If you’re looking to get outside in San Antonio but not sure where to start, consider this article your guide — or rather, your map. From the benefits of spending time outside to the best spots based on your interests, Trinity’s wilderness-loving students shared their top tips on how to embrace all that nature has to offer.
The first question many college students ask before leaving their dorm or perfect study spot is if spending time outside is really worth it. With the hectic nature of college life, it’s tempting to stay indoors. However, Jake Borawski, senior mathematical finance and computer science double-major, stressed the importance of time outdoors to improve mental health. He explained that even going for short walks, on or off campus, can be very emotionally soothing.
“A lot of people find themselves working late in the library, just being indoors a lot, kind of stressing about getting your stuff done. So I think not only getting off of the campus environment, but just … getting out in the sunshine improves my mood drastically,” Borawski said. “Sometimes I am like, ‘Why do I feel so awful?’ And then I am like, ‘Oh yeah, I have been inside for three days, I better go outside.’”
Another consideration is the best time of year to get outdoors. Noa Moore, junior accounting major, is one of the Outdoor Recreation (OREC) trip leaders on campus. She said that all seasons offer unique opportunities, so there is no time of year that is better for outdoor recreation.
“If it’s hot, then we’ll do more swimming. And it’s perfect because you can tan, and then when you get too hot, you just jump in the water, and you just splash around,” Moore said. “And then when it’s colder, we can do some of the outdoor walking, the ones that make you pick up a sweat. Yeah, so there’s better seasons for certain activities, but I wouldn’t say there’s a best season.”
Once one has the motivation and timing right, the next step is to determine where to go. If walking and beautiful landscapes are high on your list, Borawski suggests Brackenridge Park, Phil Hardberger Park and the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Tiernan O’Rorke, first-year engineering major, is an avid rock climber. Though rock climbing opportunities are limited in San Antonio, there is one outdoor opportunity for climbers called the Medicine Wall. For biking, Moore suggests the Mission Hike and Bike Trails, which offer both history and time out in nature.
“It’s really helpful for mental health and just feeling energized. And, you know, if you’re wondering what’s close to you, you can just look it up. There’s a lot of information,” O’Rorke said. “And if you’re worried about going out somewhere that’s kind of a little bit alone and away from civilization, you can go to the Japanese Tea Gardens or the Sunken Garden where there’s great culture, there’s public places.”
Alternatively, if you do not know where to start, Moore said signing up for OREC trips is a great way to learn about new outdoor opportunities and make new friends. OREC offers numerous trips over the semester, including strawberry picking, wakeboarding and cliff jumping. There are many different activities to choose from, no matter your skill level. However, Moore warns that the reservations for trips fill up fast, so check out the OREC calendar on the club’s Instagram @livetorec and sign up quickly.
“Most of our trips are very beginner friendly, and we have lots of people who will email us and be like ‘Hey, this is my first time horseback riding, but I want to come, is that okay?’ And we are like, ‘Yes, please come, and we will be there to help you on the way,’” Moore said. “If you are nervous, feel free to email us and we will have discretion about it and just be there for you.”
