Crownridge Canyon Natural Area

Pretty decent natural area. The Red Oak Trail is pretty much paved but if you want to get on the natural area, go out to the Bear Grass Trail.

All the trails combined are probably less than 2.5 miles, so don't expect a whole lot. But the Bear Grass Trail is really good for bird watching and listening. Also, very natural, so you get to see Texas like it was way back in the day! Just don't expect a rugged hike if that is what you are after. It is fun, but not challenging.

All in all, it's a great park and not too busy - kind of a hidden gem in SA - so, SHHH, don't tell anyone else about it!

Water fountains and bathrooms with running water can be found at the trailhead.

The park itself is the best in town, but I encountered severe harassment there today, so security officers need to be present there during all open hours. An idiotic child threw a hard ball at my left thigh as I was walking by the pavilion by the parking lot at the end of my hike today, and now I have a huge bruise!!! I need 8 bodyguards even though I'm not a rockstar!!!

Nice park that has been turned into a sidewalk the past year or so with the work they did. I run here every other day, nice short loop with an actual hiking section were you gain a bit of elevation and is a bit more raw.
The lower loop got paved over somewhat recently, it's still nice and good to be in the trees but it's not the same. Great for accessibility, if you need it this is the place to go.
As for a walk in nature or a "trail run" you're just basically walking on a sidewalk if you do the lower loop. There are a few signs about respecting the flora and fauna and the trails but I can't help but roll my eyes at that when I see the wide paved concrete road they built with machinery.

I love this hiking trail, the atmosphere is peaceful. The hiking trails aren't extensive but can be a decent workout. There are plenty of places to park and there are restrooms towards the entrance and a beautiful mural as well. There is a bridge, benches to sit/journal, plenty of trees and paved walkways. This natural area is a little secluded which is nice and free.

This was my first visit to this park. I was there with my Master Naturalist class for our first field trip. We walked A loop around the park while being told about the native species of plant life and how trails are best constructed to preserve the natural elements.

The park is beautiful. The trails are very nicely done. It is a great place to take a hike and feel at one with nature. I can't wait to go back.

Overall a very nice area to hike. A bummer that dogs not allowed but due to an endangered bird that lives in the park we have been told.
The main trail is a decent 2 mile hike with decent terrain changes. Very quiet and easily marked. Not much scenery other than lots of trees so be advised depending on what you are looking for.
Bathroom facilities are good and parking lot is small but never too crowded. Beautiful 75 degrees in early December and only 5 cars there midday.

Nice but short. The whole loop including the Bear trail is 1.9 miles. There are nice views of awesome homes up on the ridge to look at, and it is not very crowded at all. Bottom line, it's nice for a 30 minute walk but that is about it.
To me, the best hike in San Antonio is Friedrich, #2 would be Eisenhower, #3 Government Canyon...I recommend those over Crownridge.

I used to live in that area and loved this trail to just de-stress. The reviews are absolutely spot on. It is a serene place that I drive miles to go back to every now and then. Worth the trip for a short work out or if you want to take in true San Antonio nature.

This is a nice small place to take a hike. Other commenters seem to be forgetting that it is a nature reserve first and foremost with multiple decent sized animals (turkeys, feral hogs, mountain lions, ect.) possibly roaming and fields of protected restored grasslands which is why they probably don't allow dogs. Besides, many people appreciate not having to see or step over dog poop, no offense. I hiked both the Red Oak trail (Level 1) and the Red Grass trail (level 4). The Red Oak trail is a flat walk with better scenery but if you want a more compact and forest-like feel I would suggest the Red Grass trail.

A beautiful 200 acre nature preserve with 2 nice hiking trails. The information at the trail head is very informative and will help in enjoying your visit more.

Red Oak is the lower trail loop leading to the bridge crossing Red Oak Canyon. It has a 1.3 mile stabilized base surface meeting Level 1 ADA accessibility requirements.

Bear Grass Trail is a natural surfaced, .6 mile loop in the upper part of the park. This trail is Level 4 and offers medium difficulty with few steep slopes and rocky ledges.