Farm Loop Trailhead

Hike past corrals, historic farm fields, and an original acequia on the Farm Loop.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Mission San Juan

Significance:

Trailhead

Amenities

11 listed

Beach/Water Access, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Internet/WiFi Available, Recycling, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable

explore more of the farm fields and see the historic flowing acequias, or irrigation ditches, carrying water from the San Antonio River. During the mission period, this acequia would water all the Mission San Juan farmland. This was easily done using wooden gates. Gates could be opened or closed depending on what fields needed water. In our demonstration garden, you can see how they planted their seeds on the berms and dug furrows for the water to flow.   

The irrigation ditches are still flowing today and are used by the San Antonio Food Bank to irrigate their crops. The food bank pulls water from these acequias into their modern irrigation systems.   

The farmland is still being used to feed people in the local community. The San Antonio Food Bank manages this farmland, and donates the produce they grow to feed the people of San Antonio.