mean they run straight past the horse, which could startle the rider and cause a dangerous situation. Instead, a reliable stop command lets you calmly walk over, leash them up, and let the horses pass without any drama.

Moments like these are why I love taking dogs to real-world off-leash spaces. It’s not just about letting them run—it’s about giving them new experiences and reinforcing skills in the moment.

The Only Downsides?

The only part that wasn’t great was right at the entrance. The open field and parking lot had more of a dog park vibe, with some off-leash dogs greeting each other a little too enthusiastically. Once we got onto the trail, though, it was a completely different experience.

And while the trail itself is beautiful, it’s not huge. If you’re looking for a long-distance hike, this probably isn’t the spot. But if your dog enjoys a mix of structured walking, off-leash freedom, and a good splash in the water, this place is a winner.

📍 Wrapping It Up

Walking back to the car, Ellie was still hyped from her tree-climbing adventures, and Ba’cho had that happy, tired old-man trot that lets you know it was a good day. This spot checked all the boxes—exploring, sniffing, splashing, and solid training moments along the way.

If you’re looking for a place to work recall, let your dog stretch their legs, and enjoy some real-world adventure, this one’s a solid pick. Just be ready for some off-leash dogs at the entrance and keep an eye out for the occasional horseback rider.

Ba'cho and Ellie

Ellie doing what she loves most. Squirrel hunting.

The horses!