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Medina River Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,181 Google reviews · Running trail in San Antonio, Texas · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Medina River 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.
511-acre oasis with riverfront paved & dirt hiking & biking trails, a variety of terrain & wildlife.
What runners say about Medina River Natural Area
“For walkers & runners, the dirt & paved trails are clean & scenic.”
“This section is beautiful and has some trails and interpretive signs including one about a Mission that used to be close by.”
“Make sure you take cold drinks beacuse even though the trails may be shaded in alot of areas, it will get hot pretty quick.”
“I biked to the seven mile marker but will go all the way to the nine mile marker next time.”
“The river was brown after the recent rain, the trails were quiet, the walk along the river was mostly through the woods with a few spots to see the river.”
Went on a weekend during Fiesta. The park was not full at all however I did notice there wasn't that much parking space. Make sure you take cold drinks beacuse even though the trails may be shaded in alot of areas, it will get hot pretty quick.
Nice trails and the woods are pretty. Very cute little sites to access the river for fishing. I love the cypress trees. Nice pavilion with picnic tables. Provide bags for dog mess, and they have restroom. Oh, and a little pond with cute ducks. There are signs for some of the plants and animals.
Hidden Gem. First time ever here. Originally from San Antonio & I never knew this was here. Trails are mixture of pavement and dirt. Will definitely come back. July 2023 I just keep coming back to this place every chance I get when I come to town. It is Beautiful. On one trail it’s almost 3 miles.
Nice mixture of different trail levels. Some are paved and others dirt. Lots of site sees with the river. There is maps, trail markers doggy stations, benches and water fountains for you and your doggy. Great place to take the whole family!
Trail conditions & character
“Paved & non paved paths Hiking difficulty- low medium (a steep ramp to get to the good parts of the park by the water)”
“Paved & non paved paths Hiking difficulty- low medium (a steep ramp to get to the good parts of the park by the water)”
“If you want to bring your dog for a walk, they have complimentary dog dropping bags to clean up after them.”
“The river was brown after the recent rain, the trails were quiet, the walk along the river was mostly through the woods with a few spots to see the river.”
“This section is beautiful and has some trails and interpretive signs including one about a Mission that used to be close by.”
“The park was not full at all however I did notice there wasn't that much parking space.”
“There is maps, trail markers doggy stations, benches and water fountains for you and your doggy.”
“Make sure you take cold drinks beacuse even though the trails may be shaded in alot of areas, it will get hot pretty quick.”
“If you need to use the restroom, they provide one at the entrance of the parking lot.”
“If you need water for your dog, there is water stations for both you & a little spigot for your dog to drink as well.”
Plan your run at Medina River Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesa.gov
- Phone(210) 207-7275
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
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