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Old Tunnel WMA

4.6 (25 reviews)

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Old Tunnel--Home to 3 million bats!
Christine A.

Don't miss the bats!!! The Old Tunnel WMA (Wildlife Management Area) is under the conservation and management of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is an old inoperative railroad tunnel and home to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats! Visits to the Old Tunnel operate from May through October every year with educational programs presented by the TPWD personnel. It is only 16.1 acres and is the smallest WMA in Texas. We visited the bat tunnel last summer and were able to watch as they emerged at dusk. The bats came out very close to where I was sitting. I could see them flutter by, hear them squeak and feel the air move as they flew over my head. Perhaps that is why the park ranger said to sit very still because they had not eaten yet. Call the number above for the most up-to-date information and go early. There is a fee for the lower tunnel viewing but a free area exists up above it. Visitors are limited. Bring binoculars.

Old Tunnel State Park

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

This is a great little park with hiking trails! Some great views of the hill country too!

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18 years ago

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12 years ago

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18 years ago

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10 years ago

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18 years ago

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16 years ago

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8 years ago

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11 years ago

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

Simply a must see if you are in the area during the summer. Nature at it's finest when you watch the bat emergence.

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14 years ago

This road is a must if you drive a sports car or a motorcycle! Zoom zoom! Exceptional twists and turns!

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13 years ago

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11 years ago

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10 years ago

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10 years ago

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Review Highlights - Old Tunnel WMA

We arrived before the bat flight and paid $5 per person to walk down to the lower viewing area.

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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.

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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 WMA - parks - Updated May 2026

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