Top 19 Hiking Trails in San Antonio
Hiking Trails in San Antonio offer a variety of outdoor experiences for nature enthusiasts. With its picturesque parks and scenic trails, San Antonio is a hidden gem for hikers of all levels. Some of the top hiking locations in the city include McAllister Park, Eisenhower Park, Friedrich Wilderness Park, McAllister Park Trailhead, and Oakwell TrailHead Park, each offering unique challenges and rewards for hikers. So lace up your boots and explore the great outdoors in San Antonio!
- 1. McAllister Park
- 2. Eisenhower Park
- 3. Friedrich Wilderness Park
- 4. McAllister Park Trailhead
- 5. Oakwell TrailHead Park
- 6. Oxbow Park
- 7. Walker Ranch Trailhead
- 8. Hill Country Trailhead
- 9. Old Spanish Walking Trails
- 10. Riverwalk: Theo Pkwy Trailhead
- 11. Riverwalk: Eagleland Dr Trailhead
- 12. Lady Bird Johnson TrailHead
- 13. Jack White Park Trailhead
- 14. Crownridge Canyon Park
- 15. Stone Oak Park North Trails
- 16. Mission Hike and Bike Trails
- 17. Olmos Basin Trailhead
- 18. Headwaters Sanctuary Trails
- 19. Trail Loop
1. McAllister Park
Scenic river views

The Blue Loop Trail is a popular choice for hikers seeking a long and challenging trek, boasting a 4.6-star rating from over 1,900 reviews. Spanning 6.3 miles, the trail features an elevation gain of 226 feet, providing hikers with a moderately strenuous workout.
McAllister Park is a haven for trail enthusiasts, offering over 15 miles of well-maintained paved and natural surface trails. These trails cater to a variety of preferences and abilities, ensuring that all visitors can find a route that suits their needs and interests.
2. Eisenhower Park
Spacious and versatile park with various amenities

The trail system at this location offers a diverse range of options for all levels of hikers, with both paved and natural terrain. One of the highlights is the Observation Tower, which provides stunning views of the tree tops and the surrounding area. Visitors can take in the beautiful sights and gain a new perspective of the landscape.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Hillview Trail is a great option. This unpaved trail is rocky and has inclines that will get your heart rate up. However, the reward at the end is worth the effort – the Eisenhower Tower offers a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views. Overall, the trails provide a range of experiences and views for all to enjoy.
3. Friedrich Wilderness Park
Scenic Hill Country views

Friedrich Wilderness Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with 8 trails that receive an average 4.7-star rating from 8,953 AllTrails community reviews. The park features a variety of trails suitable for hiking, walking, and birding, ranging from easy to moderately challenging.
One recommended activity at Friedrich Wilderness Park is to combine trails and create a long and challenging 6.5-mile loop hike. This hike includes the Vista Loop Trail, which involves some rock scrambling and offers impressive views of the Texas Hill Country.
4. McAllister Park Trailhead
Sala Creek running through the park

The location offers a serene atmosphere, with plenty of space and excellent conditions. Visitors can enjoy stunning views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. One of the highlights of the location is the ease of parking, with no worries about finding a spot. The area is not crowded, providing a peaceful experience for everyone. Additionally, restrooms are available on site, adding to the convenience of the location.
Furthermore, the location is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along. The great views and spacious surroundings make it a perfect place to take dogs for a walk or run. With all these features, the location is an ideal spot for people seeking a comfortable and scenic environment for various activities, including picnics, photography, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
5. Oakwell TrailHead Park
Dog-friendly trails

The Salado Creek Greenway is a pleasant walking and biking trail located in northern San Antonio, Texas. The trail is 1.5 miles long one way, making it a 3-mile trip in total. This path is known for its scenic beauty, featuring overhanging oak trees and an abundance of wildlife.
The Salado Creek Greenway is an easy trail with no significant elevation changes, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels. The trail is well-paved, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience for walkers and bikers. Its natural beauty and ease of access make it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful and picturesque trail to explore.
6. Oxbow Park
Home to the endangered Texas blind salamander

Oxbow Park Loop is a popular hiking trail with a 4.4-star rating from 561 reviews and a length of 6.9 miles with an elevation gain of 528 feet. San Antonio parks, including Oxbow Park Loop, provide residents with the chance to spend quality time with family and friends in the fresh outdoors.
7. Walker Ranch Trailhead
Bob's junction panoramic views

Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a 1.63-mile paved bicycle trail, portable toilets, and a large bridge over the Salado Creek watershed. The park also includes an outdoor classroom on the Meadow Loop Trail. This family-friendly loop is perfect for visitors with young children or pets who want to enjoy some exercise in a beautiful setting. The trail is mostly shaded, making it a great option for hot days.
Apart from the main loop, there are several spur trails that offer opportunities to explore off the beaten path. The park's portable toilets and abundant shade make it a convenient and comfortable destination for a day outdoors. The large bridge over the Salado Creek watershed is a notable feature of the trail, providing a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. The outdoor classroom on the Meadow Loop Trail is an educational resource for visitors interested in learning more about the local ecosystem. Overall, Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park is a great destination for families and individuals looking to enjoy a pleasant and accessible outdoor experience.
8. Hill Country Trailhead
Historic site with scenic views

