THE SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS
The old Spanish Missions were originally located
in east Texas near the town of Nacogdoches
around 1700. As the French militarily expanded
westward from Louisiana, the Spanish pulled their
missions back to locations along the San Antonio
River around 1720. The missions served as both
a spiritual tool of the Church and the political
tool of the state. In teaching the local Indians
the Spanish language, customs, religion and the
latest agriculture techniques, Spain felt assured of
faithful citizens in their new empire. The decline
of the missions came around 1800 with fierce
Apache and Comanche attacks, unfavorable
government legislation, and subsequent loss
of both livestock and converts. After years of
neglect, restoration of the mission compounds
began around 1930, with the hike & bike trail
joining them together in 1976.
For more info: www.nps.gov/saan
LOS COMPADRES
Los Compadres and the National Park Service
work together to enhance the historical and
educational value and beauty of San Antonio
Missions National Historical Park. Chartered
in 1983, the purpose of Los Compadres is
to provide volunteer and financial support
for the preservation and rehabilitation of the
park’s historic structures. Just as important, Los
Compadres has energized community support
and has worked with the Catholic Church, city,
state, and federal agencies to help bring funding
and improvements to the park. The construction
of the visitor center at Mission San Jose and the
contact station at Mission Concepción as well as
the rehabilitation of the San Juan Acequia are
examples of their efforts. Los Compadres invites
you to join with them in this effort. In these days
of tight federal budgets, the organization will
have to work harder than ever to preserve and
enhance the Missions.
For more info: 922-3218
MISSION CONCEPCION
The oldest unrestored church in the U.S. It is
also the oldest building to be declared a “fallout
shelter” by the government, a real tribute to its
Spanish builders. Note the faint remains of the
original painted geometric designs on the front
of the church.
MISSION SAN JOSE
Known as the “Queen of the Missions” because of
its size and beauty. It has literally been restored
from the ground up. See Rosa’s Window (done by
a famous Spanish sculptor), the recently renovated
flour mill, and the excellent photographic exhibit
documenting the phases of reconstruction. Take
time to see the Visitors Center.
TRAIL GUIDE
TO THE
HISTORIC
SPANISH
MISSIONS
OF SAN ANTONIO
A BIKE RIDERS GUIDE
ESPADA DAM
Built over 200 years ago to raise the level of water
in the old San Antonio River to supply water to the
acequias (irrigation ditches). Note that the dam
is built arching downstream, contrary to modern
dam building techniques.
artwork by: Joe Stubblefield
ESPADA AQUEDUCT
The only such structure in the U.S., it still carries
water to the fields around Espada Mission.
MISSION SAN JUAN
See the museum displaying archeological finds
from the compound. It’s only a short walk down
to the San Antonio River from the church.
MISSION ESPADA
Because of its southernmost location, it had the
most problems with unfriendly Indian attacks,
and was built like a fortress with gun ports at
the gates. Only parts of this mission have been
restored.
GETTING THERE
If driving: go south on 281 (I37) and
take the Southcross exit.
Turn right on Southcross, and left
on Roosevelt. Go south past Mission
San Jose and turn left on Napier.
Follow signs to Visitors Center.
If biking: consult a map.
5911 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 828-5558
7148 Blanco Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 344-2303
418 N. Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, TX 78232
(210) 892-0123
MISSION TRAIL RIDE
1. Before unloading your bike spend some
time at the Visitors Center at MISSION SAN
JOSE.
2. From the Visitors Center go east on Napier
until it intersects with the trail.
3. Turn right on the trail and proceed to
ESPADA DAM.
4. Continue south on trail across bridge (do
not cross low water crossing).
5. Cross Ashley and continue on trail.
6. Turn right at trail spur (about ¼ mile) and
proceed to the AQUEDUCT.
7. Return the way you came and turn right at
main trail.
8. Proceed to MISSION ESPADA.
9. Continue south around mission and stop at
the southernmost parking lot.
10. Exit parking lot to left and proceed on
Espada Rd.
11. Turn left on Villamain Rd.
12. Turn left on Graf Rd. and proceed to
MISSION SAN JUAN.
13. Exit parking lot to left and turn left on
Ashley.
14. After crossing S.A. River bridge, turn right
on to trail (you are backtracking from here
on).
15. Turn right where trail intersects Napier to
go back to MISSION SAN JOSE.
If you are feeling adventurous...
16. Continue on trail instead of turning off.
17. When trail ends, continue on road in same
direction.
18. Turn right on Mission Rd. and proceed on to
MISSION CONCEPCIÓN.
19. Go back the way you came, and remember
to turn on Napier.
TOTAL DISTANCE: 17 MILES