Guided Hikes
Guided hikes are available for small school groups and community organizations.
Led by the park’s Education Coordinator and Master Naturalist volunteers, the hikes provide up-close lessons on a variety of topics, such as birds, pollinators, the water cycle, geology, plant identification, observing insects and spiders, ethnobotany, and Phil Hardberger Park’s dairy farm history.
The tours usually are to the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge and back but can be tailored to the needs and age range of the group.
Starting points at either the NW Military HWY entrance or out Blanco Road entrance.
We have several points of interest worth visiting on both sides, including Phil's Tree, our Butterfly Learning Center garden, the Savanna Restoration Area, and our Wildscape Demonstration Garden.
Request a Guided Hike
Guidelines
Guided hikes are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
The hikes can begin as early as 8:30 a.m. and as late as 2 p.m. (please be aware afternoons from May to September can be very hot.)
Guided hikes are limited to 60 people (students and adults). We also ask for groups larger than 60 to split into multiple days.
One trained field guide per 15 students on wilderness trails will be provided. (We ask that groups book at least two months in advance, to ensure we can schedule staff and volunteers.)
If the group has minors, one chaperone, or teacher, per 15 minors, is required.
All participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.
What to Expect
The hikes usually last about 1.5 hours. The length of the walk can be tailored for the group.
We begin with a welcome and introduction to the park and discuss expectations and trail safety And there will be a restroom break before heading out onto the trails.
During the hike, we will stop at points of interest.
Many groups also choose to have lunch at the park. Both sides of the park have shaded picnic tables and playgrounds.
Nature Activities
Nature Activities are available upon request. We draw from Growing Up Wild lessons that help children explore nature in a fun safe way.
For example, older children exploring plant anatomy and then making seed balls to take home is an option.
For younger children, a popular activity is looking at insect body parts and then making coffee-filter butterflies to take home.
For more information email Education Coordinator, David Jimenez at david.jimenez@sanantonio.gov or call the Conservancy at 210-492-7472.