Government Canyon State Natural Area

Government Canyon is a truly beautiful park! The trails are well maintained and marked. The map available at the visitor center is very easy to read. Rangers were very friendly. The bathrooms clean and parking well kept. I hiked about 10.5 miles between several different trails with varying terrain and foliage (lots of rocks). The dinosaur tracks were really neat and you can get pretty close up while still being safe and respectful. I plan to go back in 2 days to explore some more. $6 per person fee is well worth it!

Government Canyon is absolutely worth the effort it takes to visit. Reservations are required, and you should be prepared to walk and hike a good distance—especially if you want to see the Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat—but the experience is well worth it. The trails are peaceful, scenic, and feel far removed from the city, even though you’re still close to San Antonio. A must-do on the hike is stopping at the compost toilet (you’ll know it when you see it) and continuing on to check out the dinosaur tracks in the creek bed. Seeing those tracks in person is a really unique experience and makes the long hike feel even more rewarding. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a flashlight since services are limited. This isn’t a quick stroll kind of park, but if you plan ahead and come

What a gem! Have lived in San Antonio for years and this is the first time going to Government Canyon State Park! Took my girls for a long walk - 6.6 miles round trip on one of the trails. Super clean, not too busy, beautiful scenery, easy access trails. Just bring lots of water and some snacks! This place feels like you're a million miles away from the city - highly recommend for a fun adventure walk/hike!

Visited this state park to check out the dinosaur tracks and ended up doing a 6-mile, moderate-intensity hike. The trails are clearly marked and have benches throughout—seemingly about a mile apart. Make sure to bring plenty of water and pick up a map at the visitor center; the park offers various trail maps for different routes. The park rangers are doing a phenomenal job with maintenance and conservation, and they’re very friendly. If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to stop by the visitor center to check out a Junior Ranger backpack—kiddos can complete fun activities and earn their Junior Ranger badge. We also absolutely loved the visitor center and the park store. If you’re in the area, you should definitely stop by and check it out. And don’t forget to wear appropriate shoes—some

Government Canyon State Natural Area is an awesome spot for a family day outdoors. The park was very clean and well maintained, and parking was easy and convenient. That alone makes a big difference when you’re heading out with kids and gear. The Discovery Trails are especially great for small kids and even stroller-friendly in many sections. The 1.5-mile full loop is a perfect distance for younger hikers—long enough to feel like an adventure, but not so long that it turns into a meltdown situation. It’s a great way to introduce kids to hiking without overwhelming them. The front country trails are mostly flat and ideal for relaxed hiking. If you’re looking for something more scenic, the backcountry trails offer some really nice elevation changes and rewarding views. You can definitely t