Looking for the best hiking San Antonio? We’ve got you covered with this extensive list of various trails fit for all levels of hiking!
Texas is well-known for its large cities, bright lights, and professional sports teams. With so much to offer, San Antonio is one of the more populated cities in Texas. Culture, festivals, parks, entertainment, shopping, and dining are at its forefront.
Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. San Antonio is also home to some of the most beautiful parks. They provide visitors with the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors by hiking. Whether you are an avid hiker or want to take your family for a relaxing walk, this list has options for everyone.
Because the heat can be persistent, be sure to take extra protective measures by wearing sunscreen, wearing the proper gear, and bringing plenty of water. Be prepared to experience captivating landscapes, enchanting wildlife, and captivating views while hiking in San Antonio!
14 Best Trails For Hiking In San Antonio (And Nearby!)
Prairie, Painted Bunting, Barred Owl, and Live Oak Trails Loop
Guadalupe River State Park is a Texas state park located on a section of the Guadalupe River in Kendall and Comal Counties. It boasts over four miles of river frontage where guests can swim, fish, tube, and canoe. It also offers camping, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and bird watching.
Nestled in the State Park is the Prairie, Painted Bunting, Barred Owl, and Live Oak Trails Loop, a lovely flat country taking you through open fields and oak stands. The trail is a 5.1 mile heavily trafficked loop that is perfect for all skill levels. The trail provides various activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
This trail is a visitor favorite. There are lots of wildlife and it’s not uncommon to see deer as well as hawks, armadillos, large lizards, and snakes. Visited this trail to experience some of the best hiking in San Antonio!
San Antonio Mission Trail
One of San Antonio’s most famous trails is the San Antonio River Walk. It is a 15-mile trail system in the heart of the city. Eight of these miles belong to the San Antonio Missions Trail, which connects all 5 of the city’s Spanish colonial missions.
It is perfect for those that are looking for hiking in San Antonio with views of a river. Guests will be able to enjoy both the history and views of the charming trails. This is the perfect hike for history lovers as it guides people from each of the missions in San Antonio!
When you visit the missions, please watch out and be careful. Since there are historic structures, they can easily cave in.
There’s even more to offer. This trail is home to native plants and a lively aquatic habitat. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, flowers, and art installations as you make your way along the trail.
Bring your loved ones with you to enjoy some of the best hiking in San Antonio. The trail is wheelchair friendly, stroller friendly, and kid-friendly. Dogs are also welcome as long as they are on a leash!
Rio Medina Trail
Some of the best hiking in San Antonio is in the Medina River Natural Area. Right along the river, the 12.6 mile Rio Medina Trail provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy lush greenery, listen to and view the tranquil flow of the river, observe ruins of an old farm, and view wildlife.
We encourage you to visit from May through September. It is an easy trail and suitable for all types of hikers. Much of the trail is paved, which makes it very easy to navigate and enjoy. Be sure to bring kids that want to tag along on the adventure, too!
This hike is usually crowd-free. But be prepared to share this beautiful natural environment with wildlife, including deer and coyotes. We suggest that guests bring bug spray to keep the mosquitoes away!
Hillview Nature Trail Loop
Eisenhower Park features several trails with various levels of hiking in San Antonio. The landscape of Eisenhower Park can’t be beaten. Visiting the canyons and dry creek beds is a must-do.
Looking for a trail with beautiful views and wildflowers? Hillview Nature Trail Loop offers some of prettiest the views in San Antonio.
Rated as a moderate trail, Hillview Nature Trail Loop is a 2.9-mile loop that is heavily trafficked, especially in the mornings and evenings. Many people gravitate toward this trail that is used primarily used for hiking, walking, and running.
This trail is accessible year-round. We know that Texas can get really hot in the summer. This trail offers lots of shade and even boasts a cool treehouse view of San Antonio.
It is also kid-friendly and dog-friendly. We encourage you to bring the family and enjoy the serene views of this trail!
San Antonio Riverwalk Mission Reach Trail
San Antonio boasts a beautiful, flowing river that runs through the city. For those that are looking to enjoy urban hiking in San Antonio, the San Antonio Riverwalk Mission Reach Trail is the place to be. It is a 5.7 loop trail that offers some of the best scenic views of the city!
This trail is exactly what one would envision as a riverwalk. Be amazed by the sights of beautiful restaurants, hotels, attractions, and boat tours as you take a stroll.
Even arguably more beautiful at night, visitors flock to the trail to see the bright lights of the city. We encourage you to take in the spectacular views of the city lights.
Museum Reach, which makes up four miles of the Riverwalk Mission Trail, extends to downtown and is populated with condos, the Tobin Center for Performing Arts, and several museums. Enjoy this trail with your loved ones. There’s something for everyone! Make sure to check out our list of the Best Things To Do On The San Antonio Riverwalk, complete with a guide and tips!
Library and Comanche Loops Trail
The Comanche Lookout Park is named for the Indigenous people who once used the park’s hill as a prime vantage point for spotting Spanish and Mexican mule trains to raid. Located in the park is the combination of two loops, the Library and Comanche Loops, perfect for hiking in San Antonio.
