Mission Reach Paddling Trail


Enjoy an 8-mile long trail from Roosevelt Park downstream to the Camino Coahuilteca takout by Mission Espada for a very special view of San Antonio’s mission region.

Getting There

Water access sites:

Roosevelt Park: (DD) 29.401488 N, 98.488317 W
Mission Road and Lone Star Blvd.

Concepción Park: (DD) 29.390653 N, 98.498250 W
The dead end of Theo Parkway

VFW Blvd: (DD) 29.370233 N, 98.476065 W
Parking at NW corner of  VFW Blvd. and San Antonio River

Padre Park: (DD) 29.362208 N, 98.469779 W
Parking at dead end of Park Rd. off of Padre Drive

Espada Park: (DD) 29.347689 N, 98.466271 W
South of SE Military on Mission Parkway

Mission Parkway: (DD) 29.346255 N, 98.463275 W
Mission Parkway

Camino Coahuilteca: (DD) 29.319595 N, 98.448919 W
South of Loop 410 between Espada Road and Villamain

Distance from nearest major cities:

  • Austin - 80 miles
  • Corpus Christi - 150 miles
  • Laredo - 160 miles
  • Houston - 200 miles
  • Dallas - 275 miles
  • Lubbock - 400 miles
  • El Paso - 550 miles

Map

Full size view of this map.

Trail Description and Landmarks

Trail Length: 8 miles from Roosevelt Park to Camino Coahuilteca

Float Times: 3-5 hours (full 8-mile trail; dependent on water levels and flow rate)
Note: There are opportunities to take out at alternate access sites sooner if necessary - see Getting There.

The 8-mile Mission Reach Paddling Trail flows from just south of Downtown San Antonio through over 400 acres of restored riparian habitat and is bordered by 15 miles of hike and bike trails, City parks, County Parks, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. There are 30+ “Canoe Chutes” that will allow vessels to pass through riffles during low flow levels. Access points are marked by Blue buoys on the waters edge that can be seen from both the hike and bike trail as well as the water.

The San Antonio River is a natural river that is unrestrained by flood control dams or other man made structures. As such, the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River is readily influenced by rainfall runoff from the urban area that surrounds it. 72 hours following rain events, paddlers should expect high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Flow and water quality information is available to paddlers on the web at www.sara-tx.org.

Fishing

Common gamefish found in the Mission Reach are Largemouth Bass, and multiple species of Catfish and Sunfish. Since most of the River is exposed fish will gravitate toward shaded areas.  Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and light-line are recommended.

Wildlife and Ecology

The riparian corridor of the San Antonio River supports a great diversity of plant and animal life along the river and beyond the banks. Birds spotted here include Neotropical and Double Crested Cormorants, Many species of Egrets and Herons. Over 200 species of native plants reside along the banks of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, and as part of the Ecosystem Restoration Project over 23,000 trees have been planted along this 8-mile section of river.

Events & Attractions

For more information please see the Paddling Events calendar.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. In 1978, the Spanish colonial missions in San Antonio became a part of this family.
The San Antonio Missions tell the stories of the people who came into the Spanish missions to live in the 1700s. The National Park Service invites you to discover American history in all its diversity at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and 4 of the Missions that were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm; 210-932-1001

The River Walk
In addition to the 8 miles of Paddling Trails along the San Antonio River are over 25 miles of hike and bike trails bordering over 15 Miles of River in the City of San Antonio. These trails connect the Museum Reach North of Downtown through the Historic Downtown River Walk to the Mission Reach. Download and print your own map and start exploring! 210-227-1373

The ALAMO
Originally settled as a Spanish Mission around 1918 Mission San Antonio de Valero (more commonly known as the Alamo) was the site of a siege and historic battle during the Texas revolution against Mexico. Also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alamo grounds are Managed by the State of Texas General Land Office and are free to visit every day except December 24th and 25th. www.thealamo.org; 210-225-1391

San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau
San Antonio boasts many of the top tourist destinations in Texas as well as theme parks, historic sites, diverse cultural experiences, conventions and nightlife. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a great place to see what is happening in San Antonio and help you make the most out of your trip to the Alamo City. http://visitsanantonio.com/; 1-800-447-3372

Confluence Park
Located at 310 W. Mitchell Street, near the convergence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, Confluence Park is a destination for learning and recreation, inspiring visitors while teaching environmental science and sustainability. A landmark project where art and science meet, the park will be a living example of the promise of our river and what the future will be if we act as stewards of our river and all of our water sources. https://www.sariverfoundation.org/; 210-224-2694

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County, City of San Antonio, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Shuttles & Rentals

Approved Paddling Vendors within San Antonio City Limits

Available on the San Antonio River Authority website.