Dog Launch at Vic Mathias Shores
Skyline views and a dedicated dog water launch on the Colorado
About this park
The Dog Launch at Vic Mathias Shores is a dedicated water access point with spectacular views of the Austin skyline and direct Colorado River access. The area is not enclosed, so it's best for dogs with solid water skills and reliable recall.
Amenities
Dog Launch at Vic Mathias Shores reviews
What visitors consistently sayReviewers rave about the skyline backdrop and riverfront ambiance, with many calling it their first stop for Austin photos. The Dog Launch is the signature feature and the reason most visitors seek this spot out.
Best for
Before you go
Not fenced. Only bring dogs with good recall, especially with the river nearby. The views and atmosphere make it a destination; go early for photos before it gets crowded.
Frequently asked
- Is the dog launch fenced?
- No. It is an open access point off the Ann and Roy Butler hike-and-bike trail, and reviewers name the lack of an enclosure as the one real drawback.
- Can dogs swim from here?
- That is the whole point of the spot. The launch drops dogs straight into the Colorado River, and the same access point gets used to put kayaks in.
- How is the water quality?
- Mixed. Reviewers praise the setting and complain about trash and plastic floating in the river, so the water is worth a look before a dog goes in.
- Is this the same place as Auditorium Shores Dog Park?
- Two listings on one stretch of shoreline. The Dog Launch at Vic Mathias Shores is the water-entry point, while Auditorium Shores Dog Park is the open off-leash run beside it, carrying the park's former name.
- What is there besides the water?
- Skyline views that reviewers rate as the best photo stop on the trail, and an easy shoreline walk. There is little else here, which keeps most visits short.
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