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Old Tunnel State Park

4.8 (23 reviews)

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Old tunnel
Aimee G.

We had a good time hiking this area since enchanted rock was packed. We were pleasantly surprised by some of the steep areas the park had. Easy to slip and fall if you're distracted by the scenery. We came in mid-March and were told no bats were present because they migrate in October and don't return till May, but they were wrong! We got to see some fluttering around. Great views

Karen C.

Nice surprise find! Apparently, this park attracts spectators during bat season. Bleachers are set up so people can watch the bats exit the tunnel. Would love to go back and see that! We enjoyed the trails, especially after eating a large meal next door! I'd highly recommend getting something to eat at Alamo Springs next door and then enjoying the park after.

Tammie R.

Every year over 3 million bats fly here from Mexico to live in the abandoned railroad tunnel during the months of May through October. Those months, the park has nightly presentations Thursday through Sunday. Today in March, there were only a bunch of birds chirping, no bats. This was a last minute stop for me, looking for a trail and it was such an unexpected treasure! It's about 45 min south of Enchanted Rock and on the way to San Antonio (note for my SA peeps). It is so beautiful here and the trails are peaceful and stunning. There were probably hundreds of birds singing too, so lovely. However, if you're looking for a hiking trail for a workout, this is NOT the place. Unless you're looking for something to get your heart rate up in less than 10-15 min, because it took that long, if that, to complete the trails here. Great incline and a great option for a quick burst of cardio, but other than that go for the beautiful scenery and bat viewing. Other tidbits: No smoking, no dogs and no camping.

Tunnel below. There's a bridge at the bottom that you can look into the tunnel below.
AL L.

Great place to see the bats as they fly out for the night. Only $5 to get to the lower level. Free viewing from the top. This is our second time here. First time was in 2011. Will be back again in the future

Jeanne D.

Beautiful and unexpectedly so for the smallest state park in Texas. We were hoping to see bats buts realized once there it was not the right time if year.

Jessica S.

This 16 acre State Park is a great little hidden gem with amazing views. It is perfect if you're just looking to spend a short amount of time in the area but still see a lot of natural beauty.

Nancy W.

You won't be disappointed in this hidden gem! A little out of the way, but worth the drive down some nice country roads. Got there in time to get tickets for the lower seating to view the bats. Tickets go on sale at 5:30. Then went up to Alamo Springs to chow down on one of the best burgers in Texas. It's just a short walk back to the Park. We had time to do some exploring before the Park Steward started a very informative presentation about the Mexican Free Tail bat and other species in Texas. They truly are beneficial to the ecosystem! On this evening the exit from the tunnel began at about 7:35 pm. This varies every night, but we got to see quite a show! About 1.5 million bats.... lovely!!!

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5 months ago

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

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5 years ago

A nice place to go. The rangers are knowledgeable about the bats and there are thousands that fly out. Nice low key place.

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

Bats are neat and protecting bats is neat. That makes this place very neat. Mexican free tailed bats are adorable.

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Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Heart shaped cactus

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

4.4(342 reviews)
27.2 mi

Enchanted Rock is a lovely spot to visit, but it is popular and draws large crowds. Make sure to…read morecheck dates and make reservations! There's a nice long loop around the base of the rock top hike and there's the summit hike. The summit hike is the one that draws the crowds. On this occasion we opted to do the loop. The weather was pleasant, but got warm fast. There's not much shade, so prepare accordingly- sunscreen, hats, water. The trail is peaceful and quaint. We didn't see very many hikers or wildlife. The hike is relatively easy, until it isn't. At one point, I really thought we must have turned off the trail. We were down to single file, rocky terrain. I didn't remember this part of the trail so I'm memorializing my trauma now. Luckily, I was with a supportive and helpful partner who lead the way and helped me when I needed. Once we got passed that stretch of terror, we were home free! And then we had to traverse the parking lot clear to the other side. Come to find out, there's two ways to start the loop. Pro tip, park somewhere in the middle to trick yourself into feeling like the end doesn't last forever. Sign me up to go back on the winter!

We didn't make any reservations so we had to go into the building and get our tickets. They gave us…read morea map and showed us where to go. We parked near the restrooms. We had our dog with us so we're only allowed to go on the loop trail (about 4.6 miles). There was a scenic lookout along the way. If you start left to right, the trail becomes narrower. Also, some cell signals are stronger along the loop trail. There are about 2-3 restrooms along the trail. We went at around 9:30. As we were leaving around 12:30, more cars were coming into the area.

Photos
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Enchanted rock summit trail

Enchanted rock summit trail

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - 107 degrees so forgive the flip flops! 7 year old made to top no prob

107 degrees so forgive the flip flops! 7 year old made to top no prob

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Climbing up steep enchanted 5/2024

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Climbing up steep enchanted 5/2024

Joshua Springs Reserve

Joshua Springs Reserve

4.5(19 reviews)
14.8 mi

I think I finally got my new hiking spot here in San Antonio/Boerne! Such a nice spot to get some…read morefresh air and exercise while being out in the outdoors! Everything is super maintained than most parks I've been before! I usually go with my MIL, my baby girl and our dogs to get them some exercise as well and try to do 1-2 miles each time we are here. Depending on what trails you walk/hike on, theres some with shade and some that you will hit up the blazing sun, but with fall upon it hasn't been horrible! Everyone who hikes here are really respectful with the trails/area which is such a pleasant thing as there's usually not a lot of people who do that now a days. Will of course be returning weekly to get our steps in and vitamin D!

This was actually a great place to come visit with the family on spring break! The weather was…read moreperfect, wasn't overcrowded, plenty of places to sit and enjoy fresh air. Loved they had a dog park and a playground you can take your kids to. There are places you can even go fishing if you want or just sit by the water to relax. Loved how there were plenty of signs around too talking about the animals and plants common there. Good information about the park too and didn't feel I would get lost either (good flat paths you can take). I barely saw any trash flying around either and could tell they keep this park well kept. I absolutely plan to come back here in the future when I have time. Definitely worth the visit!

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Joshua Springs Reserve
Joshua Springs Reserve
Joshua Springs Reserve

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Old Tunnel State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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