San Antonio, Texas is known for the Alamo, the River Walk, and America's most iconic dishes.
But what many people don't know is that San Antonio has over one hundred miles of hiking trails with easy access to some of America's most beautiful landscapes.
In the list of the best 12 hiking trails in San Antonio, you can find out which is best suitable for you according to risk, age, or ability agenda.
Continue reading to learn how to get to each location, route lengths and challenges, must-see lookouts, wildlife to avoid, and more!
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Learn about the other hikes in Texas:
Hiking in San Antonio is an adventure. It offers breathtaking views, challenging terrains, and opportunities to explore new ecosystems.
You can hike around Alamo Lake or explore the wildlife at Big Bend Natural Area Preserve. More than fifty waterfalls nearby like Catarina Falls and Chestnut Creek Falls will make your trip to the city more than worth it!
Hiking is a fantastic kind of exercise, and it's much better when you're working up a sweat while surrounded by stunning surroundings!
It allows residents to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life without having to go far or pay exorbitant gas prices. 🙂
Tips for Adventurous Hikers in San Antonio:
1. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, for the specific terrain you'll be going on - sneakers for soft surfaces, boots for rocky terrain, etc.
2. Follow a good route map to make sure you don't get lost or stuck in a situation where you can't find your way back.
3. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential when you are hiking. A first-aid kit should also be included in your hiking materials, in case of an emergency.
4. Avoid using your cell phone while hiking - it may cause you to lose balance or step into something dangerous that.
5. At last, don't feel bored during hiking. As it's not only dangerous for your safety as your brain is not 100% active, but also you might miss plenty of moments to see at every turn.
Things to avoid for hiking in San Antonio:
1. Avoid dropping trash, dog poop, and other detritus on trails that make question marks between humanity and nature.
2. To minimize ground scarring and wildfires, only have a campfire in a fire ring when permitted.
3. Some animals may feel threatened or insecure in the presence of humans. Don't try to disturb, approach, or feed them.
12 best trails for hiking in San Antonio
- Leon Creek Greenway Trail
Easy • Length: 12.3 miles • Elevation gain: 60 m • Guide
The Leon Creek Greenway Trail is located near Windcrest, Texas, about south of San Antonio.
The greenway has a total length of 12.3 miles, with two separate but interconnected trails running along both banks of Leon Creek within the preserve.
These trails are more like short side paths off the central greenway with plenty of twists and turn through wooded areas.
Note that there are many tributary trails that you can take that lead to Leon Creek, but these are not part of the greenway itself. These trails are well maintained and have easy access from Interstate 10.
- Medina River Natural Area Trails
Easy • Length: 2 miles • Elevation gain: 26 m • Guide
Another great place in San Antonio to get out into nature is the Medina River Natural Area.
This natural area features several miles of hiking/biking trails along both banks of the Medina River.
It winds through this gorge between steep hillsides, so you will want to come prepared with good shoes and a windbreaker in case the weather changes for the worse.
There are numerous entrances into the park off main roads near San Antonio, or if you're coming from downtown, take Broadway south until it ends, turn right on Mission Road and drive all the way south to where it dead-ends at the natural area.
There are also picnic areas available for day use, but be sure to check out their list of rules before you go!
- South Salado Creek Greenway Trails
Easy • Length: 4.5 miles • Elevation gain: 42 m • Guide
The Salado Creek Greenway Trails consist of 4.5 miles of trails along both banks of Salado Creek in north San Antonio.
This area has hiking trails galore: from short and easy loops to challenging uphill climbs within a series of staircases.
The best place to park is at the Five Mile Dam Park on Nacogdoches Rd., but if that's full (or you don't want to pay), there's another entrance into the greenway about 2/3 mile south at the corner of S. New Braunfels Ave. and Nacogdoches Rd. – enter here, cross the road.
Another trail entrance will be on your immediate left near a group of picnic tables.
This is a great place to bring kids as many of the trails are flat and leisurely walks, with a bit more adventurous trails available for those who would like a challenge.
- McAllister Park Trails
Moderate • Length: 6.6 miles • Elevation gain: 70 m • Guide
McAllister Park is one of the closest urban parks from downtown San Antonio with plenty to offer by way of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty within walking distance from downtown San Antonio (about 1/2 mile from I-10).
This park has been called "the jewel" or crowning glory of the city's parks with over 260 acres of hike & bike trails, a disc golf course, five softball fields, and nine basketball courts.
