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Upper Purgatory Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 115 Google reviews · Running trail in San Marcos, Texas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 12 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Upper 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.
Area offering hiking trails that are good for kids and strollers.
What runners say about Upper Purgatory Trailhead
“The markings are clear, the trail is always clean.”
“Beautiful scenery, lots of rocky/technical trails to run or hike, and it's relatively quiet.”
I'm new to the area and wanted to check out the trails and the creek. It's a beautiful natural area. I didn't realize how long of a walk it would be to the actual creek lol this would be a cool spot to take the kids for a nice bike ride- the trails are longer. The south access has a shorter walk to the creek it seems.
Geryon Grotto on Malacodo is amazing to see, is really big and worth the hike.
The trail was really good and free to enter. It’s not well taken care of and the it gets harder to walk in some areas because the outgrown grass and several people didn’t pick up after their dogs in it as well but I still find it a good one with some good sceneries and some challenging parts to burn some calories.
This park is a relatively unknown treasure! Beautiful scenery, lots of rocky/technical trails to run or hike, and it's relatively quiet. This is well worth the 40min drive from San Antonio! I've put in many many miles running out here since I found this place a few months ago.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful scenery, lots of rocky/technical trails to run or hike, and it's relatively quiet.”
“The only thing that has been happening more often that has caused some concern is the amount of dog excrement and dog waste bags are found on this trail.”
“You can take the north loop with the Paraiso trail in 1 hour, fairly easy and safe, just a bit rocky in some parts.”
“You can take the north loop with the Paraiso trail in 1 hour, fairly easy and safe, just a bit rocky in some parts.”
“Very relaxing, minus the road to the parking lot, but no tires were injured 🤗”
“Nice trails - there’s a gravel option and smaller dirt trails for more exploring.”
Plan your run at Upper Purgatory Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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+1 512-393-8400
- Social Instagram
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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