Tucked away in Austin, Texas not far from the Arboretum, The Domain, and Apple’s new headquarters is one of the greatest white-tailed deer experiences one could ever hope for.
Hundreds of white-tailed deer call the Northwest Austin area home. White-tailed deer often scavenge at dawn or dusk for food across residential and commercial lawns.
Riata Research is home to many companies:
- Visa
- Planview
- Cisco
- Keller Williams Realty
- United Heritage Insurance
- Flextronics
- and many more up and coming companies…
And with big companies in tow, there are just as many restaurants, apartments, and homes nearby.
In addition to residential and commercial establishments, Northwest Austin area has many pockets of greenbelts, hike and bike trails, and wooded areas.
The Riata Trace Parkway area, also known as Riata, in Northwest Austin is home to nearly 50+ white-tailed deer. They surface daily at dawn and dusk throughout the Riata Research area.
Encountering white-tailed deer is common in Northwest Austin
In fact, I once worked at Cisco for 2 years and frequently encountered white-tailed deer going to and coming daily. I often spotted does and their offspring along the trail during my daily lunch walk. I would make eye contact with deer thinking they would scamper away. No, they simply eyed me back without ever flinching (see the cover image of this website and video below).
Quite domesticated these white-tailed deer and their up and coming offspring have become over the years. This is a normal daily encounter and occurrence for many employees and nearby residents. In fact, my three kids love a “deer drive” in hopes of watching Riata’s white-tailed deer.
Most often, deer don’t travel far from the three adequate water sources. If not at one of these locations, then you may spot deer camouflaging in the nearby wooded area of trees and brush. White-tailed deer are frequently spotted at the following locations:
Watching Deer at Research Park Loop
Research Park Loop is by far the best location to experience white-tailed deer. My family and I visit this location 2-3 times a week to enjoy time outdoors and a peaceful deer-watching experience not far from home. You can drive around Research Park Loop or park in one of the many parking lots along the back near the deer.
Simply type in 12515-3 Research Park Loop, Austin, Texas, 78759, and this address will lead you right to the deer. The deer often congregate towards the wooded area along the east side of Research Park Loop. Research Park Loop and Oak Knoll Drive, not far from McNeil Dr and Oak Knoll Drive, are good locations to spot deer too.
Deer Near Riata Trace Parkway and Riata Neighborhood Park Trail
Another location with a handful of white-tailed deer is near the Riata Tennis Courts. Type in 12393 Riata Trace Parkway, Austin, Texas, 78727, and this address leads you to the Riata Tennis Courts. Riata Tennis Courts is located immediately south of the Riata Neighborhood Park Trail and the Arrowood lake.
The best place to park for this location is at DHI Title’s old building located at 12513 Riata Trace Parkway. Park at this location and walk southbound on the sidewalk to get to the tennis courts passed the body of water. The entrance for Riata’s neighborhood park trail is nearby this parking location too.
Deer in Undeveloped Area of Yett Creek Neighborhood Park and Trail
If you’re into hiking undeveloped wooded areas or trails then the 40-plus acre Yett Creek Neighborhood Park and Trail is just for you. This additional deer-watching location is not far South of West Parmer Lane. Apple is near this location as are Intertek Alchemy, Oracle, IGT Corporation and MoneyVue.
Type in 12500 W Cow Path, Austin, Texas, 78727 to get to the Yett Creek Neighborhood Park and Trail. There is not an official parking area as this address leads to cul de sac. The best address to use for the Yett Creek Neighborhood Park and Trail is 12538 Riata Vista Circle, Austin, Texas 78727.
There are other park and trail entrances nearby too. One park and trail entry exists across the street from Apple’s Building One entrance at 12535 Riata Vista Circle, Austin, Texas, 78727. The other park and trail entry is off Riata Park Court, just behind IGT Corporation. You will likely have to park at Apple or the IGT Corporation parking off Riata Park Court.
A fourth and unconfirmed location is just behind Apple’s RP10 building and MoneyVue, which is located at 5300 Riata Park Court, Austin, Texas 78727. Sometimes white-tailed deer appear for a quick drink from a small pond behind both buildings.
No deer feeding, only deer watching
Many locals adore and love the white-tailed deer of Northwest Austin. Cute and cuddly they may appear. But please remember deer are wild animals. We should treat them as such.
And with wild animals, anything can happen. Their behavior cannot be assumed docile. For this reason, it is recommended to only watch deer at a distance and not attempt to feed, pet, or apprehend deer in any way, shape or form.
In fact, should you encounter white-tailed deer with tails and ears upward pointing in alert mode, then tread slowly and carefully. Their ears and tails are warning you and fellow dear danger is imminent, meaning you are the habitat intruder. Steer clear of deer during fawning and rutting seasons when their behavior is highly sporadic.
Also, please do not feed the deer at any time. Austin adopted a Deer Feeding Ordinance on February 23, 2009, prohibiting intentional feeding of deer or making food available to deer. The Austin Code Compliance Department actively enforces the ordinance. A violation is a Class-C Misdemeanor with a fine, not less than $75 or more than $125.
Hey there! I’m Alvin, and welcome to AustinDeer.com. Despite COVID, my wife, three kids, and I found a way to have a blast while staying safe. We turned social distancing into a fun family activity—deer watching in Austin, Texas! Join us as we explore different spots and enjoy the beauty of these amazing creatures. Get ready for our wild journey!