San Antonio’s Favorite Trails
Four trails that San Antonio residents can enjoy can enjoy to walk, run, hike or bike on.
By Michael Montes

Blossoming bluebonnets along the San Antonio river on the Mission Reach trail. Courtesy of thesanantonioriverwalk.com
Main Loop to Vista Loop to Fern Del Trail
The Main Loop to Vista Loop to Fern Del Trail is located within Friedrich Wilderness Park, a favorite among San Antonio hikers and mountain cyclists. Hiking the trail will lead you back to the start, which makes it hard to lose your place. The moderate trail is 2.4 miles long which makes it suitable for both intermediate outdoor enthusiasts and walkers enjoying the scenery. The loop features vibrant wildflowers and other wildlife, and is mostly used for hiking and running, although it is heavily trafficked due to its popularity.
Hillview Nature Trail Loop
Located in Eisenhower Park, this loop trail is very similar to the Main Loop to Vista Loop to Fern Del Trail. Mostly used for trail running, hiking and walking, this heavily trafficked trail stands short at 2.9 miles and is accessible year round, hosting a variety of wildflowers and lush vegetation. Bring a leash for your furry friends as dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be kept on a leash.
McAllister Blue Loop Trail
McAllister is a local favorite when it comes to San Antonio parks, so it should be no surprise that its trails are beloved by the city’s residents. Like the previous trails listed above, the Blue Loop Trail is a moderately rated loop that brings the trekker back to where they began after hiking, running or even mountain biking the trail. This loop has more access for mountain biking, unlike the rest, but can get hot during summer months with the lack of shade in some stretches. The 6.7 miles of wild scenery can be enjoyed with a dog by your side, and the trail is partially paved and heavily trafficked throughout the year.
San Antonio Mission Trail Loop
For amateur historians or admirers of our city’s downtown district, the San Antonio Mission Trail Loop is very unique to our city. 15.1 miles long, this trail guides its travelers to each of the missions in San Antonio. The trail has paved paths which makes it easy to navigate, and overlooks the San Antonio river for some beautiful scenery. Road biking and walking are most popularly done on this loop, and other activities are of easy access year round, such as near access to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. Dogs are also allowed on this trail, but remember to bring a leash.