Just outside San Antonio, Government Canyon State Natural Area offers more than 40 miles of scenic trails across 12,000 acres. As a result, it’s a favorite destination for both hiking and biking. Along the way, you’ll also discover fascinating pieces of history. For example, you can see dinosaur tracks that date back about 110 million years. In addition, you’ll pass an 1882 house (no entry allowed) as well as remnants of an old ranch.
However, recreation is only part of the story. Above all, the primary mission of this state natural area is ecosystem preservation. In fact, Government Canyon sits above a vital aquifer. Therefore, this underground water system supplies drinking water to millions of people in the region.
Because the landscape is especially sensitive, trail closures sometimes occur after rain. As a result, these temporary closures help prevent erosion and protect the environment. So before you go, be sure to check online for updates. For instance, the park’s social media pages will quickly let you know if trails are temporarily closed.
My husband and I enjoy walking and hiking in scenic spots. This was definitely one of them! It also has local history which made it even more interesting.
Dinosaur Tracks
Dinosaurs once roamed this area over 100 million years ago. Back then, this area was the Gulf Coast. 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, two-legged, upright dinosaurs) and sauropods (plant-eating, four-legged dinosaurs). Specifically, the tracks are believed to be from Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs, respectively. Hikers are not allowed to walk on the dinosaur tracks, but they are easy to see 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. At times, 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 round-trip; 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 Trail for a nice view over the treetops and for a peek down at the dinosaur tracks below. Otherwise, you can go back to the trailhead.
- Wildcat Canyon & Sendero Balcones Loop: 5.2 miles round trip; challenging difficulty.
- Far Reaches and Twin Oaks Loop: 9.0 miles round-trip; challenging; 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.
- 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. They have extended hours during spring break and for events.
- 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.
- Cell service is spotty.
- 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 plenty of activities in the area. Consider some great nearby parks and downtown San Antonio.
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. Flat trails dominate, but a few more challenging ones feature rocky, 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 San Antonio for more things to explore. 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 exciting, and Government Canyon State Natural Area is no exception. Here, you’ll find plenty of trail options to suit different interests and abilities. What intrigued me most, however, was the rich history woven into a simple hike. Along the way, we moved from prehistoric dinosaur tracks to evidence of a Native American habitat and then to a 19th-century dwelling — all within about three hours. As you walk, you naturally pause to reflect on the layers of history and their impact, while also taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
We started our trek around 9:00 a.m., and as a result, we had the trail mostly to ourselves. This early start allowed us to fully appreciate the quiet and peaceful setting. Later, when we headed back to the trailhead about three hours later, we passed many other hikers — and were glad we had arrived early. Afterward, we stopped to recharge at Fish City Grill – 7010 W Loop 1604 N, a great lunch or dinner spot located about five 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! 🙂
