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Rio Vista Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,786 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 Rio Vista Park'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.
14-acre regional park featuring sports courts, a swimming pool, picnic areas & hiking/biking trails.
What runners say about Rio Vista Park
“A beautiful park right by the water, with a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.”
This is a really lovely place to spend some time outdoors. A beautiful park right by the water, with a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. There’s a café along the shore where you can sit, have a drink, and enjoy the view of the waterfall — such a nice spot to slow down and take everything in.
Not only a place to swim, but beautiful picnic areas. Theres a playground for the kiddos, basketball court, splash pad, tennis area, and beautiful walking trails! Potty areas inside as well as port-a-potties. Water is strong, crispy, and clear! Definitely a nice spot for a hot summer day! Very clean area as well!
I take my friends here often. Makes for a great afternoon of tubing and we pack a picnic for the park. It's nice when there are officers nearby to keep the feeling of safety. Occasionally there are a few people that spoil the family friendly vibe with their smoking or language.
The river area is great. There's a calm area to play in and there's also a small rapids area to the left that a lot of people play in weather they're just sliding through or practicing their rafting craft 😎😁 a large white rock area for walking down the river or sitting to put your feet in the water and watch the ppl…
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful park right by the water, with a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.”
“The most fun I've ever had on a tube only downside is it gets packed but if you get there early you shouldn't have a problem finding parking.”
Plan your run at Rio Vista Park
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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitesanmarcostx.gov
- Phone+1 512-393-8400
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 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.
William & Eleanor Crook Park
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This riverside park with trails & picnic tables is a popular place for tubing, canoeing & kayaking.
Stokes Park
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Green space centered around the San Marcos River offering walking trails & picnicking space.
The Sundial
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Spring Lake Natural Area
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A large tract of undeveloped meadow & wooded land featuring natural-surface trails.
Schulle Canyon Natural Area
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Set on an undeveloped landscape, this 21-acre area offers nature trails & native wildlife views.