Comanche Lookout Park sits on the fourth highest point (1,340 feet) in Bexar County in San Antonio, Texas. It’s a 96-acre, dog-friendly public park with historical roots and about five miles of hiking, walking, running, and biking trails that wind up and around a hill. The Apache – and then Comanche – nations found the elevated vantage point atop the hill an asset when hunting or keeping an eye out for foes. Park attractions include an almost 30-foot-high medieval-style stone tower built in the 1920s and some interesting public art installations that honor the native people who lived on the land thousands of years ago. My family enjoyed our outings there, exploring the various trails and learning more about its history.
Admission
- FREE 😃
- Your leashed dog is welcome to join you. 🐶
What You’ll Find at Commanche Lookout Park
- Two entrances:
- 15551 Nacogdoches Road (parking lot & trailhead)
- 15060 Judson Road (Semmes Library Park entrance with playground, picnic tables, and trailhead near the parking lot)
- A medieval-style stone tower built in the 1920s. (No entrance to the tower is allowed.)
- An overlook by the stone tower with views of San Antonio.
- Another overlook with an art installation inspired by and honoring Native American culture (south of the tower).
- Three main trails: Comanche Loop (.8 miles), Library Loop (.6 miles), and the Tower Loop (.5 miles) Various smaller trails (some dirt paths) connect the main trails.
- The Library Loop connects to Semmes Library, where you’ll find an amphitheater, playground, drinking fountain, and a porta–potty.
- Well-maintained, well-marked trails that gently curve around trees and other vegetation. The trails consist of paved, asphalt, and gravel pathways. Signs inform visitors of the difficulty of trails from Level 1 (paved with some gentle slopes and ADA-compliant) to Level 3 (steeper inclines).
- Benches and picnic tables are situated along the trails.
- Water fountains are located by the tower and the Semmes library trailhead.
- A playground, picnic tables, and an amphitheater are near the Semmes Library parking lot on Judson Road.
- Fitness stations are spaced along the trail (when approaching from the Semmes Library area trailhead).
- Porta-potties at each trailhead.
Park Trail Map
Tips for Your Visit
- The park is open from dawn to dusk.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat (for protection from the sun).
- Use the All Trails free app for a trail map while on the go. I use it to help me figure out how far along I am on a trail.
- Bring water (and maybe snacks or a picnic). There are no concession stands.
- There are no facilities on the trails.
- Wear sunscreen and bug spray, when appropriate.
- Pets must be leashed.
- No glass containers or alcohol are allowed.
Brief History of Commanche Lookout Park
Long before modern times, Apache and Comanche people roamed the land hunting bison, mammoths, and other prey. They found a prime position overseeing the land at Comanche Hill (part of Comanche Lookout Park). The elevation also provided some offensive advantages as they could use the hilltop to spot potential attacks from others. Later, the hilltop helped them be on the lookout for a different kind of prey: Spanish settlers and other travelers along El Camino Real (or the Royal Road), an early Native American travel route. (Today, that trail is known as Nacogdoches Road.)
The land changed hands several times in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 1920s, Col. Coppock built the almost 30-foot stone tower that would be part of a planned compound. Col. Coppock died a few years later, having never finished his construction project.
Modern Improvements
The city of San Antonio acquired the land in the 1990s and made improvements to it – adding trails and drinking fountains – for public use. Years later, the city built the Julia Yates Semmes Branch Library and the adjacent playground and amphitheater.
More recently, the park added an art installation encompassing several large pieces, including decorative benches for enjoying the views. The “Najo Jām” (artwork) translates to “our home” in Pajalate, a Native American nation. An informational sign at the site explains the significance of the Native American symbols used in the artwork.
Nearby Attractions
There are lots of options for activity in the area. Consider some great nearby parks and downtown San Antonio. So many choices!
I do have other favorite parks in the northern San Antonio region. They all have nice trails, but what I really like about them are their unique features – elements that set them apart from other parks.
Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is 16 miles away and has a variety of paved and unpaved trails through the Texas landscape — you’ve got plenty of walking/hiking options. You’ll find about 6 miles of trails here. Plus, there’s an observation tower to climb and gain great views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
Friedrich Wilderness Park is 21 miles away and offers about 10 miles of trails in a nature preserve dedicated to conservation. It has a wide variety of walking and hiking trails that range from fairly flat to more challenging ones with rocky and hilly terrain.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Government Canyon State Natural Area is 30 miles away and has dinosaur footprints from 110 million years ago. Plus, there are some good vistas in addition to its interesting trails – 40 miles of them in this 12,000-acre tract.
Hardberger Park
Hardberger Park is 14 miles away and has many amenities, including a land bridge spanning Wurzbach Road, a SkyWalk (elevated paved walkway), two large playgrounds, a dog park, and athletic fields.
Besides hiking, there’s plenty to explore in San Antonio. Consider the River Walk, The Pearl, the Alamo, the other Spanish missions from the 1700s, the museums, and the botanical garden. Use this guide to help plan your time in San Antonio.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I visit San Antonio, I seek out interesting parks to explore. This time it was Comanche Lookout Park. The park’s history appealed to me – knowing that Native Americans favored this strategic spot long ago. In addition, I wanted to see the four-story stone tower built on the property in the early 20th century. What I wasn’t expecting – but delighted in – were the large art pieces near a lookout south of the tower. I lingered there while admiring these pieces designed by San Antonio artists Carlos Cortés and Doroteo Garza. It’s also a scenic spot to rest and consider which trail to take next.
I visited the park on different days during my stay in the city. The park’s main entrance (the one most often tied to the park) is on Nacogdoches Road. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the park’s other entrance by Semmes Library on Judson Road. A playground, picnic tables, and an amphitheater anchor that trailhead area. From there, you enter the trail and find fitness stations along the way. It doesn’t matter which way you enter the park, but if you want a shorter trek to the tower, start at the Nacogdoches Road trailhead. If you have youngsters in tow, you might choose the playground’s Judson Road entrance.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and/or suggestions for fun outdoor spaces in San Antonio. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
