Headwaters Sanctuary Trails

"Trail was fun and easy! Some spots might be a little hassle but makes the experience amazing! Was able to walk most of the trail with my boys highly recommend."

"I decided to come here today for a birthday hike and was not disappointed. I didn’t hike all of the trails, but nearly all of Heritage and the Olmos Creek trail. I arrived just after sunrise. It was extremely peaceful and neat. The paths I took were very well kept. Only bummer is some of the areas are being cleared of dead/dying trees, so some spaces are a bit sad-looking. But the parts of Olmos Creek trail I took were very beautiful and serene. My main bit of advice is to make sure you use the restroom ahead of time. There are no restrooms in the immediate area. Closest was near the softball field, but it was locked and I’m sure isn’t really available to the public. Also, I don’t recommend using the address from Google to map. They have directions and a map on the site explaining access from 281. The address listed takes you to one of UIW’s entrances off Broadway. And while there are a couple of cool sites to see on campus, it’s an additional hike to get to Headwaters’ trail head."

"A nice and peaceful walking trail behind the University of the Incarnate Word. I recommend parking at Brackenridge park through the Hildebrand entrance and walking to the University to access the trails. The walking trails are through flat and hilly grounds and some trails are not wheelchair accessible. I suggest carrying some water or juice drinks and snacks for the kids."

"Awesome trails. Great for walking or jogging! I would say it's kid friendly! It's more for beginner hikers!"

"Great place for a quiet weekend stroll – parking on summer weekend mornings is bountiful but it might be different during the school year. I *think* you’re allowed to park here without a university permit near the softball fields. I did for a couple of hours and didn’t get a ticket. I asked a couple of people on the trails and they said they *thought* it would be ok, but nobody seems to know for sure. This is a good place for a morning walk in the summer since it’s so shaded. It’s all crushed gravel, mulch, or dirt with hardly any inclines at all. A cheap pair of tennis shoes will suffice. 99% of the trails are shaded as you walk through the beautiful woods. The main loop trail is marked well, but once you get on the side trails, they split into separate trails that aren’t marked. You won’t get lost, but it’s kind of confusing which trails you are on. As Stephen C stated in his tip, head left on the trail and go clockwise if you want to view the Stations of the Cross art work in chronological order – BUT be warned, because when I was there, a couple of them had wasp nests in the boxes that covered them. Don’t get too close and you’ll be fine – just don’t rush up to them and put your face real close to view the art. Stay a good 5 feet away and make sure there’s not a wasp nest in it. Check the map at the trail head and make sure you find your way to the Olmos Dam – you can get really close to it, if you walk down a little hill and get off the trail a little bit. Little Blue Hole is located toward the end of the loop trail if you started clockwise or near the beginning if you started counter-clockwise (both of these are also listed on the map at the trailhead). Total trails might be a mile long, but if you head toward Blue Hole and the Heritage Trails at Incarnate Word you can get another mile or so for your walk. To get to Blue Hole, take an immediate right on the gravel walkway from the parking lot – this is before you walk into the park and get to the trailhead – look for the bridge in my pictures. I really recommend checking out Blue Hole – it’s a serene, peaceful setting and a great place for self-reflection and just being by yourself if that’s what you need. This pathway will also take you to the grotto and some other paved walkways that take you onto the grounds of The Incarnate Word to some other cool spots."