San Antonio Mission Trail is a 15.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near San Antonio, Texas that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This trail guides people from each of the missions in San Antonio. The word mission usually connotes religion. It's true that San Antonio's missions revolved around religion and faith, but it doesn't describe the importance or full scope for any of them. Though intentionally created to spread the Catholic faith, missions are not churches. The church is merely one building among several in any mission. Each complex served as a separate, unique community. All four churches (Mission Concepcin's, Mission San Jose's, Mission San Juan Capistrano's, and Mission Espada's) have active Catholic congregations. Though the congregations haven't been continuously active since the 1700s, many of today's members are direct descendants of the Indians who built the churches. In addition to the families, the missions served as the foundation for much of what you'll see in Texas today. The architecture, food, culture, textiles, and more all began in the missions in one way or another. Each is different and several served as important sites during the Texas Revolution. When you visit the missions, be careful. These are historic structures and the masonry may not be able to hold your weight (such as if you decide to try and walk atop a retaining wall). Also, some structures may not be accessible due to restoration work or otherwise.
Administrative Headquarters 2202 Roosevelt Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78210 210-534-8833 Main number Visitor's Center: 210-932-1001
You'll need good shoes if you decide to hike the mission trail and don't forget water and food. You don't have to have a full hiking pack, but the water will be especially welcome on hot days. And with some food in your bag, you could have a picnic at one of the missions. This isn't a particularly difficult trail to hike, but it's not for those who can't walk about eight to 10 miles (trail plus walking in and around each mission). So if you bring your young children, have a sturdy stroller that can take dirt paths. One of the best ways of preparing for Texas weather is with layers. Have a sweater or jacket tied around your waist or in your bag incase you need a covering from the sun or when it quickly coolest at night. Also make sure to pack sunscreen so you can touch-up on the trail and not have an intense sunburn. Visitors are welcomed to bring their pets (please clean up after your pet) and make sure to carry or keep them on a leash at all times. Service dogs are the only pets allowed in park buildings, churches and on the trails. And make sure to never leave pets alone in a vehicle. It can get dangerously hot in South Texas and vehicles can heat up surprisingly quickly.
February 23, 2021A loop trail I did that uses most of the trails at Hardberger Park. Hence the name Trail Mix Loop.
February 7, 2021Beautiful day to ride, got a flat from biking through really sharp gravel, will probably detour from route next time to stay on smoother trails on the way back.
February 6, 2021February 2, 2021January 3, 2021Greatness
December 20, 2020December 2, 2020Beautiful Weather!!
December 2, 2020It was great to visit all missions by biking lol It was fantastic and highly recommend rent a bike to visit!
November 27, 2020Great family walk
November 27, 2020November 14, 2020Wow, this is an awesome bike/walking path. We rode 25 miles today, Saturday. I would definitely recommend this trail to others. Beautiful scenery and the trail is in excellent condition, tons of places to pull off and have a picnic or just rest including picnic tables and benches.
November 4, 2020fantastic paved trails and off-road
November 1, 2020Great Hike. 15.1 miles is a little long but I can say I did it.
November 1, 2020Great trail! Beautiful scenery! Very clean and others are either wearing mask or social distancing on the trail. park police were super helpful and friendly about the area and the missions.
October 17, 2020September 27, 2020September 27, 2020September 5, 2020The Mission Reach Trail is excellent! Park at any of the Missions or other parking access points and jump on the trail for a great time of hiking, jogging, bird watching, and biking.
August 11, 2020Good wide trail with maps along the way. All the actual permanent restrooms we found were locked off due to COVID so be aware of that. There was a porta potty near Estrada Park, do not recommend using it for anything that requires you to be seated. If you go in the middle of summer get there early and be done by 10am.
August 10, 2020August 2, 2020The trail was really nice it has the perfect balance of length, quality and fun sights next to the trail. It’s a true gem in San Antonio
May 24, 2020A M A Z I N G ...trees, river, smell
May 24, 2020May 23, 2020This trail was so refreshing and I enjoyed it. My first one!
May 18, 2020Lots or wildflowers at this time Trail great
May 14, 2020April 30, 2020April 20, 2020Scenic, nicely paved. Some confusing cutoffs and such.
November 25, 2019Beautiful paved trails that follow the San Antonio River that lead to all the San Antonio Missions and several parks including the beautiful Confluence Park. Beautifully maintained and several stops to grab a bite once you reach Blue Star.
