Walker Ranch Park — Attraction in San Antonio

The cost to rent the pavilion Monday through Thursday is $15 an hour with a 4-hour minimum. The cost for Friday through Sunday and holidays is $30 an hour with a 4-hour minimum

Park History

What is now known as Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park is part of a larger archaeologically significant site. The area near the confluence of Panther Springs Creek and Salado Creek represents a favored campsite revisited over thousands of years by hunting and gathering peoples apparently attracted by the availability of crucial resources such as water, plants, animals and lithic or stone materials.

Investigations done in the 1970s by the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio show that the area served many functions for these prehistoric peoples including: a flint knapping station, a tool refitting station, a butchering station, a plant processing station, a hunting camp, a gathering camp, and possibly a social gathering locality. These investigations found well-preserved cultural materials including stone, ceramic and bone artifacts as well as plant remains to support the archaeologists' conclusions. Archaeologists believe that the combination of a nearby water source and a clay-based soil that lent itself to sue for ceramics made the site suitable for occupation over extended periods of history. A report filed in 1985 indicated that the biggest challenge in interpreting the site was that the activities were repeated countless times in an area that had very slow sediment accumulation. This made deciphering the remains difficult, if not impossible.

During the Spanish Colonial period, historians believe the area was probably occupied by Spanish soldiers and settlers. There is considerable archival evidence that the land where the park is now located was within the boundaries of the Monte Galvan, which was a supply ranch for Mission San Antonio de Valero, later known as the Alamo.

During the 19th century, the land continued to be used as farm and ranch lands on the northern reaches of the City of San Antonio. The area in and around the park became known as Walker Ranch when it was owned by Ganahl Walker, Sr., beginning in 1905, and later by his son, who operated it as a ranch until 1972. Much of the property was then sold to a Dallas developer. Walker Ranch was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1975, and in 1995, it was listed as one of the most endangered historic places...

I visit Walker Ranch Park about once a week. Walker Ranch is historic, and a windmill from the old ranch remains near the center of the park and still provides water for deer and other wildlife. Close to the West Avenue side, picnic tables and a covered patio are available with playground equipment for kids. There is enough grassy area available for leisure, and I've noticed dog/owner training was offered by someone on Saturdays. Park Police often do rounds at the park. There are four trailheads through the park, three lower along Salado Creek and a fourth a bit higher above Salado Creek and within view of Wurzbach Parkway. Additionally, a natural dam slows down flood waters and protects Walker Ranch Park. My dog loves to take a dip at the dam when enough rain falls. So, why would someone who visits the Park with his dog about once a week rate it with only 3 stars? Because I remember Walker Ranch Park before the concrete, 8-foot wide bicycle road was run through the middle of the park. I'm not against bicycling; I have a well-ridden Trek. But this cement bike highway, which eventually connects with Hardberger Park off Blanco, could have been routed along the Wurzbach Parkway end instead of ramroded through the middle of the park. It no longer looks or feels like the peaceful park it was intended to be.

Update: June 14, 2022. Some plant life in Walker Ranch Park is suffering from the severe, extended drought. In particular is a scrawny tree commonly called Red Buckeye. I've identified it as far as 100 feet from Salado Creek, which is dry most of the time. Sprinkled throughout the park, it's damaged yellow leafage stands out.

Drought continues to damage the park.

Update, 2/21/2023. "Sudden limb drop" doubled between June and September, in my estimation. The rain in January greened up the grasses.

A lot of limbs cut by city are still on the ground close to bike trail.

Still a lot of tree damage.

Update, 2/26/2023. Drier than I've ever seen it.

Update, 12/5/2023. Still in drought. However, a little fall rain helped grass to come back and...

The sign at an entrance boasts "Historic Walker Ranch", however, I have been unable to figure out why it's historical. Hmm. The picnic area is quite small but regardless, the park is very nice, family oriented, a perfect place to engage in many different activities, such as biking, (which is what I indulge in) hiking, picnicking, exercising the doggos, and enjoying watching the kiddos play on the well kept playgrounds. The paths are cleared and it feels as though one is in the middle of nowhere at one point and the next thing seen is a house or place to eat, reminders that there is civilization near after all! It's so lovely and quiet, giving awesome opportunities to watch nature in action. Real restrooms and porta potties as well and the park volunteer riders are high visibility and always eager to assist. Former Mayor Peak was truly a visionary and the layout connecting so many parks with 69+ miles of concrete pathways was brilliant! Let the...