Looking to see a bit of nature, wildlife beyond the Riverwalk’s bustle? Grab your favorite boots and make like a local! Hike San Antonio.
For all the charms of San Antonio’s downtown environs, there’s something to be said for exploring the Alamo City’s nearby natural areas, too.
Luckily, there are several great open spaces suitable for walking, hiking, or jogging year ‘round. And whether you visit one or all of them, you’ll return home with a better idea of Texas Hill Country living.
Remember: Wise wildflowers always double-check open times and trail conditions online before heading out to parks and natural areas. They also know to hydrate well and bring water with them, whatever the season.
West: 8400 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio TX 78231 (Directions)
East: 13203 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX 78216 (Directions)
This former dairy farm turned urban green space hosts a nature center, play areas, hike and bike trails, and dog parks just minutes from the city center. Standing in the middle of this stunning master-planned park it’s easy to forget that the trees and grasses are surrounded by shopping centers and freeways. Free. Recommended for: families with young children, cyclists dog lovers, and folks who want the Hill Country nature experience without having to travel far from downtown. Wheelchair accessible.
21395 Milsa Dr., San Antonio, TX 78256 (Directions)
If you’re looking for a robust walk through a rugged Hill Country landscape, we can think of no place better than what the locals call simply “Friedrich.” Bring your binoculars with you! Not only do we love this park, but it’s also home to two federally protected endangered bird species: the Black-capped vireo and the Golden-cheeked warbler. Because weather can sometimes cause trail closures, check the Friends of San Antonio Natural Areas website for updates. (Looking for refreshment afterward, we’re partial to Cüppencake, a nearby and locally owned coffee shop.) Free. Note: to protect the native wildlife, no bikes or pets allowed. Recommended for: serious hikers, families with older children. Wheelchair accessible on certain hard-surface trails.
Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area
7222 Luskey Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78256 (Directions)
Located near Six Flags Fiesta Texas, this beautiful natural space offers an experience similar to nearby Friedrich Wilderness Park albeit on a smaller plot of land. If you visit, be sure to check out the beautiful mosaic mural at the entrance. No bikes or pets. Free. Recommended for: serious hikers, trail runners, families with older children.
Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area
9788 Menchaca Rd., Helotes, TX 78023 (Directions)
The Madla Natural Area may be one of the city’s best kept secrets, tucked away as it is in the tiny community of Grey Forest in northwest Bexar County. For generations Grey Forest was a rural retreat for city dwellers seeking relief from the at-times scorching Texas summers. It remains known as a place where the locals value the preservation of natural beauty and seek to explore how we humans can live in better harmony with Mother Nature. And while Madla is a beautiful space year ‘round, we’re especially partial to it in the autumn. (We’re so partial, in fact, that we featured a photo from the park in our first newsletter back in October 2017.) Free. Recommended for: casual hikers, nature lovers.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Rd., San Antonio, TX 78254 (Directions)
This 12,000 acre park not only serves as the city’s closest state park, it also helps recharge the Edwards Aquifer from which San Antonio residents draw their water. It also contains dinosaur footprints and a few walk-in tent campsites. There is an entrance fee for this park (free for kids 12 and under). It is also only open select days of the week and some holidays. See website for hours of operation. Recommended for: hikers, campers, nature lovers, mountain bikers.
Explore More
• Got kids in tow? We love the coverage of kid-friendly San Antonio-area parks by Colleen Pence at San Antonio Mom Blogs.
• Locals who want an off-the-beaten path hike (!) might enjoy our 2017 article about Mud Creek Park.
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