San Antonio Pilgrimage - February 21st
Up the Mission Trail River

From Mission San Francisco de la Espada to San Fernando Cathedral

On February 21, 2026, we will walk** together along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, beginning near Mission Espada and ending near San Fernando Cathedral.

This is a land-centered pilgrimage walk. It is not a race, a tour, or a performance. Participants are welcome to walk the full route (approximately 10 miles) or a shorter portion, guided by their own pacing and capacity.

You do not need to know why you feel drawn to walk. If you feel called, that is enough. Meaning often arrives later.

Some walk to fulfill a promise, some carry a question, and some simply arrive without words. All ways of walking are welcome.

All Images courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority

The Walk

  • Date: Saturday, February 21

  • Route: Mission Espada → San Fernando Cathedral

  • Distance: Up to approximately 10 miles (shorter options welcome)

  • Pace: Self-directed and body-led

Timing

  • Arrival window: 8:00–8:30am

  • Opening ritual: 8:30am

  • Walk begins: 9:00am

Participants are welcome to begin walking earlier, arrive later, or enter the walk at any point along the route. You are invited to join in a way that honors your body, timing, and capacity.

Participation

Participation in the organized San Antonio Pilgrimage requires a signed liability waiver.

**This pilgrimage may be joined by walking, biking or e-biking, scooting, power chair, driving, or any way that feels accessible and supportive for you.

Participation Agreement and Liability Waiver

Those who wish to join the WhatsApp group for coordination, updates, and optional preparation gatherings are asked to sign the waiver first. The WhatsApp link will be provided after the waiver has been signed. The WhatsApp group is used only for logistics, group meetings, and reminders leading up to the walk.

Signing the waiver and joining the WhatsApp group are not required to walk the route independently. Individuals are welcome to walk the route on their own volition, at any time and in any way they choose, outside of this organized offering.

This webpage is the primary source of information for the pilgrimage. Because WhatsApp only shows messages after someone joins, participants are asked to review the information on this page before joining the WhatsApp group.

Walking Preparation

This pilgrimage is not about endurance or performance.
It is about continuity, pacing, and listening to your body over time.

You do not need to train perfectly, and you do not need to reach 10 miles in advance. Consistency matters more than distance. Rest is part of preparation.

Suggested Walking Rhythm (January 2 – February 21)

Aim for 3–4 walks per week, adjusting as needed.

Weeks 1–2 (Jan 2–Jan 15)

  • 2–3 short walks (2–3 miles)

  • 1 slightly longer walk (4–5 miles)

Focus on ease, breath, and ending walks feeling like you could do more.

Weeks 3–4 (Jan 16–Jan 29)

  • 2–3 moderate walks (3–4 miles)

  • 1 longer walk (5–6 miles)

Begin noticing hydration, pacing, and how your body feels the next day.

Weeks 5–6 (Jan 30–Feb 12)

  • 2 moderate walks (3–5 miles)

  • 1 longer walk (6–8 miles)

Practice walking with what you plan to bring on the pilgrimage. Tend to feet early and slow down when needed.

Final Week (Feb 13–Feb 20)

  • 2 easy walks (2–4 miles)

  • Extra rest

Arriving rested matters more than arriving “ready.”

You do not need to walk the full distance in training to participate.

On the Day

  • You may walk the full route or a shorter portion

  • You may arrive late, start early, or join partway

  • You may stop or change your plan at any time

Listening to your body is the practice.

Silence is welcome during the walk. Walking without phones or other technology is encouraged, though not required. You are invited to engage in a way that feels supportive and present for you.

Closing at San Fernando

We will complete the walk near San Fernando Cathedral, where we will hold a simple closing. Details for the closing will be shared closer to the date as they take shape.

Friends and family are welcome to:

  • walk with you for part or all of the route, or

  • meet you at San Fernando Cathedral at the end.


Participants are responsible for their own transportation, including getting to Mission Espada and arranging a return plan after reaching San Fernando Cathedral. This may include coordinating a ride with friends, using Uber/Lyft or other ride shares, biking, public transit, or any option that works for you.

Participants are welcome to use the WhatsApp group to connect with others and organize transportation support if desired.

Connection to the Camino Tradition

El Camino de San Antonio Missions is part of the broader Camino network and maintains a partnership with Camino de Santiago, the historic pilgrimage route in Spain.

Registering with El Camino de San Antonio Missions ($10) is optional and supports the local organization’s work in stewarding the route and maintaining its connection to the wider Camino tradition.

This registration is separate from participation in this walk and is not required.

 

Contact
For practical questions, logistics, or accessibility needs, please contact Janet via the form.

For a quicker response, please text the business number listed below.

Image courtesy of El Camino de San Antonio