Friedrich Wilderness Park
For locals, Friedrich Wilderness Park is a great close-to-home natural spot with more than 10 miles of hiking trails a mere 20 miles from the Alamo on the northwest side of town near Six Flags Fiesta Texas. This 600-acre hilly haven for rare birds and orchids is a nesting site for two federally listed bird species: the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler. As a protected area that minimizes impact on the environment, in-line skates, scooters, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed. Pedestrians only. Alcohol is prohibited, as are dogs, fires, and smoking. Because the park is a natural area, their primary mission is conservation and resource management. Bird-watchers from around the world are often spotted here. For trail conditions, check out their Facebook or Twitter, call the park office, or go to Friends of San Antonio Natural Areas ( fosana.org).
