Salt Grass Trail Ride to Trot Through Katy and West Houston for 75th Anniversary Celebration
The unmistakable sounds of hooves, wagon wheels, and cowboy camaraderie are set to roll through Katy and West Houston this February as the iconic Salt Grass Trail Ride celebrates its 75th anniversary. This beloved Texas tradition honors the early days of ranching and the Old West, while uniting communities with the sights and spirit of a time gone by.
First launched in 1952 by four riders from Brenham aiming to promote the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, the Salt Grass Trail Ride has grown into a living tribute to Texas heritage. Now encompassing over 1,200 riders, 22 wagons, and a 105-mile route, it remains the oldest and most storied trail ride of its kind.
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This year’s route will bring the Salt Grass riders right through Katy and into the heart of West Houston. The eight-day journey begins on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Cat Spring, Texas, and will culminate in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 28, 2026, just in time for the Rodeo Parade. Local communities can catch the ride as it passes through Dewberry Farms, Katy Park, and Harris County Fairgrounds from February 25–27, including a 12-mile leg on Thursday, February 26 through Mason Road, Franz Road, Saums Road, and Barker Cypress Road.
Trail Boss Shane Linnell and Assistant Trail Boss Richie Horn will guide this year’s Salt Grass Trail Ride with precision and care, supported by dozens of volunteers and wagon groups ensuring everything runs smoothly. As the primary leader, the Trail Boss is responsible for the safety of riders, animals, equipment, and the public, both along the route and during the Downtown Rodeo Parade. From coordinating daily logistics and permits to leading the ride from the front, managing scout teams, and working closely with Wagon Bosses, the Trail Boss ensures that this rolling caravan of tradition moves forward smoothly and safely—honoring the legacy of those who rode before.
Participants from all walks of life saddle up to recreate the spirit of the Old West, and the event continues to grow. Many families ride together across generations, while others come from across Texas and beyond. Riders wear traditional western gear, and each wagon becomes a mobile hub for cooking, rest, and storytelling under the stars. Some wagons even represent rescued horses or century-old rigs, further enriching the living history on display.
Katy and West Houston residents are encouraged to wave hello or visit designated stops along the route to witness this slice of Texas heritage firsthand. For safety reasons, motorists are reminded to avoid overlapping trail routes and to respect road closures communicated by local officials and trail scouts. Maps and updates are posted online at facebook.com/SGTRA.
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In total, 11 official trail rides, including Salt Grass, converge on Houston each year in time for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Combined, they cover approximately 1,300 miles, creating a powerful visual and cultural reminder of Texas' agricultural and equestrian legacy.
As the Salt Grass Trail Ride makes its way through Katy and the greater Houston area this month, it's more than just a ride—it’s a celebration of the past, a connection to community, and a bridge to the rodeo traditions that define Houston every spring.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
