Southwest SA
Medina River Natural Area
HikingKayakingBirdingFishing
Southwest SA
The Medina River Natural Area is a 511-acre preserve on San Antonio's south side — the only riparian natural area in the city's natural areas system — where the landscape shifts dramatically between sunbaked uplands dotted with cactus, honey mesquite, and spring wildflowers and the deep, shaded pecan-and-bald-cypress forest along the river. The trail system totals about 7 miles, anchored by a 6.64-mile paved out-and-back greenway trail that winds through both habitat types and is graded from Level One accessibility near the trailhead to steeper Level Three sections deeper in the park. The park is also the only city natural area with both a designated kayak launch and overnight camping — six tent pads with a covered pavilion, composting toilets, potable water, and an outdoor grill for $20 per night. Wildlife highlights include the Green Kingfisher and Painted Bunting, both more reliably seen here than almost anywhere else in Bexar County. Fishing is permitted at several river access points with a valid Texas fishing license. The south-side location means summer visits can be brutal — the paved trail's open sections offer little shade, so early-morning starts and plenty of water are essential from May through October.
Shade Details
Riparian forest canopy is dense — cypress and pecan shade most trails and the river corridor.
Conditions & Tips
Check river levels after rain — can flood quickly. Kayak access is carry-in only; no ramp.
River can drop to knee-deep or lower in drought. Check Medina Lake levels before paddling.