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Headwaters Sanctuary Trails
4.4 ★★★★☆ 63 Google reviews · Running trail in San Antonio, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Headwaters Sanctuary Trails' 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 Headwaters Sanctuary Trails
“The trails are nicely maintained, have trail signage, and religious markers along the trails.”
“So beautiful and peaceful, the Monarch Butterfly habitat just adds to the ambience.”
“This is a good place for a morning walk in the summer since it’s so shaded.”
“Great place for a quiet weekend stroll – parking on summer weekend mornings is bountiful but it might be different during the school year.”
I decided to come here today for a birthday hike and was not disappointed. I didn’t hike all of the trails, but nearly all of Heritage and the Olmos Creek trail. I arrived just after sunrise. It was extremely peaceful and neat. The paths I took were very well kept.
A nice and peaceful walking trail behind the University of the Incarnate Word. I recommend parking at Brackenridge park through the Hildebrand entrance and walking to the University to access the trails. The walking trails are through flat and hilly grounds and some trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Great place for a quiet weekend stroll – parking on summer weekend mornings is bountiful but it might be different during the school year. I *think* you’re allowed to park here without a university permit near the softball fields. I did for a couple of hours and didn’t get a ticket.
Nice set of trails at the University of Incarnate Word behind the baseball field. The trails are nicely maintained, have trail signage, and religious markers along the trails. Established by the Sisters in 2008 an area of 53 acres of spring-filled land.
Trail conditions & character
“So beautiful and peaceful, the Monarch Butterfly habitat just adds to the ambience.”
“Great place for a quiet weekend stroll – parking on summer weekend mornings is bountiful but it might be different during the school year.”
“Great place for a quiet weekend stroll – parking on summer weekend mornings is bountiful but it might be different during the school year.”
“The main loop trail is marked well, but once you get on the side trails, they split into separate trails that aren’t marked.”
“My main bit of advice is to make sure you use the restroom ahead of time.”
“The walking trails are through flat and hilly grounds and some trails are not wheelchair accessible.”
“This is a good place for a morning walk in the summer since it’s so shaded.”
“It’s all crushed gravel, mulch, or dirt with hardly any inclines at all.”
“The trails are nicely maintained, have trail signage, and religious markers along the trails.”
Plan your run at Headwaters Sanctuary Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websiteheadwaters-iw.org
- Phone+1 210-828-2224
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
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