Bike Trails and Bike Paths

Leon Creek Greenway

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:10:31 -0500

Leon Creek Greenway

"The completion of this section of the Greenway on the northwest side of San Antonio adds almost 15 miles (one way) of spectacular trail to the rapidly growing system. The northern trail head is at the southeast corner of IH10 and 1604 in the shadow of the Drury Inn, and goes to a VIA bus terminal on Ingram Road near 410 on the south end, but it is accessible from multiple points along it's length. It runs through or close to Bamberger, O.P. Schnabel, and Cathedral Parks, just to name a few. It is a paved trail, but there are plenty of mountain bike opportunities along it's length (see section on O.P. Schnabel Park), and an initiative to build off road trails that parallel the paved one. There are restroom facilities along the route, but take plenty of drinking water."

Address: (Drury Inn) 15806 IH10 West 78249

Salado Creek Greenway (Tobin)

Sun, 7 Aug 2011 00:28:43 -0500

The new Salado Creek Greenway (Tobin) is a dedicated asphalt trail following along the creek that goes from 410 to Ft. Sam (8.7 miles round trip from Tobin Park). For info Google: “Salado Creek Greenway” and click on link to texastrails.org. Want to ride there: Vandiver north to Urban Crest. Turn right, cross Harry Wurzbach and turn right on Oakwell Farms Pkwy. Left on Laurens Lane just before entrance to Oakwell Farms. Left on Ira Lee then right onto sidewalk next to 410 access rd. Tobin Park is ¼ mile down and has water & restroom facilities. The trail goes under Austin Hwy (continue through the little park there), under Eisenhower, joins the existing trail along Holbrook Rd. & ends under the bridge at Rittiman. Get on the road at this point and continue south until it ends @ the old Ft Sam gate. Return the same way. This is a hike & bike trail, so give pedestrian a wide berth & a friendly wave.

Mountain bikers take note, there is new 4 mile off-road loop that starts at the 410 trail head. It exits to the west by the "wood" picnic table, crosses a small stream that feeds into the creek, does a u-turn to cross the large drainage ditch that goes under Ira Lee Rd., back up the hill and then parallels Ira Lee. The trail is easy to follow after this. Once you get to the Austin Hwy trailhead, you will see the return trail just south of the little bridge at the park. When that trail intersects the asphalt trail for the second time, you cross over and find the continuation on the other side. A great day is starting at McAllister, ride to Los Patios on 410 along the new section of the Greenway, make your way under 410 (for now it involves lifting your bike over the barrier on the access road), ride up the hill on the other side and ride this trail.

South Salado Creek Greenway

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:36:14 -0500

A new section of the Greenway opened recently that showcases one of the hidden gems of the south site: South Side Lions Field. Located south of IH10 off of Pecan Valley Rd, the park features a very nice lake and plenty of picnic spots. You can start your ride by following the path around the lake: about 1.5 miles. The Greenway exits the park going north through some beautiful, heavily wooded bottom land, and ends about 2.2 miles later at Covington Park on Rigsby. Although it is currently a short ride, it's the promise of the near future that makes this worth exploring. The next phase of construction, which is complete except for one bridge over the creek, will connect Covington Park, past Willow Springs Golf Course, with the Jack White Trailhead off of I35. You can easily get around the gap in the trail by cutting through J Street Park, although this does entail a little riding on dirt trails. For more info see: http://www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/greenway_trails_salado_cov.aspx

New Mission Reach Section Open

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:17:09 -0500

Salado Creek Greenway McAllister

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:49:28 -0500

The section of paved trails from McAllister Park to Los Patios (410) starts with a commanding view of the city, and features a stretch of boardwalk that spans an expansive wetlands area. About half way is a spur that accesses Lady Bird Johnson Park on Nacogdoches, which is very close to the Bexar County tax office for those who wish to ride there. The trail winds southward and ends at Los Patios (www.lospatios.com), a nice little enclave that features shopping and dining.

Due to road construction you currently cannot cross Starcrest to get into McAllister Park. For this reason the best access point is the Tobin Trailhead (2020 NE loop 410). Round trip from Tobin to Starcrest and back is around 8 miles.

The trailhead is located next to the dog park and adjacent to the soccer fields on the southeast portion of the park. You will turn north on Buckhorn off of Starcrest and follow the signs to the dog park.

Medina River Natural Area

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 16:40:02 -0600

If you have been looking for a reason to go see where the Toyota Factory is, now you have one. Just a little past the turnoff for the factory off Hwy 16 on the far south side of town, you will find a great addition to the San Antonio Greenway system. There is plenty of parking at the trail head located in the Medina River Natural Area. The trail takes you through several ecosystems including mesquite and cactus flatlands, river bottom with cypress and pecan trees, and everything in between. There are multiple switchbacks as the trail goes in and out of the river valley, and plenty of scenic overlooks where you can take a break. The entire trail is concrete with expansion joints every 5 feet or so, which leads to a railroad like click/clacking as you ride along. This,coupled with the total trail length of twelve miles (six out and back) might make it better to be on a mountain or hybrid bike with their lower tire pressures. There is are side trails that lead down to the river that are surfaced with crushed granite that are accessible only by mountain bike or walking. It's a good idea to take your own water and flat repair stuff, because there are times when you really are out in the middle of nowhere.

Head out I35S like you are going to Laredo. Take the Palo Alto Rd. (Hwy 16) exit and head south. You will pass I410 before you need to begin looking for the entrance to the Natural Area on the left.

