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Ringtail Ridge Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, Texas · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 22 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Ringtail Ridge 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.
Relaxing park featuring clean trails for hiking and dog-walking, plus benches.
What runners say about Ringtail Ridge Natural Area
“The trails are very well kept and the flora and fauna are very much alive and well in that area of town.”
“Not terribly scenic, but a great spot to get away, as it isn't as widely used as the other greenspaces in town.”
“It was beautiful, has very nice trails that were easy to navigate through.”
“It's often quiet and very few people are there, but It's not very scenic.”
“I like to take my dog walking here as it's only a mile from where I live”
Tried a trail I've never been on today. It was nice - only one other person out on the trail. The Ridge Loop Trail was 0.69 miles, but it was challenging enough - I'd say moderate. It was a nice rocky trail. I also went on Tex's Trail for a bit and it was nice. That was an easier hike - it was very flat and smooth.
Don't miss the access road as you drive by (it's a small dirt/rock road, but there's a wooden sign there). The park is nice and the trails are easy to follow. Bring tough shoes/boots because the ground is very rocky in a lot of places. Don't fall on a prickly pear.
It was beautiful, has very nice trails that were easy to navigate through. Good for biking, hiking, running.. Etc.
We enjoyed this trail. The dogs had a blast! On Google maps, it shows there's a creek but we didn't find one. We will try to find it when we go back. The only downside is the road leading in to the nature area. It's very tough on your vehicle. Lots of potholes and fall off.
Trail conditions & character
“Not terribly scenic, but a great spot to get away, as it isn't as widely used as the other greenspaces in town.”
“It's often quiet and very few people are there, but It's not very scenic.”
“I like to take my dog walking here as it's only a mile from where I live”
“I appreciated the boardwalk and gravel paths-- no rocks or roots to trip over!”
“There are trails of varying level of difficulty so you can really get a nice run or walk in and just enjoy the outdoors.”
“69 miles, but it was challenging enough - I'd say moderate.”
“I appreciated the boardwalk and gravel paths-- no rocks or roots to trip over!”
“I appreciated the boardwalk and gravel paths-- no rocks or roots to trip over!”
“Parking area was a decent size, once we got onto a trail they were nice and easily accessible.”
“Parking area was a decent size, once we got onto a trail they were nice and easily accessible.”
Plan your run at Ringtail Ridge Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance22 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 trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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.
- Websitesmgreenbelt.org
- Phone+1 512-393-8400
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
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.
Schulle Canyon Natural Area
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Spring Lake Natural Area
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