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Lower Purgatory Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 231 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, Texas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 12 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Lower Purgatory 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.
Hiking, biking, and dog-walking spot featuring challenging routes through scenic terrain.
What runners say about Lower Purgatory Trailhead
“Plenty of parking at both Upper and Lower Purgatory trailheads, although on beautiful days parking can fill up.”
“Morning temp was like mid 60s so we decided to find a trail to take the dogs on a walk.”
It’s beginning to look a lot like Spring in Purgatory! Beautiful flowers and neatly cleared hiking trails. Easy to do any length with all the different loops. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a deer!
This was very nice change of pace. Bring confortable hiking shoes, water for a long walks.... especially now in the summer. It was interesting to navigate. Lots of people on the trail and many of them claimed they were loat. Tons on mountain bikers so pay attention if you wear earbuds.
I really enjoy this series of trails. I'm biased, I live very close to this area, and enjoy hiking. I also volunteer with the San Marcos greenbelt alliance, we do trail maintenance, and setting up new trails. Check out their website for alternate hiking areas.
Rode Dante, and Beatrice trails. Trails were technical but not too bad. Lots of rock gardens with nice sized rocks. Flow was good as well. I'd recommend riding Beatrice starting from Nimrod rather than starting from Dante (west side) since it's downhill from Nimrod.
Trail conditions & character
“It is a convenient location as I wanted some time in nature while waiting to pick up my dog at the PetSmart salon.”
“Plenty of parking at both Upper and Lower Purgatory trailheads, although on beautiful days parking can fill up.”
“Parts of the trail are rocky and uneven so if you have mobility issues that may be an issue.”
“Plenty of parking at both Upper and Lower Purgatory trailheads, although on beautiful days parking can fill up.”
“All of the trail surfaces are dirt and rocks, so none are wheelchair or stroller accessible.”
“There are several trails to venture down and they loop around back to the entrances.”
“We took the main one called Dante, it was about a 10 mile round trip hike.”
Plan your run at Lower Purgatory Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance12 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
- Websitesanmarcostx.gov
- Phone+1 512-393-8000
- Social Instagram
Running trails near San Marcos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
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Upper Purgatory Trailhead
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Rio Vista Park
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Schulle Canyon Natural Area
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