Stretching across the Balcones Escarpment in the Hill Country biome, Stone Oak Park is located on the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. This makes for a plethora of plants and animals extending over miles of Edwards limestone. The original landscape was a grassland savannah, rich in different species of plants with steep slopes making way for drainage and streams. However, overgrazing and wildfires have caused the grasslands to become scarcer, and they are slowly being taken over by brush land. Today, the hills are covered mostly in live oak and Ashe juniper (Mountain Cedar).

Not only is this vast area considered a city park, it is also one of San Antonio's coveted natural areas. The first phase of this relatively new park opened in March of 2006, consisting of a multi-use trail system, covered shelters, interpretive signage, and cave protection features. Today it includes additional looped trails equaling approximately two miles of paved trails all together, with wooden benches lining the sides. Look out for a natural playground, nature stations, and outdoor classrooms.

There are two caves in the park: Bear Cave and Cub Cave. Bear Cave has a gate at the entrance, while Cub Cave remains open, although it is not recommended that people venture inside. There is a side trail on one of the loops that takes visitors to a view of the entrance. The caves are not only fun sightseeing adventures, but important recharge features for the Edwards Aquifer. The entire recharge area is filled with crevices and caves, many of which contain endangered invertebrates, which is why it is so important to remain on the trails in all natural areas.

Phase two of the park includes portable toilets, exercise stations, and a playscape at the entrance of the trail near Canyon Ridge Elementary School. This trail travels all the way to Bush Middle School, passing under Evans Road through a large culvert. Listen for incredible echoes in this huge drain! Also enjoy the mini amphitheater at the entrance of the park near Stone Oak Parkway and the serene atmosphere as you run, walk, or find a quiet place to crack open a novel in this beautiful park.

You can visit Stone Oak Park daily, from 7:30 am until sunset with access from 20395 Stone Oak Pkwy. For more information, please visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapar