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Blanco Shoals Natural Area
4 ★★★★☆ 68 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Blanco Shoals Natural Area'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.
Undeveloped natural park area on the Blanco River, with tall cottonwood & pecan trees & fish.
What runners say about Blanco Shoals Natural Area
“Quick, quiet little spot to get a nice short walk in along the shores of the mighty Blanco River.”
Cool area. Not well posted, and well hidden. According to the City Park websige, there is no off roading there but, people do so at their own risk and at the detriment to the park. Beautiful hidden river area with nice hikes. Just be careful for speeding 4x4 vehicles and random people.
Nice trail, a little bit hard to get to tho, especially when you want to see some the best spots it has to offer. Depending on what time of the year you go but I'd recommend going the afternoon because of the heat and the mosquitoes.
I love it. The water is see through and I’ve seen some carps and alligator gars in there. I’ve also seen a rough green snake about 5ft long and today I saw a 5ft rattlesnake. It was hard to see because the trail wasn’t trimmed so it spooked me.
Quick, quiet little spot to get a nice short walk in along the shores of the mighty Blanco River.
Trail conditions & character
“Quick, quiet little spot to get a nice short walk in along the shores of the mighty Blanco River.”
Plan your run at Blanco Shoals Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesmgreenbelt.org
- Phone(512) 393-8400
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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