best hikes in san antonio

San Antonio is located near the Texas Hill Country, meaning you’re within driving distance of some great state parks like Enchanted Rock offering amazing hikes. However, if you don’t feel like making the drive and are looking for something near you, don’t worry. There are some pretty good hiking spots located within the city limits of San Antonio as well. Check out this guide for the best hiking trails in San Antonio.


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In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Check out our articles on Best Gyms in San Antonio, San Antonio Restaurants with Patios, Best Backpacking Trails near San Antonio, and Things To Do in San Antonio with Kids, Toddlers, and Family!


#1 Government State Canyon State Park

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Saturday, 08/01/2020 – Trails are OPEN

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If you want the option to hike many miles, then Government State Canyon is your best bet. You can hike 10 or more miles here, easily. It’s not the most scenic hike in the world, but you can definitely get in your miles here.

There are seasonal trails that are nicer, but they’re only open half the year. The back country hikes, which offer the best views, don’t allow dogs. However, you can take them on the front country trails.

Oh, and don’t miss the dinosaur tracks! You can pay $6 to get in, or buy the annual pass.

 

#2 Friedrich Wilderness Park

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Not really into nature photos but this one caught my eye 🤷🏻‍♂️#sonya7iii #a7iii #sonyalpha #friedrichwildernesspark #hikingtrail #texastrails #2870mm #texasparks

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Friedrich Wilderness Park is located right outside the 1604 loop on Interstate-10, and is probably the best hike you’ll find in San Antonio. There are tons of great trails that will make you feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, until you pop out and realize there’s a neighborhood right near there – but you wouldn’t know it! There are some great elevation changes, depending which trails you take. This is a really fun hiking spot.

Watch out for snakes though. And if you’re lucky, you’ll see a roadrunner or two! It’s worth noting, dog are not allowed. So leave the pooches at home.

 

#3 Eisenhower Park

 

 
 
 
 
 
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If you’re looking for a lighter hike with well-maintained, well-marked trails, Eisenhower Park has plenty of paved and dirt trails for you. We recommend you hike to the observation tower for some great views and photo ops! There are no bikes allowed, so no need to worry about dodging cyclists.

 

#4 Medina River Natural Area and Greenway


Here’s a nice, mostly shaded mild hike. We recommend you walk to the Donkey Lady Bridge, which is featured on our list of weird San Antonio attractions, and begin your hike there.

 

#5 Comanche Lookout Park

Comanche Lookout Park

At Comanche Lookout Park, you’ll get 2.3 miles of trails with varied surfaces. It’s not the hardest or longest hike, but the views are really nice. There are three main trails that are nice and shaded with dirt trails branching off. When you get to the top of the park, you’ll have nice views of the Tower of Americas and the edge of the Hill Country.

 

#6 Crown Ridge Canyon


Located near UTSA, Crown Ridge Canyon is a city natural area featuring level 1 ADA trails and level 4 hiking trails. There are restored grasslands, hill views, a canopy level bridge overlook, and more. Bear Grass Trail is the level 4 trail, which is located in the upper portion of the park. There are some steep slopes with rocky ledges. The trail is .6 miles long.

 

Watch this space for more fun things to do in and around the San Antonio area! 

 

Lynn Miller