Click here for help on how to read this trail guide
Directions:
Length:
Technical Level:
Trail Type:
Configuration:
Trail Map(s):
Fee:
Trails:
Amenities:
Links:
Contact:
Comments:
Photos:
Video:
Trail Review:
12+ miles
1-4
singletrack; doubletrack; paved
network
none
n/a
• Restrooms
• Basketball court
• Soccer and baseball/softball fields
• Playscape
• Pavilions
SATX Parks & Recreation website
I recently moved from
the Dallas area to Boerne (outside San Antonio) and have been searching
out good MTB trails for casual riding and formal training. I have made
multiple MTB riding trips to Moab and Durango and consider myself an
intermediate to advanced rider with solid climbing skills. As a frame
of reference, my DFW riding experience includes regular rides at Irwin
Park (McKinney), Arbor Hills (Plano), Northshore (Lake Grapevine), Joe
Pool Lake, St. Jo, Rowlett Creek Preserve, etc.
To date, my favorite San Antonio area trails have been Tapitio Springs (Boerne)
and Flat Rock Ranch (Comfort). While both of these trails are physically
demanding, O.P. Schnabel provides a great change of pace when you don't
feel like busting out an intense ride. For the intermediate rider, its
a great place to simply get some seat time on the bike and losing yourself
in steep burst climbs, fun trail networks, and the ability to break
off the ride when you've had enough and easily get to your car. For
the beginner, you can avoid the killer short burst climbs by the dry
creek shorelines and simply enjoy the pleasant riding through nicely
maintained wooded trails that contain few dangerous tree roots or rock
gardens. Perfect for the wife and kids, the wooded trails offer protection
from the sun and are home to small groups of deer.
I was pleasantly surprised that the various loops can be combined into a
pleasant riding experience that does not become boring. While not as
challenging as riding the Colorado Trail along the Continental Divide
-- this is a very nice city park trail option for bikers of all skill
levels and there's enough trail loops to alleviate bike traffic. This
trail will suit most casual bikers just fine. For former DFW area riders,
imagine the wooded trail network of Rowlett Creek, with the sometimes
rugged areas and brief climbs of Northshore Grapevine.
Not challenging enough? There's always those screaming rocky switchbacks
at Tapatio Springs in 95 degree heat!
~ S. Patti