Wonder World Extension Offers New Trail & Access to Purgatory

The grand opening of the new Wonder World Drive Extension provides benefits to hikers and bikers as well as motorized vehicles. An access point from the intersection of Wonder World Drive and Hunter Road on the south side includes parking, a kiosk and the trail head to a new mile-long, crushed stone and dirt pathway. The trail is suitable for bikers, hikers, and even stollers (photo below by Dick McBride). At its western terminus, the crushed-stone trail splits south and connects to the Lower Purgatory and Prospect Park trails or north to the more challenging Upper Purgatory trail.

The July 24th opening ceremony included a fun 5-kilometer run and walk at 7 a.m. and an introductory trail hike at 11 a.m. led by San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance volunteers Todd Derkacz, Lance Jones, and Ann Jensen. Thanks to Kathy Rogers for greeting visitors to the trail head kiosk during the hike and to Matt Aiken of local bike shop The Hub. Matt organized a clean up crew of about 10 folks who cleared the main trail from the Prospect trail head past the WW extension prior to the opening. (Photo of SMGA information table at the WW Ext kiosk by Dick McBride.)

Note that access to Upper Purgatory via Franklin Street is now closed. To reach Upper Purgatory’s north entrance, take the Wonder World Extension to its future intersection with Craddock and turn south onto the dirt access road. The new Craddock Drive connection won’t be completed for several more months.