Cathedral Rock Nature Park

Cathedral Rock Park is a 56-acre public park located on the West Side of San Antonio, Texas, between Grissom and Culebra roads. The park features nearly 2 miles of concrete and crushed clay trails, along with an intricate web of unofficial dirt trails. It also connects to the Leon Creek Greenway, a 20-mile linear trail network.

The park's main attraction is its limestone formations, which include a bluff rising approximately 30 feet high from a dry creekbed. This natural feature, while not quite cathedral-like in scale, offers visitors various overhangs, ledges, and grottos to explore. The limestone outcroppings provide an excellent opportunity for visitors of all ages to scramble and climb, making it a popular spot for families.

Cathedral Rock Park showcases a convergence of several South and Central Texas wildlife habitats, including dry mesquite uplands, oak-juniper woods, and riparian forest. Visitors may observe a variety of flora, including live oak, mesquite, cedar elm, hackberry, and prickly pear cacti. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, though visitors should exercise caution and respect for the natural environment.

The park includes a playground area with whimsical custom designs, including a large treehouse and an animal-themed playscape. This area is particularly popular with families, providing a safe and engaging space for children to play. The playground features shaded areas and poured-in-place surfacing in various colors.

For those looking to extend their visit, a 1.2-mile paved concrete trail connects the park to the Leon Creek Greenway. From this connection point, visitors can choose to head north towards the Grissom Road trailhead or south to access the Devil's Den network of mountain bike trails.

It's important to note that while the park offers shaded areas, some portions are exposed to direct sunlight, which can make summer visits quite warm. Visitors are advised to bring plenty of water, especially during hotter months.