El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Construction of the mission church began in 1760 but was never completed. The outstanding ruins are virtually the only visible remains of the complex of missions established in the area. The purpose was to convert Coahuiltecan Indians to Catholicism.

lots of greenery along a river; sunflowers in the foreground

Around 1746, explorer Jacinto de León discovered a ford that allowed safe passage across the Río Grande in this vicinity; it had probably been used for centuries by American Indians.

stone house ruins; briliant green grasses and trees on the right

This national historic district consists of 13 stone houses (several in ruins) constructed from hewn sandstone blocks, chinked and plastered, ranging from rectangular flat roofed Colonial style buildings to hip roofed two room structures. Post-1750s.

rock indentations in a dry creek with five people walking under clouds

Recent research reveals that in 1716 the expedition of Domingo Ramón followed the left bank of Onion Creek along the western edge of McKinney Falls State Park to its junction with Williamson Creek. You can walk in rock indentations in the creek bed.

trail segment indentation with leaves in it, trees along the side

This 1.5-mile-long trail segment crosses an area that has remarkable visual integrity. The trail segment courses parallel to State Road 21 and at times crosses the highway.

Photos: National Park Service

About El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Explore a diverse array of histories contained within El Camino Real de los Tejas’ 150-year life, including the Spanish struggle to missionize American Indian nations, the growth of cattle ranching in the Mexican period, and the movement for Texan independence and statehood.

Quick Facts

State Texas

Designation National Historic Trail

State Code TX,LA

Weather Due to the length of El Camino de los Tejas National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast…

Location & Map

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail is located in Texas.

Get Directions

Operating Hours

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.

Wednesday All Day

Monday All Day

Thursday All Day

Sunday All Day

Tuesday All Day

Friday All Day

Saturday All Day

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Getting There

You can visit many sites of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail over the 2,580-mile historic route that crosses 2 states, and travels into Mexico, to Mexico City.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe, NM, 87505

Phone N/A

Email ntir_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Photography Colonization and Settlement Commerce Trade Explorers and Expeditions Forts Native American Heritage Religion and Spirituality Missions Schools and Education Trails

Things To Do

San Antonio, Texas Area: El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Places

Explore sites along the trail! Looking for places to visit near San Antonio, Texas? These sites offer a variety of…

Hike on El Camino Real de los Tejas

Travel through a diverse array of histories contained within El Camino Real de los Tejas’ 150-year life, including the Spanish…

Hiking and walking opportunities will vary by location. Please check with the individual site for more information.

Become a Camino Real de los Tejas Junior Ranger

Learn about the Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a…

Junior Ranger activity can be completed virtually at home, or after visiting a site along the trail. Activities can be submitted electronically…

Check Out Museums and Visitor Centers along El Camino Real de los Tejas

There are a number of museums and visitor centers will differ along the El Camino Real de los Tejas. In…

Visitor center and museum facilities, program offerings, and exhibits will vary by location. Please check with the individual site for…

Visit Parks along El Camino Real de los Tejas

There are multiple national parks along the El Camino Real de los Tejas that will give you an opportunity to…

Park operating hours and public admittance will vary by location. Please check with the individual site for more specific information.

Visit Missions along El Camino Real de los Tejas

A visit to the missions along the El Camino Real de los Tejas will enrich your Trail experience. The mission…

Missions operating hours and public admittance will vary by location. Please check with the individual site for more specific information.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

Compare accommodation options for your visit