Government Canyon State Natural Area“If you have never been to Government Canyon, you will be amazed”, says Government Canyon Superintendent Chris Holm. “Surprisingly, it’s only a few minutes from San Antonio. Many people don’t even know we are here but when they find us, they are amazed by the peaceful solitude.”
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Government Canyon will host events such as: guided hikes on the future route of its planned interpretive nature trail, Ranger-led tours of the Kallison Ranch property, kids’ activities and games, displays about the past, present and future of Government Canyon, and booths from our many partners, including the San Antonio Fire Department, Bexar County Fire Department, Texas Forest Service, Edwards Aquifer Authority, City of San Antonio Natural Areas, Texas Herpetology Society, Texas Audubon Society, Texas Parks and Wildlife Wildlife Division, and many more.
Located in northwest Bexar County, Government Canyon State Natural Area opened its gates to the general public for the first time on Oct. 15, 2005. Having grown since then to its current 12,082 acres, it is one of the largest natural areas located next to a major metropolitan area in the United States and boasts nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. Mountain bikers, runners, walkers, picnickers, birders, nature lovers, and star gazers all enjoy this beautiful wilderness-type oasis. Additionally in 2010, the Natural Area offered camping for the first time, with 25 walk-in, semi-primitive, tent campsites. In 2014, through a partnership with the Witte Museum, nearly 300 dinosaur tracks were discovered, representing the only publically-accessible dinosaur trackways within Bexar County.
The natural area is open weekly only on Fridays through Mondays, however, for the celebration of its 10-year anniversary, it will be open an additional day on Thursday, Oct. 15. Visitors can enjoy half off daily entry fees and discounted Government Canyon store merchandise on Oct. 15- 17.
Government Canyon State Natural is one of 94 state parks, natural areas and historic si
tes within Texas State Parks, a Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. For more information about State Parks, visit www.tpwd.texas.gov.
 
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