9. Old Spanish Walking Trails
Centuries-old architecture

The Old Spanish Walking Trails provide a peaceful outdoor setting, featuring well-maintained trails that attract individuals looking for an active experience in nature. The park offers a variety of routes suitable for casual walkers and dedicated runners, making it a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts.
Amenities at Old Spanish Trail Park include multiple parking lots and restrooms, ensuring visitors have convenience during their visit. The park can accommodate a range of fitness levels, from a leisurely stroll to an invigorating run, making it a suitable destination for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Riverwalk: Theo Pkwy Trailhead
Historic River Walk, Dog-friendly Trails

The San Antonio River Hike & Bike Trail is a popular outdoor attraction, although visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures, especially during a heat wave. The trail can be accessed from several points, with the Theo Parkway Trailhead being a great starting point. The trail connects all five of San Antonio's historic missions and offers beautiful views of waterways, native plants, and wildlife.
During our trip, we started at Concepcion Park and traveled south to Mission Espada before turning back north. However, it's important to note that there is little to no shade along this stretch of the trail, making the heat even more intense. Despite the challenging conditions, we highly recommend exploring the trail, as it provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural and historical beauty of San Antonio.
11. Riverwalk: Eagleland Dr Trailhead
Historic missions and museums nearby
The Eagleland Dr Trailhead for the San Antonio River Walk Hike & Bike Path is situated in Bexar County, Texas. The trailhead's specific location is on Eagleland Drive with the street number 400.
This trail offers a combination of beauty and functionality. Spanning 30 miles, it runs alongside the San Antonio River, connecting various points of interest on both sides. These include parks, schools, workplaces, shopping areas, and restaurants, making it a convenient and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
12. Lady Bird Johnson TrailHead
Historic landmarks along the trail

Lady Bird Johnson Park is a popular destination for hiking, with Salado Greenway being the top-rated trail in the park according to AllTrails.com users. This trail has a 4.6 star rating based on 853 reviews, indicating its popularity and high level of satisfaction among hikers. Salado Greenway is a versatile trail, suitable for various activities such as road biking, running, and walking. Its scenic beauty makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
In terms of user reviews, Salado Greenway via Lady Bird Johnson Park stands out as the best trail in the park. This 4.6-star-rated trail is a favorite among road bikers, runners, and walkers, offering a beautiful and enjoyable experience in all seasons. With many positive reviews, it is clear that this trail is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Lady Bird Johnson Park.
13. Jack White Park Trailhead
Historic site of the Battle of the Alamo

Jack White Trailhead, situated near Splashtown in San Antonio, is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk. The Salado Creek Greenway, which starts at Jack White Park, is a popular trail for hiking. This 15.8-mile trail boasts an elevation gain of 341 feet and has been highly rated with 4.5 stars from 375 reviews.
A hidden gem in San Antonio, Jack White Trailhead is conveniently located near Splashtown. The Salado Creek Greenway, accessible from Jack White Park, is a top choice for hikers. This 15.8-mile trail features an elevation gain of 341 feet and has received acclaim with a 4.5-star rating from 375 reviews.
14. Crownridge Canyon Park
Scenic views, free admission

The Red Oak Trail and the Bear Grass Trail are two popular hiking paths located in the Crownridge Canyon Natural Area in Texas. The Red Oak Trail is a gentle, Level 1 path that spans 1.3 miles, making it an excellent choice for when the Texas sun is at its peak. This trail is largely shaded, providing hikers with a refreshing escape from the heat. On the other hand, the Bear Grass Trail is a more challenging hike, located in the upper part of the park.
The Red Oak and Bear Grass Loop is the highest-rated trail in the Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, with an impressive 4.7-star rating from 680 reviews. This trail combines the Red Oak and Bear Grass Trails, creating a 1.9-mile loop with an elevation gain of 157 feet. The loop is the perfect length for a satisfying yet manageable hike, offering hikers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area without embarking on a strenuous trek.
15. Stone Oak Park North Trails

16. Mission Hike and Bike Trails
Access to Tower of the Americas

Mission Trails is an excellent location for cycling, offering a safe and pleasant experience, free from the dangers of texting drivers. However, it can get crowded on weekends with cyclists, pedestrians, and runners.
The San Antonio River Walk Hike & Bike Trail is a beautiful and practical 30-mile trail that runs along the river's sides. It connects various parks, schools, workplaces, shopping centers, restaurants, and other essential establishments for residents and tourists. The trail's natural beauty and utility make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
17. Olmos Basin Trailhead

18. Headwaters Sanctuary Trails
Former site of Espada Mission

Headwaters Sanctuary is a tranquil and historic sanctuary, featuring walking trails that encourage exploration and discovery. The sanctuary not only protects wildlife but also preserves 12,000 years of cultural history. Among the trails, the Headwaters Main Loop is a popular choice for families, as it is a 1.3-mile long trail with an elevation gain of 36 feet. This trail is well-maintained, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city.
The Headwaters Main Loop is a perfect trail for a family hike, offering a peaceful escape with its well-maintained paths and gentle elevation gain of 36 feet. Spanning 1.3 miles, this trail is ideal for both novice and experienced hikers, as it provides a serene environment to explore and connect with nature. The trail's proximity to the city makes it a convenient destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
19. Trail Loop
01:10 2.57 mi 2.2 mph 300 feet 300 feet Easy 4.8 (10) 48 Easy walk. Ideal for any level of physical fitness. Easy access roads. Suitable for all levels. Browse with device Send to phone Save View