Hike and Bike Trail

The Mission Reach Hike & Bike Trail along the San Antonio River brings visitors to each of the four missions at the park.

San Antonio River Authority Photo

Take it all in.

The Hike & Bike Trail along the San Antonio River connects all five missions in San Antonio: The Alamo, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Each mission is about 2.5 miles from the next. This is a safe and fun way to visit the missions.

Before you go!

Take a look at the Mission Reach Riverwalk Map before you begin your adventure! Find water, restrooms, trail access, viewpoints and more. Please remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen! Temperatures can rise quickly at any time of year in San Antonio, and temperatures often exceed 103 degrees in the summer.

The Mission Reach looks much different than the downtown San Antonio Riverwalk. It is a shining example of urban ecosystem restoration. You may run into River Authority team members keeping the area free of trash and nurturing the native Texas grasses and wildflowers that provide seed, pollen, fruit and nectar for wildlife. The result is a serene, natural landscape where visitors can enjoy the inherent beauty of the river. The restoration has also improved the San Antonio River’s water quality, ecosystem function and health. The ecosystem improvements allow fishermen, birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts more opportunities to enjoy wildlife in an urban area.

 

Prickly Pear Cacti on Trail

Photo by Artists-in-Residence Jenny & James Tarpley of JT FineArt. NPS Photo.

What will you see?

Winding alongside the San Antonio River through old neighborhoods and farmlands, the Hike & Bike Trail provides respite from the daily grind of city life. Dedicated paved pathways that connect the missions along the river are reserved for pedestrians only. The Hike & Bike Trail is an easy walk or ride and is suitable for even children.

The Hike & Bike Trail is not a loop. It is an out-and-back. Plan for the return trip. Take on the whole trail or just do one segment, from one mission to the next.

Some common species found along the trail:

• Prickly Pear Cacti
• Red-Eared Slider Turtles
• Rat Snake
• Garter Snake
• Agarita Berries
• Pecan Trees
• Cormorants
• Egrets
• Mockingbirds
• and much more!

For more information on the flora and fauna along the trail, visit our Nature page!

For safety, please wear a helmet while biking.

 

Pilgrims with El Camino de San Antonio

The El Camino de San Antonio Missions is a program offered by the Archdiocese of San Antonio that encourages and supports pilgrimage to these sacred sites. Today, the four missions churches still exist as active parishes.If you are interested in thiis program please visit the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center located directly behind Mission Concepción, or their website.

San Antonio is the only place outside Europe where one can officially begin walking the El Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims who walk the entire route in San Antonio receive 30 km credit toward the Camino Ingles (English route) along the El Camino de Santiago, making El Camino de San Antonio part of an official route of the Camino in Spain.