Where to See Trail Riders on Their Way to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Annual Tradition Brings the Spirit of the Old West Through Cypress and West Houston
Each year, thousands of horseback riders and covered wagons make their way toward Houston as part of a cherished Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ tradition. What started in 1952 with just four men on horseback from Brenham has since grown into a massive celebration of Texas history and culture, with 11 official trail rides covering hundreds of miles before converging at Memorial Park on Friday, February 28, 2025.
For those in West Houston and Cypress, the Prairie View Trail Ride and the Salt Grass Trail Ride will pass through the area, offering residents a chance to wave, cheer, and show support for these dedicated riders as they continue their historic journey.
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Where and When to See the Trail Riders
The Prairie View Trail Ride began its journey on February 22, 2025, departing from Hempstead, Texas and covering approximately 80 miles before reaching Memorial Park. Riders will follow US 290, traveling through Fairbanks, then making their way through Greater Inwood and Acres Homes. As they continue south, the route will take them through Central Northwest and the eastern edge of Spring Branch, ultimately leading them to their final destination in Memorial Park.
The Prairie View Trail Ride is expected to have around 300 riders and nine wagons, marking its 68th year of participation in this historic tradition. Track the trail ride's progress on the Prairie View Trail Riders Association Facebook page here.
The Salt Grass Trail Ride, one of the most well-known and longest-running trail rides, will also began on February 22, 2025, departing from Cat Spring, Texas. This ride spans 105 miles and will travel north to Hempstead, then head south of Waller into North Katy, passing just north of Old Town Katy. The riders will then continue east along Clay Road from Katy Hockley Cut Off Road to Sam Houston Tollway, before moving onto Kempwood Drive and Antoine Drive, eventually cutting over to Memorial Drive and reaching Memorial Park.
The Salt Grass Trail Ride, established in 1952, boasts an impressive 1,200 riders and 22 wagons, making it the largest of all the Houston Rodeo trail rides. See where the Salt Grass Trail Riders are along their route through their Facebook page here.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Trail Ride: A Living Texas Tradition
Trail rides are a symbol of Texas’ rich history, tracing back to the early days when settlers, ranchers, and traders traveled by horseback and wagon to move goods and reach developing towns. Today, the event brings together riders from all walks of life, from seasoned cowboys to first-time participants, all sharing a passion for preserving the legacy of the Old West.
These groups camp overnight, cook over open fires, and travel the same paths that once linked rural Texas communities. Their final stop at Memorial Park on February 28 marks the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo festivities, culminating in the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
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.
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.
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How to Show Your Support
If you see riders passing through your area, take a moment to wave, cheer, and show appreciation for their commitment to preserving Texas heritage. Many riders train year-round and travel great distances to participate, making it a unique and memorable experience for them and the community.
For more details on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Trail Rides, visit RodeoHouston.com.
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.
