River Clicks Photo Contest

River Clicks Photo Contest

Capture the Current, Share the Beauty!
Experience the beauty of the San Antonio River Basin! As spring awakens, native plants bloom in vibrant colors, pollinators buzz with energy, and wildlife thrives in action. Capture these magical moments and showcase the natural wonders around you by entering the 8th Annual River Clicks Photo Contest!

This year’s special category celebrates the Goliad Paddling Trail and Branch River Park in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Canoe Trail Goliad, a local nonprofit that has partnered with the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) to promote river recreation and nature-based tourism in Goliad. The River Authority invites you to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Goliad, along with the entire San Antonio River Basin, and share your photos with us!

                     

What is the River Clicks Photo Contest?

Since 2018, the River Clicks Photo Contest has captured the beauty, diversity, and wonder of the San Antonio River Basin. The San Antonio River Authority is proud to present this years’ photo contest to celebrate the entire San Antonio River Basin. 

The River Clicks Photo Contest begins March 1st and ends May 31st at 5:00 P.M. Central Standard Time.

Online voting for the People’s Choice category will begin on July 1st and end on July 15th at 5:00 P.M. Central Standard Time.

Winners will be announced prior to a reception at the Witte Museum in Fall 2025. More details will be given to all finalists. 

Categories

  • Creeks & Rivers: Images that have a focal point of a creek or river within the San Antonio River Authority’s four-county jurisdiction.
  • Animals: Images capturing native wildlife in their natural, undisturbed habitat.
  • Plants and Insects: Images capturing plant life, pollinators, and insects in their natural, undisturbed habitat.
  • Recreation featuring Disc Golf: Images capturing the use and enjoyment of our two San Antonio River Authority-owned disc golf courses: the 18-hole course at Graytown Park in Wilson County and the 9-hole course at Branch River Park in Goliad County. This category also includes photos from any disc golf course, though we encourage showcasing our own courses.
  • Pet: Any image of your domesticated pet along the San Antonio River Basin or at one of our parks
  • Student: Images capturing any of the above categories but submitted by a contestant under the age of 18.
    *Parent or guardian consent is required, and a waiver must be submitted at the time of entry.
  • Seasonal Variation: The photo submission period for this contest is during the springtime to encourage citizens to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the San Antonio River Basin. This category is specifically for photos that were taken during a previous season of the year. The focal point of the image may qualify the photo for one of the above categories, but the intent of the Seasonal Variation category is to showcase the beauty of the San Antonio River Basin during a season other than springtime.
  • Special Category – Goliad Paddling Trail & Branch River Park: Images capturing any of the above categories, but taken specifically from within the Goliad Paddling Trail or Branch River Park. We encourage photos that highlight kayaking, canoeing, or paddling to celebrate the beauty and adventure of exploring this scenic waterway.

Who Can Enter the Contest?

The River Clicks Photo Contest is open to everyone in the community of all photographic skill levels. Individuals affiliated with the San Antonio River Authority or the San Antonio River Foundation, including employees, Board members, or interns are not eligible for any prize. The San Antonio River Authority will determine winners’ eligibility in its sole discretion.

What Can I Enter into the Contest?

The contest categories mentioned above are drawn from subjects of special interest to the San Antonio River Authority. To be eligible for any category, a photograph must have been taken by the entrant within Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, or Goliad county.
* Limit 1 photo submission per category

Judges' Choice and People's Choice

Your submission may also be considered in one of the following categories.

  • People’s Choice – You can help select this category! Online voting for the People’s Choice will occur July 1 – July 15 on our website. The public is encouraged to vote and choose the winner.
  • Judges’ Choice for Best Photograph from Bexar County 
  • Judges’ Choice for Best Photograph from Wilson County
  • Judges’ Choice for Best Photograph from Karnes County
  • Judges’ Choice for Best Photograph from Goliad County

Alerts

Trail Closure: Museum Reach at Pearl

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 4/25/2025. * For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs. * For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge. North Bridge West Landing & Stairs Trail Closure Map  

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings. Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park. *Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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