There are many entrances into the park from around I-10, but if you want to access hiking trails within McAllister Park itself (and not pay for the entrance fee), enter off Bulverde Rd. south of Hwy. 281 and take a right on E. Sonterra Blvd., then another quick right on N. River Stone Dr. to reach parking lots near Leon Creek Greenway Trail, so it's easy peasy to link up trails from here!
- University of the Incarnate Word Loop Trail
Easy • Length: 0.9 miles • Elevation gain: 8 m • Guide
For hikers who want more of a challenge, you can go north from downtown San Antonio to UTSA.
This is a good place for hiking because people from the Bexar County Search and Rescue team train here.
Pets are allowed on leashes, but horses or motorized vehicles are not permitted on any trail at UTSA.
Visitors do not need to pay anything unless they plan to go into the McCombs Dam area (where fees apply) or picnic/bike (fees apply).
- Joe Johnston Route Trail
Moderate • Length: 9.3 miles • Elevation gain: 199 m • Guide
Located just 20 miles West of Comstock on the Northeast Side, Government Canyon State Natural Area features three trails that range from beginner to moderate difficulty for hikers to explore the area's natural beauty.
No admission fee, but there may be a parking fee. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset daily.
- Hiking at First Friday
Although technically not a hiking trail, why not "hike" while you enjoy one of San Antonio's monthly art showcases?
First Friday Art Trail takes over downtown San Antonio from 6 pm-10 pm every first Friday of each month from November through April.
So get out there and enjoy the galleries, performances, and other activities during this Friday's art walk. Just be prepared for crowds!
- Morgan's Wonderland Trail
Easy • Length: 1.9 miles • Elevation gain: 17 m
Morgan's Wonderland is a 5-acre theme park designed with special needs children in mind and offers several accessibility features like more comprehensive pathways and accessible seating areas.
Tucked behind the main attraction (the amusement park) is a small hike through beautiful woods and steep hills with benches to sit on as you take in the view of the surrounding area from Lookout Point.
It may not offer much of a workout during your visit. Still, it provides excellent views of the natural landscape around the 100-acre wooded area, making up most of Morgan's Wonderland property.
o! Please keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in Morgan's Wonderland, even if you are hiking with them.
- Salado Greenway Trail North from Hardberger Park
Moderate • Length: 10.8 miles • Elevation gain: 101 m • Guide
With over 800 acres of natural area across I-10 from the Dominion, Hardberger Park offers trails with various degrees of difficulty.
There are plenty of shaded paths through trees, grassland hillsides, and creekside areas that meander by several ponds within Hardberger Park's boundaries.
Although it can get hot during the summer months, there are pleasant breezes along some of the trails near bluffs overlooking Wurzbach Parkway which definitely offer a bit more respite from the heat during warmer months.
And don't worry, there are plenty of shady sections on trails, so no matter when you choose to hike here, you'll have lots of places to get out of the sun!
- Enchanted Rock State Park Loop Trail
Difficult • Length: 5.4 miles • Elevation gain: 105 m • Guide
The Enchanted Rock State Park Loop roundtrip trail, located just 45 minutes from downtown San Antonio, features a rock that is one of the largest batholiths in the country.
This hiking trail is perfect for those looking to take their first hike or have little experience with trails and want a quick view of the scenic Hill Country.
Entrance fees are $10 per vehicle, and the state park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- Hueco Tanks Nature Trail
Difficult • Length: 2 miles • Elevation gain: 18 m • Guide
Hueco Tanks State Park, located 30 miles from downtown San Antonio, features two hiking trails full of boulders and rock formations called Huecos.
One is the Post Oak Trail, with a total length of 2 miles, with an additional extension for another 1 mile.
The other option is the Valley View Trail listed above in the Enchanted Rock State Park loop.
Entrance fees are $5 per person on weekdays and $10 per person on weekends for ages 13 years old and up. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Library Comanche Loops Trail
Easy • Length: 1.6 miles • Elevation gain: 35 m • Guide
The beautiful flowers on this 2.6 km heavily trafficked loop trail make it a great spot for all skill levels, and dogs can join too!
The trails offer several activity options including hiking or biking with your four-legged friend by their side as they explore the natural environment that surrounds them.
The Library & Comanche Loops Trail is located just outside of Universal City - do you want some company while out exploring? Bring your pet along if he has an active lifestyle like mine does :).
Conclusion:
There are so many different trails for hiking in San Antonio that it can be hard to pick a single one.
Hope this list of our favorite hikes will help you find the perfect stroll, whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or an intense workout. You'll never regret spending time outside and enjoying nature's beauty!
Don't forget to share your emotion about hiking! You'll need it for the whole experience. Happy Hiking!