Crownridge Canyon Park in San Antonio

What are the highlights of Crownridge Canyon Park?

Crownridge Canyon Park is one of the best-kept secrets in San Antonio. The park delights locals and visitors in the know with its idyllic landscape and loop hiking trails suitable for the whole family. The Red Oak Trail is the lower trail loop and is a gentle Level 1 path. The 1.3-mile course consists of packed fine gravel cemented enough to make the surface wheelchair friendly. It also offers plenty of shade, perfect for when the Texan sun is burning.

The 0.6-mile loop Bear Grass Trail is a moderate hike in the upper part of the park. Expect a dirt and gravel single track and a few steep slopes and rocky ledges. This trail offers more solitude because hikers gain 200 ft of elevation as they wind through a forest of Ashe juniper and oak before joining the Red Oak Trail again. 

What are the things to see and do at Crownridge Canyon Park?

Crownridge Canyon Park is a great plant and wildlife sanctuary. You can track down meadows of blooming wildflowers in spring and summer, including Indian paintbrush, Indian blankets, mountain laurels, and Mealy blue sage. Birdwatching enthusiasts can bring binoculars and spot the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. No dogs are allowed in the park to avoid disturbing the birds. 

After you’ve explored Crownridge Canyon Park but still have a craving for outdoor adventure or a slightly more challenging hike, Friedrich Wilderness Park is a great option. The park is only 3 miles away and features 600 acres of wild Hill Country terrain and more than 10 miles of walking trails. The paths range from Level 1 handicap accessible to Level 4 difficulty.

Good to know about Crownridge Canyon Park

There is no direct bus route between Downtown San Antonio and Crownridge Canyon Park. Even so, you can take bus route 93 from Centro Plaza a few blocks west of Downtown and get off the bus at The Rim shopping mall. From there, order a taxi cab or use a ride-sharing app to travel the remaining 3.3 miles to the park.

Entrance to Crownridge Canyon Park is free, and amenities include restrooms and a small covered pavilion with seating. There is also information on display regarding what plant and wildlife you can find in the park.

Within close vicinity to Crownridge Canyon Park is Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio’s biggest amusement park with thrilling rides, family attractions and live shows. Nearby you can visit The Shops at La Cantera. The open-air shopping mall is the city’s most luxurious retail center, home to high-end boutiques surrounded by lush gardens and water features.