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    Government Canyon State Natural Area

    Come Explore the Great Outdoors

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    What makes it fun

    With 40 miles of canyon to explore, trek through the savannah grasslands of San Antonio. Wildcat canyon is scattered with aged buildings that sit among the rural countryside. Check out the Zizelman house, or the old windmill each a a relic of the Texas way of life in the 1800's. Venture with your significant other among the various dinosaur track that have been etched into the earth and over 100 million years old. The Canyon state natural area also has various trails suited for biking and hiking that as separated based on you and your partners capability in the wild.

    Google Reviews
    Government Canyon State Natural Area
    4.7
    Based on 2222 reviews
    powered by Google
    Greg curlett

    01:10 04 Nov 24
    A great place to explore and make new memories. Dinosaur tracks, beautiful trails, challenge, educational opportunities, fun for everyone

    Jason Machac

    18:11 02 Nov 24

    Mark Rodriguez

    15:57 29 Oct 24
    The trails were beautiful and well maintained. The staff were friendly, informative, and very helpful.

    Angela Crump

    20:39 28 Oct 24

    Alfonso Esquivel

    02:52 28 Oct 24
    Nice place 👌

    Travis Ostby

    02:03 07 Nov 23
    I had an incredible experience at this state natural area! The highlight for me was the fascinating dinosaur tracks, which were a major draw for crowds, and they did not disappoint. The hiking trails were not only beautiful but also quite manageable, making it a perfect outing for a Saturday.What truly impressed me was the low crowd level, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the natural beauty and history of this place. I kind of figured there would be an elevated level of crowd because of the nice weather, but I was thankfully wrong.Five stars all the way.

    Brandon Miller

    19:53 05 Nov 23
    Great place with lots of trails

    Angie Rodriguez

    16:31 25 Oct 23
    I liked that it has a very good area to walk. Clean bathrooms. And they have a large number of activities for this month. We went to learn about Geocachig; which is an activity of locations through GPS coordinates. Objects are hidden inside boxes or things that seem natural but are not. You can download the application to record everything you have found or if you have hidden something as well. I don't know how much they charge because I went with a Homeschool group and admission was free and the park was just for us. 🥰 Something I didn't like was that the person in charge took a long time explaining this activity, it was interesting but I think more time should have been given to carry out the activity, since the children were excited to do it.

    Jose Angel Parra Moreno

    21:35 23 Oct 23

    Annabella Wood

    17:26 20 Oct 23
    Incredible views, make sure to bring lots of water, and maybe snacks so you don't get hungry on your walks too.

    j. zacarias

    17:16 14 Jul 23
    Awesome park with great hiking trails. Trails are mostly covered with some open areas. Not fully covered but covered enough so the sun doesn't beat you down. Rocky to dirt to solid rock along the trails. Several trails available making it possible to take different routes depending on how long a hike you want to do.

    Jose Colman

    17:48 19 Jun 23
    Oh boy it was not a good idea to go for a hike today with a 6 and 9 year old 🤣 but we ended up having a great time and they made the almost 5 miles round trip hike... Good trails for hiking or mountain biking but definitely not regular bikes, we had to ditch ours and hike all the way up to the dino tracks!!! We'll definitely come back better prepared and with extra, extra water!!!!

    Brigitte Reyna

    23:55 16 Jun 23
    A magnificent State park. I went on a solo hike as a girl. I felt pretty safe, the views were nice and the Dino tracks are awesome! Very well preserved .Be aware this can be a loooong hike (I believe 12+ miles) if you go all the way and back through the park.Staff is friendly. Pets are not allowed. There is water fountains and water bottle refill stations.Entrance fee $6The trees are gorgeous. They are covered in Spanish moss.

    Charles Bronson (CNorris)

    23:30 30 Apr 23
    My dad volunteered to help cut the trails back before it opened and I go here a few times a year. Plenty of hiking to be had. However much of it is rocks and dirt so wear real hiking shoes not sneakers or you will regret it.Summer and even spring the heat can get you so take what you think you need for water and add an extra 1/3.Once you get to the spots you want it gets more exciting.Cell coverage is spotty at best so plan accordingly.Please take out whatever you bring in and preserve this natural area.

    Randy Rodgers

    02:44 20 Feb 23
    Hit this park for the second time today and first in a few years. This is a fantastic park with great camp sites (although crushed granite tent pads are not comfortable—bring a cot or good air mattress). Aside from that, they are well maintained and relatively private. The trails are great. There are many miles to choose from. I knocked out 9 miles today. Trails are well marked and maintained. They are very rocky in most places, so I would advise well-cushioned shoes or, better yet, hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles. Trails are about 50% shaded and range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Bring water if you do hike, as there is no potable water once you leave the camp ground or visitor center. My only problem with this fantastic facility is that they are closed during weekdays.

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    • bold iconic outdoors icon
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    • bold hiking icon
      Hiking
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    Location
    • 12861 Galm Road, San Antonio, Texas 78254, United States

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    Contact Information
    • Phone Number
      (210) 688-9055
    • Website
      https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon
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