Government Canyon

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:11:57 -0500

Government Canyon State Natural Area is a fairly recent addition to the mountain biking opportunities in the San Antonio area. Located near Helotes, it offers a diversity of terrain. The park is broken down into two parts: the Front Country, and the Back Country. The Front Country is similar to the trails at McAllister Park, suited for beginner to intermediate riders. The Back Country is more for the adventurous and extreme mountain biker. There are steep climbs, drop offs, hard switchbacks, and rollers. 95% of the terrain in this section is for the technically oriented. A full suspension or 29er is the bike of choice among cyclist at the park. There is a fee for day use (no camping). For more details go to:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/government_canyon/

O.P. Schnable Park

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:34:54 -0500

This park was once named “the cleanest little park in Texas.” Known for its natural beauty and majestic cliff overlooks it is a great place for biking. Riders of all skill levels can chose from a variety of trails from extremely technical to paved paths. The park has been recently connected to the Leon Creek Greenway which offers more paved surfaces from Bandera road to Prue road. There are many loops that run on both sides of Leon Creek that offer a great ride for even the expert riders. There is also a BMX dirt jump section that is well maintained and has great flow. The park is located off of Bandera Road. If you are coming from 410 you would go north about 4.5 miles and it will be on your right. If you are coming from 1604 go south and it is a couple of miles down on your left. Follow the road from the entrance and turn left at the intersection and you will see the parking lot and a sign by the trailhead that describes the levels of difficulty of each trail. Enjoy!!

McAllister Park

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 22:27:35 -0500

This venerable park has long been a hub of cycling in San Antonio. Located on the north side of the Airport, it's closeness and variety of trails make it a favorite of all levels of riders. In the early 70's this park was the site of some of the first Road Bike Races in San Antonio called the ""Wednesday Night Sprints".

For the beginners there is the front section with easy trails (some asphalt) that give you a taste of the wild. The back part is better for the intermediate to expert rider: plenty of tight, fast single track with some tecnnical climbing sprinkled in. Eventually the Salado Creek Greenway project will connect McAllister with a trail that goes from 1604 to south San Antonio. From 281 North, take the Nakoma exit and follow this road about half a mile past the stadium. The park entrance is on the right.

Olmos Basin MTB SingletrackTrails

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:02:16 -0500

From humble beginnings as a few neighborhood walking trails, a group of dedicated trail makers has turned this area into a very fun place to ride. You can tell these guys love twisty, turning trails with tight squeezes between trees. The first thing I did after riding these trails was cut one inch off either side of my handlebars! There are some abrupt climbs out of drainage, but mostly flat. Beginners will get a taste of what real ATB riding is all about without getting into trouble, yet more experienced riders can up the ante by adding some speed. It can basically be divided into three parts:

1. East of 281: Mainly flat, newer trails that run through the flood plain.
2. West of 281, south of Dick Fredrick: These are the fun trails. Lots of challenging single track that is reminiscent of the old "700 Acres".
3. West of 281, north of Dick Fredrick. Much less developed, but tons of possibilities. Just see where the different trails take you. The best place to park is at the lot across from the Olmos Basin soccer fields, or at Olmos Park.

Enter the first group of trails directly across from the west exit from the lot. For the next sets, go west on Dick Fredrick and enter trails at first opportunity.

Salado Creek North Greenway

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 20:55:15 -0600

Another newly opened section of the Salado Creek Greenway (North) is a dedicated asphalt and cement trail that runs from Blanco Rd. to Huebner Rd., a total trail distance of 4.5 miles. This is by far the most scenic of the trails, and although short, it can be extended almost all the way to 1604 on existing off road trails using a mountain bike. This would add about 6 miles each way. For more info: http://www.texastrails.org The trail head (Voelker Park) is located midway between 1604 and 410 (3 miles from each), off of Blanco Rd. Follow the signs by turning west on Longfield St. & left on Old Blanco Rd., then right on Voelker Ln. to the trail head. There is no parking available at the Huebner end, but many people use the trail as part of a loop ride of their choosing. There is no drinking water available, so go prepared. This is a hike and bike trail. Slow down while passing hikers and dog walkers and anounce "On your left!"

If you want to test out your level of expertise on a mountain bike, this is a good place to go. A quick glance at google maps will show you how Salado Creek winds through the area. You feel like you are in a wilderness, but you are never more than a half of a mile from subdivisions. The single track that runs from 1604 south to Voelker Park is about as gnarly as it gets while still being rideable. Rocks and roots rule! The old saying is that if you can ride in the technical terrain around San Antonio, you can ride anywhere on earth. Beginners might want to start by riding the paved Greenbelt as far as Huebner. Continue under Huebner to a jeep road that will take you to 1604. You can start either at Voelker Park off of Blanco Rd. and go north, or park at Blattman Elementary School (3300 N. Loop 1604) during off school hours and ride south.

San Antonio Mission Trail

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 18:55:53 -0600

The first section of the Mission Reach project, a joint effort of the Army Corp of Engineers and the San Antonio River Authority, is now open from Blue Star Art Complex to Mission Road, with a cut off for Mission Conception. It is an exciting first step in reestablishing the trail system that has connected the missions for over 40 years. The trail currently ends at Mission Rd, and taking this south you will eventually runs into Mission San Jose. From there you can visit historic Stenson Field and the other southern missions. The entire Mission Reach Project is scheduled for completion in 2013.

The hike/bike trail along the Mission Trail, south of downtown San Antonio, is a gem. You'll want to take your camera with you and take some extra time and some breaks to take pictures of the history along the trail - the best light is at sunset!   The chain of missions established along the San Antonio River in the 18th century are reminders of one of Spain's most successful attempts to extend its New World dominion northward from Mexico. They were the greatest concentration of Catholic missions in North America.  Missions Concepcion, Espada and San Juan Capistrano were established in 1731; mission San Jose was established in 1720.   Mission Concepcion includes the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States and its acoustics are said to be superb.

You can download a Guide to the Mission Trails and a Map online that you can print.