Hiking in San Antonio

In spite of being Texas’ second largest city, San Antonio and its surrounding areas are not short of beautiful and diverse trails to hike. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or you just enjoy the exercise, you won’t be disappointed with what this area has to offer.

Government Canyon State Natural Area

Government Canyon State Park has more than 40 miles of biking and hiking trails ranging from gently sloping grasslands to rugged canyons. This area is open only during the day time but provides a number of monthly guided hiking programs including Hike the Canyon, Haiku Hike and Family Fun days. The trails are home to a diverse array of nature including the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler.

Comanche Lookout Loop

If you’re looking for a somewhat shorter hike, then this may be the one for you. The moderate trail is only 1.7 miles long and will take about 1.3 hours. It starts from Nacogdoches Road then winds up around an historic hill in Comanche Lookout Park to a stone tower that provides a stunning view of the San Antonio area.

The Alamo Ghost Hunt Walk

This is a must for San Antonio history aficionados who are curious about the supernatural. The tour will allow you a glimpse of San Antonio and the Alamo after dark, when the specters of the past walk the shadowy streets. The walk visits 13 separate locations where the spirits of murders, heroes and regular men women and children linger. The locations include old cemeteries, hanging trees, haunted hotels and walls where people where entombed while still alive. All participants get to use ghost hunting equipment such as EMF recorders and thermal meters to add to the fun.

San Antonio Falls

The best time to visit this 100 feet waterfall is during the spring after the snow melts and the water cascades over the three tiers offering an impressive show. During the later spring and early summer it’s best to visit after a hardy rain fall to avoid disappointment. The falls are relatively easy to reach. After a steady pace of a little over half a mile on a paved surface, you will reach the overlook. From there it’s just a brief trek down a short dirt path to reach the foot of the falls.

Duveneck Windmill Trailhead
This trailhead is located at the rear of Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. This area has over 23 miles of trails which are suitable for hiking, horseback riding and biking, though no dogs are allowed. The area has numerous hiking trails but this trailhead is perfect if you want to avoid the crowds that frequent the trails at the weekends. Just off the trail is a secluded area of meadow which is perfect for a peaceful picnic.

Corinna Underwood - Born and raised in the U.K has been living in the United States for 12 years. As a freelance writer she spreads the word about sustainable living and improving the environment once step at a time through simple means, such as using water softener in San Antonio.