Medina River Greenway
A rural, less-crowded greenway trail offering stunning spring wildflowers, river views, and birdwatching opportunities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers in full bloom
Medina River Greenway
Best Time
Wildflowers in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rural, less-crowded greenway trail offering stunning spring wildflowers, river views, and birdwatching opportunities.
"Wildflowers in the spring are amazing, like riding through an impressionist painting."
Check Trail Pavement
Older sections of the trail can be deteriorated; watch your step or bike carefully. :athletic_shoe:
Spring Wildflower Season
Visit in spring for an unforgettable display of wildflowers; it's truly breathtaking. :sunflower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spring Wildflower Spectacle
Ride or walk through a vibrant, impressionistic painting of colorful wildflowers blanketing the trails in spring.

Mitchell Lake Birdwatching
Observe waterfowl and diverse bird species in Mitchell Lake, frequently full and teeming with life.

Mission Reach Connection
Explore the seamless connection to the Mission Reach, expanding your trail adventure south of Mission Espada.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Connectivity
Embrace the Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Pavement
Older sections of the trail can be deteriorated; watch your step or bike carefully.
:athletic_shoe:Spring Wildflower Season
Visit in spring for an unforgettable display of wildflowers; it's truly breathtaking.
:sunflower:Connect to Mission Reach
The trail now links to the Mission Reach, offering extended exploration opportunities.
:world_map:Peaceful & Rural Vibe
Enjoy one of the least busy greenway trails for a tranquil outdoor experience.
:leafy_green:Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Pavement
Older sections of the trail can be deteriorated; watch your step or bike carefully.
:athletic_shoe:Spring Wildflower Season
Visit in spring for an unforgettable display of wildflowers; it's truly breathtaking.
:sunflower:Connect to Mission Reach
The trail now links to the Mission Reach, offering extended exploration opportunities.
:world_map:Peaceful & Rural Vibe
Enjoy one of the least busy greenway trails for a tranquil outdoor experience.
:leafy_green:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Medina River Greenway for its beautiful natural scenery, especially the stunning wildflower displays in spring and the peaceful, rural atmosphere. The trail's connection to the Mission Reach is a significant plus for extending exploration. However, some older paved sections are noted as being in poor condition, detracting slightly from the overall experience.
"Go take a look, walk the trails, you won't regret it.... Absolutely beautiful"
Ned L Ayers ll
"This trail is now connected to the Mission Reach just south of Mission Espada. The trail is the most rural of the greenway trails and one of the least busy. Along with the Medina River it passes beside Mitchell Lake, which is frequently full of waterfowl. Wildflowers in the spring are amazing, like riding through an impressionist painting. Some of the pavement on older sections of the trail is badly deteriorated, otherwise I'd give it five stars."
Steven Eby
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Tony Simms
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the Medina River Greenway from various trailheads. The Roosevelt trailhead, near the TJ Maxx warehouse, is a popular starting point to walk east towards Cassin Lake.
It's also now connected to the Mission Reach, south of Mission Espada.Parking is available at trailheads like the Roosevelt trailhead. It's recommended to check specific trailhead information for parking availability and any associated fees.
Yes, the Medina River Greenway is suitable for biking. It features a paved trail, though some older sections may be deteriorated, so exercise caution.
Absolutely! The trail is now connected to the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, south of Mission Espada, offering an extended trail system to explore.
To find the most beautiful stretches of wildflowers, park at the Roosevelt trailhead and walk east towards Cassin Lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Medina River Greenway is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee. Enjoying the trails and natural beauty is free.
As a public park, the Medina River Greenway is typically open from dawn to dusk. It's always a good idea to check with San Antonio Parks and Recreation for any specific hours or closures.
No, tickets are not required for entry to the Medina River Greenway as it is a public park. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond standard park rules. However, always be mindful of posted signage and park regulations.
While the trails are generally safe, some visitors have reported a 'creepy vibe' due to sparse crowds in certain areas. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours and be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Medina River Greenway trail is approximately 13.3 miles long, offering a substantial route for hiking and biking.
Expect a rural and natural landscape with views of the Medina River, Mitchell Lake (often full of waterfowl), and stunning wildflowers in the spring.
The trail passes near Mission Espada and is connected to the Mission Reach, which encompasses several historic Spanish missions.
The trail has an elevation gain of approximately 413 feet, making it a moderately challenging route for some.
Some visitors have noted a 'creepy vibe' in more secluded areas, mentioning remnants of old structures like a fireplace. The area is also associated with local legends like Donkey Lady Bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
The spring wildflower displays are incredibly photogenic, creating an 'impressionist painting' effect.
The riverbanks and Mitchell Lake also offer scenic opportunities, especially for bird photography.Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Spring mornings are particularly magical for capturing the wildflowers.
Yes, Mitchell Lake is frequently full of waterfowl, making it a great spot for bird photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
While the trail is more about natural scenery, the connection to the Mission Reach provides opportunities to photograph historic mission structures.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, like a 24-70mm or a telephoto lens for birds, would be beneficial. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive wildflower fields.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists
🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
One of the most celebrated aspects of the Medina River Greenway is its stunning display of wildflowers during the spring. Visitors describe it as riding 'through an impressionist painting,' a truly breathtaking experience that draws many photographers and nature enthusiasts. The trail's connection to the Mission Reach, south of Mission Espada, significantly expands the exploration possibilities, linking it to a network of historic Spanish missions. This connectivity makes it an ideal destination for a longer outdoor adventure.
Despite its natural charm, some visitors have noted a peculiar 'creepy vibe' in more isolated parts of the trail. This is sometimes attributed to the sparse presence of other people and the discovery of old, abandoned structures like a fireplace. Local legends, such as the story of Donkey Lady Bridge, also add to the area's mystique. While these elements might deter some, for others, they add a layer of intrigue to the outdoor experience.
Best Times to Visit & What to Expect
For those seeking a peaceful escape, the Medina River Greenway is one of the least busy greenway trails in the area, making it perfect for a quiet hike or bike ride. The presence of Mitchell Lake frequently attracts a variety of waterfowl, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. However, it's important to be prepared for varying trail conditions; while much of the path is paved, older sections can be quite rough, so sturdy footwear or a well-maintained bicycle is recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit