It’s about that time, Houston. The city’s favorite tradition that is The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, makes its grand return next week, March 4. Ahead of all the spectacular bull-riding, concerts, and Rodeo carnival food, officials are kicking things off this weekend in Houston with the Rodeo’s pre-festivities.
Among the pre-rodeo events lined up for this weekend, which includes the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Rodeo Run, and Go Texan Day, is the historical tradition of the Houston Trail Rides.
What are the Houston Trail Rides?
The Houston Trail Rides is a tradition in which over 2,000 riders across a series of 11 trails ride through different parts of Texas to their ultimate destination in Houston. From towns as far away as Goliad, Texas, riders take to horseback and wagons in a recreation of the Old West in honor of western tradition and in celebration of the beginning of rodeo season.
How did the Trail Rides tradition start?
The Trail Rides tradition began back in 1952. To raise awareness for the Houston Rodeo, four riders traveled from Brenham to Houston on horseback. The following year, the Trail rider count clocked up to 80 then 3,000 the following year from as far away as Louisiana.
Where to see the Trail Rides in Houston 2025?
The Trail Rides comprise of 11 different trails toward their destination in Memorial Park at 6501 Memorial Dr. around mid-day to late afternoon this Friday, February 28. To witness the riders’ arrival, some prime viewing locations include Memorial Drive, Memorial Loop, Hardy & Nance Studios, and Brays Bayou Greenway Trail.
Those in Cypress and West Houston regions will have the opportunity to catch the Salt Grass Trail and Prairie View Trail riders as they travel through to Houston.
Regarding the latter, visitors can witness the rider traveling through Fairbanks, Greater Inwood and Acres Homes, and Spring Branch.
The Salt Grass Trail Ride aka The Grand Daddy ’em All as one of the largest Trail Rides, will depart from Katy Park at 9 am Thursday, February 27, mapping through Cullen Park eventually reaching Harris County Fairgrounds.
Houstonians will be able to catch many of the riders as they take to the streets for the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday morning. The Downtown Rodeo Parade kicks off at 10 am, in which riders, floats, and marching bands will make their way through the streets in a wonderful celebration.
See also: Here’s the Rodeo food we’re most excited to eat this year