The outer loop of Friedrich is a serious trail run. Hills, ascents, descents, rocks, roots and more! There are not a lot of people when you get away from the Main Loop, so you might want to take your time and choose your steps. After getting on the Main Loop, basically turn right at just about every intersection to circumnavigate the park.

Trail map here: BrochureMap.psd (sanantonio.gov)

Start out from the parking lot and climb the paved path to the Main Loop for a warmup. Turn right on the Main Loop and continue to climb the rough dirt trail. Take a right on Juniper Ridge for a brief level run before a steep descent, then a right turn onto the Bosque Loop. I Love Bosque Loop! You fly down a decent path on the descent, then some rollers.

Then the pain will start: the climb up Vista Loop. If your legs aren’t shot at the top, you get a brief level run, then a right turn onto Restoration Way. Restoration Way runs along the back edge of the park. It is fairly level most of the way. Ignore the couple of cutoffs to the left and continue around the park.

I don’t know if it is just me, but I have crashed and burned a few times on this section of the trail. Tired legs, a slight downhill where I am flying, shadows, and then a little teeny-weeny root makes for a bad combination. Pay attention to lifting your feet up and not rolling your ankles here.

Restoration Way will finally end at a T with Vista Loop. Take a right for a quick jaunt down to the Main Loop, then turn right.

Another brief level section then you’ll be thrown down the long backside hill. Beware of slower walkers on the Main Loop here. This downhill section can be a bit slippery.

At the bottom, take a right to Juniper Barrens. This is a fairly easy loop that end up back on the Main Loop. Turn tight, burn up the flats, and then….

Bomb the paved downhill into the parking lot!

Outer loop w/o Juniper: 5.8 miles.

Pro Tips

  • Address: 21395 Milsa Dr, San Antonio, TX 78256
  • Bring plenty of water
  • Restrooms are by the parking lot.
  • Watch your fatigue when you get a few miles in and keep your steps and form clean to avoid wipeouts.
  • Watch for slower hikers (some with headphones) on the Main Loop
  • Enjoy the paved downhill back into the parking lot!
Friedrich: Outer Loop 10k

David Bush


I am a middle of the pack runner that loves getting off the pavement and out on the trails. Got into running mainly for Triathlons, and love finding new places to swim too!


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