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Backcountry Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Helotes, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 40 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Backcountry Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Backcountry Trailhead
Great for hiking. Different levels of difficulty and distances. Beautiful lookout points with panoramic views. Adult day pass, $6. Children 12 and under, free. See Government Canyon state natural area website for more details.
Great trail for hiking. I took my family and we all enjoyed the hike and the nature around. And of course you can’t miss the Dinosaurs tracks!!!
I love this place! Backcountry Trailhead is an incredibly beautiful piece of nature within the city limits of San Antonio. If you love hiking, this is definitely the place for you!
Amazing trails here. Whether you are a novice or experienced. They have everything from just a few mile loops to 16 mile loops. Just grab a map and go.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy and accessible for all people and the entry fee is low.”
“They have everything from just a few mile loops to 16 mile loops.”
Plan your run at Backcountry Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance40 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetpwd.texas.gov
- Phone+1 210-688-9055
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Helotes
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,564 reviews
Tranquil park featuring multi-use trails from rugged to beginner-friendly, plus guided canyon hikes.
Terra Oak Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 164 reviews
Paved trail winding through wildflowers and shaded trees for walking and jogging.
Senator Frank L. Madla Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 136 reviews
Green space offering trails and meadows, plus an overlook at a cottage.
O. P. Schnabel Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,559 reviews
Sprawling 202-acre park with nature trails, pavilions, picnic tables, athletic fields & a playscape.
