Government Canyon State Natural Area (just outside San Antonio, TX) offers more than 40 miles of trails – and over 12,000 acres – for hiking and biking with some fascinating historical highlights. They include dinosaur tracks dating to 110 million years ago, a house built in 1882 (no entry allowed), and remains of a ranch. The main mission of state natural areas like this one is the preservation of important ecosystems. In fact, the Government Canyon State Natural Area is above an aquifer, an underground water system that supplies water to millions of people in the area. Because of the sensitive nature of this area, when it rains, most of the trails may be temporarily closed to visitors to protect against erosion. A quick check online (the Government Canyon State Natural Area Twitter feed or Facebook page) will let you know if the trails are closed.
Dinosaur Tracks
Dinosaurs once roamed this area over 100 million years ago. Back then, this area was actually the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Several hundred dinosaur tracks (some complete and some partial) have been identified here. It is believed that seven individual dinosaurs made the tracks.
The tracks are from theropods (meat-eating upright dinosaurs walking on two legs) and sauropods (plant-eating dinosaurs walking on four legs). Specifically, the tracks are believed to be from Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs, respectively. Hikers are not allowed to walk on the dinosaur tracks, but it is easy to see them from just beyond the roped-off area and from an elevated vantage point on Outlook Trail.
Government Canyon State Natural Area has partnered with the Witte Museum (in San Antonio) and local universities to research, record, and protect the dinosaur tracks. After a hike to see the dinosaur tracks here, consider visiting the Witte Museum, where there is much to learn about the dinosaurs.
Admission
- $6 for adults; children 12 and under are free (at the time of publication)
- Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Admittance is sometimes limited during popular times like weekends and holidays.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on trails in the Front Country area only. Check the trail map for these options. Please make sure to bring along water for your dog! 🐶
What You’ll Find at Government Canyon State Natural Area
- well-maintained, well-marked trails with several ability-level options from easy to challenging.
- Discovery Trail: 1.23 miles; easy; located near the visitor center.
- Savannah Loop: 2.6-mile round trip; easy.
- Lyle’s Loop: 5.0-mile round trip; easy-moderate difficulty.
- North Bluff Spurs Overlook: 3.4-mile round trip; moderate difficulty with views over the canyon.
- Joe Johnston Route: 5.7-mile roundtrip; moderate-challenging; this popular trail passes an area inhabited by Native Americans, the dinosaur tracks, and the Zizelmann House from the 1880s. At the Zizelmann House, there’s a trail sign for the Overlook Trail (1.01 miles) to the left. Take the Overlook Traill for a nice view over the treetops and for a peek down at the dinosaur tracks below. Otherwise, you can turn around and go back to the trailhead. Another option is to continue on to subsequent trails. See the trail map for details.
- Wildcat Canyon & Sendero Balcones Loop: 5.2 miles round trip; challenging difficulty.
- Far Reaches and Twin Oaks Loop: 9.0 miles round trip; challenging; another trail offering views.
- The Outer Loop: 11.8 miles round trip; challenging; expect rugged terrain.
- Protected Habitat Trails: several hiking-only trails to choose from; open September-February only. At other times, it is a protected area for wildlife.
- picnic areas with tables and grills and a large pavilion by the parking lot.
- play area for kids.
- restrooms at the visitor center.
- visitor center that sells bottled water and souvenirs.
- campsites.
Location
Government Canyon State Natural Area: 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX. (210)688-9055.
Trails Map
Tips for Your Visit to Government Canyon State Natural Area
- Check online to make sure the trails are open. Trails are sometimes closed during and right after rainfall to protect them from erosion. The decision about trail conditions is made in the early morning. It’s worth checking the Government Canyon State Natural Area Twitter feed or Facebook page to verify trail conditions. They’ll post if the trails are closed. The 1.23-mile Discovery Trail typically stays open when the main trails are closed.
- Reservations are recommended as there are capacity limits. Reserve online or call the park at (210) 688-9055.
- The park is usually open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on Fridays through Mondays. At times, the natural area is open for additional hours such as during spring break and on some holidays.
- Arrive early to beat the crowds. Fewer people make your time there more enjoyable.
- Be prepared for the elements. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as many of the trails have loose rocks.
- Consider using trekking poles (if you have them).
- Bring plenty of water (and snacks). Government Canyon State Natural Area recommends 16 ounces of water per hour of hiking or biking. Although the visitor center sells bottled water, there are no concession stands.
- Given the terrain, Government Canyon State Natural Area suggests planning on hiking two miles an hour.
- Biking is allowed on most trails except the Discovery Trail, Overlook Trails, and Bluff Spurs.
- Restrooms and a picnic area are located near the parking lot. There are no facilities on the trails.
- Stay on the trails.
- Bicycles are allowed on some trails. Bikers must yield to hikers.
- Carry in, carry out. Plan to take any trash and empty water bottles home with you.
- Do not approach or feed wildlife.
- Do not expect to have cell service, although you very well may.
- Consider downloading the AllTrails app to help you plan your trek and check your progress along your selected route. How far do we have to go?!
Nearby Attractions
There are lots of options for activity in the area. Consider some great nearby parks and downtown San Antonio. So many choices!
Comanche Lookout Park
Comanche Lookout Park is a 96-acre, dog-friendly park with historical roots and about five miles of hiking, walking, running, and biking trails that wind up and around a hill. Atop the hill is a 30-foot-high medieval-style stone tower built in the 1920s and some interesting public art installations that honor the native people who lived on the land thousands of years ago.
Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park encompasses 300 acres and has a variety of paved and unpaved trails through the Texas landscape — you’ve got plenty of walking/hiking options. Plus, there’s an observation tower to climb and gain great views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
Friedrich Wilderness Park offers plenty of walking and hiking trails — mostly flat trails or more challenging ones with rocky and hilly terrain. What sets this park apart is that it’s a nature preserve dedicated to conservation and providing sanctuary to endangered species. You’ll find lots of natural, wild Texas landscapes here.
Hardberger Park
Hardberger Park has a variety of trails for walking and biking, a land bridge spanning a busy highway below, and an elevated skywalk that takes walkers to the level of tree tops, playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas.
Downtown San Antonio
Head downtown! Besides hiking, there’s plenty to explore in downtown San Antonio. Consider the River Walk, The Pearl, the Alamo, the other Spanish missions from the 1700s, the museums, the botanical garden, and the other great parks. Use this guide to help plan your time in San Antonio.
Final Thoughts
Exploring new places is always fun, and Government Canyon State Natural Area is such a place. Plenty of trail options await visitors. What interested me most was the history associated with a simple hike: from prehistoric dinosaurs to a Native American habitat to a 19th-century dwelling. All within a 3-hour hike. There’s lots to ponder along the way – history and its impact on others – along with the natural beauty surrounding visitors.
We began our trek around 9:00 am and had the trail pretty much to ourselves. This allowed us to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the area. When we were heading back to the trailhead, about three hours later, we passed lots of people (and were happy we had decided on an early start time). After we left, we stopped to recharge at Fish City Grill (7010 W. Loop 1604 N) – a great lunch (or dinner) spot about 5 miles from Government Canyon.
Comments?
Please share your experiences and/or suggestions for fun outdoor spaces in San Antonio. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
