To get to the Hill Country via San Antonio, loop around the city to the north by taking TX1604 Anderson Loop. It is 4 lane divided for a short stretch then freeway and may not be totally free of traffic, but much less congested plus you must make a couple of freeway changes just to stay on I10 through downtown.
Better yet, take TX46 at Seguin through New Braunfels to reconnect at I10 at Bourne. If you consult a map, notice that I10 goes pretty far south to go through San Antonio and then goes almost due north before returning to a westerly trek around Kerrville.
one_strange_texan
Currently between RV's
Former 5th wheel owner (Montana 3402RL)