Where to Cheer on Trail Riders in Katy on Their Way to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 2025
Every year, thousands of trail riders embark on a journey steeped in Texas tradition, making their way to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo—a celebration that encapsulates the spirit of the Old West.
In 1952, four horseback riders from Brenham set off on a journey that has evolved into a large-scale celebration of Texas history and culture, with 11 official trail rides covering hundreds of miles, all meeting at Memorial Park on Friday, February 28, 2025. Two of the region’s historic trail rides, the Salt Grass and Valley Lodge rides, will be traversing routes that allow Katy residents and passersby to witness and support this time-honored event.
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Where and When to See the Trail Riders
Salt Grass Trail Ride
The Salt Grass Trail Ride, a longstanding pillar in the Houston rodeo tradition, boasts 74 years of participation. Established in January 1952, the ride has earned accolades including the Spirit Award and Division I Award (Large Trail Ride: 145+ Participants) for 2024. Kicking off on February 22, 2024, from Cat Spring, Texas, riders set off on a 105‑mile journey.
The route heads north to Hempstead before moving south of Waller and into North Katy—just north of Old Town Katy—where local residents will have the perfect opportunity to wave, cheer, and show support. The trail then continues east along Clay Road (from Katy Hockley Cut Off Road to Sam Houston Tollway), shifts over to Kempwood Drive down to Antoine Drive, and finally cuts over to Memorial Drive, culminating at Memorial Park. See where the Salt Grass Trail Riders are along their journey through their official Facebook page here.
Valley Lodge Trail Ride
Not far behind, the Valley Lodge Trail Ride offers another slice of Texas heritage with 66 years of participation. Established in January 1959 and recently honored with the Division II Award (Medium Trail Ride: 50–144 Participants) in 2024, this ride began on February 22, 2025, in Brookshire, Texas. Although smaller—with 75 riders and 4 wagons—this ride’s route still offers several spots where Katy onlookers can share in the excitement.
It winds its way from Brookshire to Weston Lakes, then from Jones Creek Ranch Park along Grand Parkway, and through the communities of Grand Lakes and Cinco Ranch. The ride continues past George Bush Park, runs alongside I-10 to the 610 Loop, and ultimately arrives at Memorial Park.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo: A Celebration of Texas Heritage
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is much more than a rodeo; it is a living, breathing festival of Texas culture. Trail rides like Salt Grass and Valley Lodge are not only competitive events but also a tribute to the history of the American West. They echo the days when settlers, ranchers, and traders traversed rugged landscapes by horseback and wagon—a tradition that continues to unite communities and preserve Texas’ storied past. Riders, ranging from seasoned cowboys to first-time participants, come together with a shared passion for maintaining these traditions, all heading toward Memorial Park for the start of the rodeo festivities.
Downtown Rodeo Parade & Road Closures
The Downtown Rodeo Parade and Rodeo Run® presented by ConocoPhillips will take place on March 1, 2025, kicking off a full day of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ celebrations. The Rodeo Run, which raises funds for the Rodeo’s educational programs, includes a 10K Wheelchair Race starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the 5K & 10K Corral A and 10K Timed Run at 9:10 AM, and the 5K Timed Run at 9:35 AM. Immediately following the race, the Downtown Rodeo Parade will begin at 10:00 AM, featuring trail riders, marching bands, and floats as they make their way through the streets of Houston to celebrate Texas’ Western heritage.
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For over 70 years, Memorial Park has hosted trail riders before they ride through Downtown Houston to officially kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. However, visitors should be aware of temporary closures around Memorial Park from February 27 – March 1, 2025, including West Memorial Loop Drive, Commuter Trail, Living Bridge, Running Complex Parking Lot, Picnic Loop, and Cullen Running Trails Center, which will be closed for the duration.
Traffic delays are expected on Memorial Drive as riders arrive throughout the day on February 28.
How to Show Your Support
Locals in and around Katy are invited to embrace the spirit of Texas history by showing support for the trail riders. Whether standing by the roadside in North Katy or near key intersections along Clay Road and the surrounding areas, a friendly wave or cheer can make a memorable difference to riders who have dedicated countless hours to training and preparing for this historic journey. Your support is a nod to the legacy of the Old West and an active part of preserving Texas heritage.
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.
