Last updated: June 13, 2025
Thing to Do
Hike & Bike Along the River

NPS Photo
Winding alongside the San Antonio River through historic neighborhoods and farmlands, the Mission Reach 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 trail is an easy walk or ride and is suitable for even children.
This trail connects all five missions in San Antonio: The Alamo, Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Each mission is about 2-3 miles from the next and a short distance from the main river trail path. Take a look at the river map before you start your adventure to plan your way.
The hike and bike path is a great way to see the missions, enjoy the outdoors, and watch wildlife. Common wildlife you can see include: egrets, red-eared sliders, cormorants, osprey, prickly pear cacti, pecan trees, and much more!
If you are planning on hitting the trail, always bring adequate supplies and water. Summer months can be extremely hot in San Antonio and not much of the Hike & Bike Trail is shaded, so you should always carry water.
The Hike & Bike Trail is not a loop. It is an out-and-back. Plan on hiking or biking the trek back or find a car ride back. Take on the whole trail or just do one segment, from one mission to the next.
To bike the trail, bring your own bike or rent a bike at one of the San Antonio Bike Share stations at each mission site.
Common plant and animal species observed along the trail include prickly pear cacti, red-eared slider turtles, common musk turtles, bull snake, rat snake, garter snake, agarita berry, pecan tree, egrets, mockingbirds, and much more!