Comanche Lookout Park — Attraction in San Antonio

COMANCHE LOOKOUT PARK  is in my neighborhood where one can enter park from one of THREE ENTRANCES:  Nacodoches Road, Judson Road or  Fox Run.  Start my daily walk from the Nacogdoches entrance which is only a few blocks from my house 5 X week.   The 2 other days  start  at  the most beautiful entrance  off of Judson Rd  near the Julia Yates Semmes Library.   Where  trails, upgrades & improvements are more abundant.     FACILITIES & AMENITIES:  Plenty of parking.  An impressive  Children's Playground.  A porta-John.    There  is a  Pavilion at entrance with the history of park & trails etched on mounted plaques.   Signs posted with  rules governing use of park,  leashing of pets,  Free dog poop bags  & restrictions,   give credit to those organizations  which  have  adopted the park, etc.   ROUTE of The Library Loop  Trail.  It  starts on the LIbrary grounds, forks,  &  loops around  meeting  up with Comanche Trail  before reconnecting with the Library Loop on the other side.   On this trail alone are an outdoor  classroom pavilion, nine all-weather  exercise machines,  water fountains for man & beast. &  two picnic areas,  two benches.  All vegetation is  native  to Texas.    Possibly  on your walk, run or bike  you will see a deer or two, many rabbits, possums.   Smell or see a skunk. Only seen  one non-poisonous snake in 4 years of walking every day.   The crown of the park  is the tower atop Lookout Mountain.  A good view awaits you there.  Elevations along the marked trails are low grade, not steep &  can  easily be  ascended  with a limp.  Some walkers  take  non-marked side trails because they  are more natural and  challenging in exploring the park &  climbing  to the top.  A beautiful natural  park for all ages,  families  and pets.  The City  Park Service, the Police, Scout organizations, & those who frequently use the park  are doing an excellent job maintaing, providing security, & pickup. Upgrades of trails & related parking lots are evident. To complement tower at the top are a number of beautiful stone sculptures. Highly recommend Comanche Lookout Park for family hikes, picnics & outings. Happy to see more people using the park. No longer walk "alone.". Numbers of people & animals using park have increased...

A Hidden Gem for Family Hikes with Stunning Views

Comanche Lookout Park in San Antonio is a true treasure for families seeking a blend of nature, history, and accessible outdoor adventure. Spanning 96 acres, this park offers a variety of trails, scenic vistas, and historical landmarks that make it a must-visit destination. 

Family-Friendly Hiking Experience

The park boasts several well-maintained trails suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The Library and Comanche Loop, a 2.0-mile trail with a 150-foot elevation gain, is perfect for families looking for a moderate hike . For a shorter trek, the Tower Loop Trail offers a 1.0-mile path leading to panoramic views of downtown San Antonio .  

Breathtaking Views and Historical Significance

Atop the hill, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the city, including landmarks like the Tower of the Americas . The park’s namesake, the Comanche Lookout Tower, is a four-story stone structure built in the 1920s by retired Army Colonel Edward H. Coppock . While the tower itself is closed to the public, it stands as a testament to the area’s rich history.  

Amenities and Accessibility

Comanche Lookout Park is equipped with amenities to enhance your visit. There are picnic areas, a playground, and drinking fountains, making it convenient for families to spend the day . The park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed furry friends along .

Safety Tips for a Pleasant Visit • Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. • Wear Appropriate Footwear: Trails vary in surface type; sturdy shoes are recommended. • Supervise Children: Some trails have elevation changes; keep an eye on young hikers. • Be Aware of Wildlife: While encounters are rare, it’s wise to stay alert. • Check the Weather: Trails can become slippery when wet; plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Comanche Lookout Park offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to San Antonio, this park provides an enriching outdoor experience that’s both educational and enjoyable for the...

A great escape right in the city. This is a densely wooded park. An A.D.A. accessible walking path is the main attraction for walkers,dog walkers, and runners. There are also unimproved trails. All trails have elevation changes, some over an 8% grade. Much of the trails are shaded by the tree canopy. The other main attraction would be the view. You can see the downtown skyline, which is approximately 17 miles away. Bicyclists are allowed to share the trails, please remember or learn trail etiquette to keep it this way. Occasionally Park Police travel by horseback here, and as far as I know horses are allowed, but please check with San Antonio Parks. There are benches and picnic tables spread around the park, with most tables located on the top. There are 3 water fountains, 2 on top, and 1 directly behind the library patio. The water fountains have dog water bowels also. A four story stone tower built in 1929 still stands. It is fenced and not available for entry. Many animals call this place home. I have seen deer,rabbit,skunks,opossums,foxes,armadillos,coyote,raccoons,many snakes including rattlesnakes. Bird watchers will have many great vantage points. Cell service is good (with AT&T). There are 2 parking areas the main lot is on Nacogdoches rd near the Toepperwin rd intersection. This trail head has a topographic map that was donated by a local eagle scout. The second lot is actually the Julia Semmes Library lot which has a trail head, and a playground it is on Judson rd near nacogdoches rd intersection ( this is a busier street entry, many accidents have occurred at this parking lot entrance please remain patient with the traffic and use your signals). This park is almost always in use, you aren't alone ever. Stay safe, and aware of your surroundings. The hours for this park are sunrise to sunset. If it's dark you are...