Last month, I saw a social media post by the Great Springs Project, an initiative to build a more extensive trail network between Austin and San Antonio, about a new park opening in Comal County. I knew I had to check it out.
On Nov. 1, Comal County officials and other partners announced the public opening of the Morton Preserve, a 288-acre wildlife sanctuary with a short walking trail. Because the park serves as an endangered bird refuge, people can only visit outside of mating season, so from September through February. Visitors must make reservations ahead of time on this webpage.
Any newly preserved public land and wildlife habitat is welcome in the greater San Antonio area, one of the fastest growing the U.S. In Comal County alone, the population grew by 32,435 people — more than 20% — between April 2020 and July 2024, according to Census data. More residents means more pressure on the region’s existing parks and trails.
Comal County acquired the land primarily as a preserve for the golden-cheeked warbler, an endangered songbird that spends its winters in Mexico and Central America before flying north to the Texas Hill Country to nest each summer. It builds its nests in the mixed juniper-oak woodlands, where it uses strips of juniper bark stitched together with spider silk to build the tiny cups where it raises its chicks.
The county purchased the 288-acre property using a $652,312 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, though it’s not clear whether this amount covered the full cost. Most of this acreage is not open for visitors, as the park only has a half-mile trail segment. Because of its short mileage surrounded by different types of habitat, this trail is an excellent spot for birdwatching — walking slowly and stopping to watch and listen.
Aside from the golden-cheeked warbler, the preserve may also contain habitat for other endangered species. These include the tricolored bat, the hoary bat, the monarch butterfly and the American bumblebee, Comal County engineer Robert Boyd told me in an email. However, none of these other species have been identified at the site.
Because the Morton Preserve’s purpose is mainly as a warbler refuge, people can only visit when the warblers are away for the winter. During these months, reservations are available starting at 7 a.m., with the last available at 5 p.m. The park closes at sunset.
Other posted rules require visitors stay on the trail at all times. Also, no dogs allowed, no motorized vehicles on the trail, no smoking, no alcohol, no glass containers and no camping. “No littering” is also on the list, but I hope this goes without saying for Trailist readers.
Finding the preserve is a bit confusing, as there’s no map or clear directions on the preserve webpage. It’s located at the end of Bluff End Road, which branches off River Road just west of the Third Crossing over the Guadalupe River.
Morton Preserve
Offers: Walking, birdwatching
Location: At the end of Bluff End Road, which branches off River Road just west of the Third Crossing (29.79863931323201, -98.1708122553313)
Trail miles: Half a mile of double-track dirt path
Restrooms: No restrooms or drinking water
Bluff End Road is a steep dirt road that climbs the bluff on the south side of the river valley. About 800 feet from River Road is a private road that branches off to the left. Don’t take this road; follow the main road as it curves to the right and continues climbing uphill.
No one else was on this road when my wife, Jess, and I visited on Nov. 9. We continued driving up Bluff End Road, passing other private driveways and old vehicles parked along the road. We passed through multiple open gates marked with no trespassing signs and purple paint that confused us. Still, we kept climbing and eventually reached a parking lot with a sign that clearly marked the preserve (and the end of the road).
At the top of the bluff, the tree line opens to a stunning view of the Guadalupe River, the lines of cypress and other trees surrounding the river and pastures farther from the river’s edges. This vista, among the most beautiful I’ve seen in the Hill Country, to me is one of the main draws to the preserve.
The half-mile trail passes through some attractive woods and meadows, though none with a view like the one at the entrance. It’s a simple double-track path that continues over straight, flat ground and takes a slight bend near the end. The only way out is to turn back and follow the same path.
A few hundred feet in from the parking lot is a concrete slab that Boyd said was once a house. The county removed it before opening the preserve.
“This slab could be used to develop a pavilion with learning stations about nature and wildlife, along with restrooms, in the future,” Boyd said.