The heavily trafficked loop is 1.6 miles of trails boasting charming wildflowers. Suitable for all skill levels, the trail affords guests a variety of activities. The trail is accessible year-round, and dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The trail surface is dirt and packed gravel. Hikers using wheelchairs or strollers may need assistance along this entire route due to the consistent sections above a 5% grade and unpaved surface. The most accessible part of the trail is the Tower Loop Trail.
McAllister Park Blue Loop Trail
McAllister Park is one of the largest parks in San Antonio. It has over a whopping 800 acres and is located between Jones Maltsberger and Wetmore Roads. It contains over four miles of trails, over 125 picnic units, restrooms, and parking areas.
McAllister Park Blue Loop Trail is excellent if you are looking for hiking in San Antonio that features beautiful wildflowers.
Rated as a moderate trail, it offers several activities that are accessible year-round. While hiking is the most popular activity, guests can also take nature trips, mountain bike, and bird watch on the 6.5 miles of trails.
This park is another one of the walking trails in San Antonio that is both friendly and dog-friendly. We also encourage those that use wheelchairs to enjoy the park as it is very wheelchair friendly.
Main Loop to Restoration Way Trail
Searching for a trail that offers varying degrees of difficulty? Main Loop to Restoration Way Trail offers several ways of hiking in San Antonio.
Open from April through September, Main Loop offers a little over ten total miles of loop trails. Close to the city, it is a great place to escape and take some time to walk and enjoy nature.
There are a few elevation climbs sprinkled in, but the overall walk is pretty moderate and relaxing. Rocky terrain is present on the trail so be prepared!
Salado Greenway Trail North from Hardberger Park
Phil Hardberger Park is a 330-acre park. It was named after a former mayor and his contributions to the park. The park has a dedication to preserving wildlife. Offering virtual nature talks, nature lessons, wildlife information sessions, and volunteer opportunities is an important part of their work.
Salado Greenway Trail is a 10.8-mile trail that has mixed paved and gravel sections. Take advantage of the signage that directs guests when a different trail option is available.
On this trail, guests will see birds, spectacular greenery, a river, wildlife, and rocky terrain. It can be easy to get caught up in the sights, but remember to bring water as it can get really hot!
Japanese Tea Garden
Brackenridge Park is a popular park in San Antonio. It is located on the city’s Broadway Corridor, and the city gets its name from George Washington Brackenridge, who donated the land in 1899.
The Japanese Tea Garden is a staple of Brackenridge Park. Recently restored, the trail features a lush garden, floral displays with shaded walkways, charming stone bridges, and ponds filled with Koi. We encourage you to stop by the stunning 60-foot waterfall!
The Japanese Tea Garden is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk and is wheelchair accessible. Dogs are also able to utilize this trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
If you are looking for shorter and easy hiking in San Antonio, visiting this trail is perfect. Nature trips and bird watching are a bonus!
Tower Loop Trail
Nearly 5 miles of the best hiking trails in Texas can be found at Comanche Lookout Park in northeast San Antonio. Comanche Lookout Park is named for the Native Americans who once used the park’s hill as a prime vantage point for spotting Spanish and Mexican mule trains to raid.
Among the park’s popular trails is the Tower Loop Trail. The trail is a 1.1 mile heavily trafficked loop that features beautiful wildflowers and is perfect for all skill levels. Offering some of the best hiking in San Antonio, the trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
The peak of this trail is the best place to watch the sunset and enjoy the serene views of the city below. If you prefer longer hikes, once you have reached the tower, you may decide to continue along to Comanche Loop or Library Loop. It is truly one of the coolest castles in Texas you can visit!
Leon Creek Greenway
Leon Creek Greenway consists of 4 miles of heavily trafficked hiking in San Antonio. This trail that boasts colorful wildflowers is suitable for all skill levels. Used for walking, running, bird watching, and road biking, visitors are sure to enjoy this trail. It is open year-round, and dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
The trail is paved concrete and very smooth. Most of the trail is gentle. This trail is navigable for most wheelchairs/mobility equipment or stroller users. There isn’t much shade so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water bottles!
At the northern end of the trail, there are designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles.
Government Canyon Loop
Government Canyon State Natural Area is an amazing park for those looking to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and viewing wildlife and birds. Visitors even have the chance to see ancient dinosaur footprints, thought to be from Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs, dating back tom almost 110 million years ago!
Government Canyon Loop is a 12.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in the Government Canyon State Natural Area. It is home to an enchanting forest setting and is rated as a moderate trail. The trail is mostly used for hiking, walking, running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round.
If you are new to hiking, be sure to use the map and know the various difficulties of the trail. Enjoy some of the best hiking in San Antonio with a visit to this beautiful trail!
Wilderness and Wildlife Trails
The Wilderness and Wildlife Trail is another loop trail in Brackenridge Park. At 343 acres, Brackenridge Park is located on the city’s Broadway Corridor, which is just north of downtown San Antonio. Brackenridge Park is free and open to the public every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The trail is great for hiking in San Antonio. It is a 1.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is used for walking, running, and road biking and is accessible year-round. Though they must be kept on a leash, dogs are welcome!
We encourage you to enjoy the serene views throughout the trail. Listen to the various streams and river as you take your hike!
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