Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Rd
San Antonio TX 78254
210/688-9055
History: Government Canyon State Natural Area is an approximately 8,622-acre area in Bexar County, just outside San Antonio. The State Natural Area was purchased by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1993, in cooperation with Edwards Aquifer Authority (formerly Edwards Underground Water District), San Antonio Water System, the Trust for Public Land and the federal government Land and Water Conservation Fund. The park opened to the public on October 15th, 2005.
The canyon was on the "Joe Johnston" Road from San Antonio to Bandera which was blazed by the military at Ft. Sam Houston in the 1850s. The canyon is a part of the rich ranching history of Texas.
Activities: Check the Calendar of Events for Government Canyon to get current information on upcoming interpretive programs.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are welcome at Government Canyon SNA. There are many different volunteer opportunities for interested individuals. Organized volunteer groups include Friends of Government Canyon and Trail Patrol, but other opportunities are also available. Government Canyon also seeks park hosts to stay for an extended period in exchange for volunteer duties. Please contact Government Canyon directly for more information on volunteering. More information on volunteer opportunities at all State Parks.
Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include Casa Navarro State Historic Site, Landmark Inn State Historic Site Bed & Breakfast, Hill Country State Natural Area, The Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (four Spanish frontier missions operated by the National Park Service), Sea World, and Fiesta Texas.
Facilities: The Natural Area is still being developed. Some facilities and trails are under construction. The Natural Area Headquarters building has an exhibit hall and a Texas State Park Store with numerous gift and educational items. Other facilities include a group picnic pavilion with 10 picnic sites nearby, classrooms, and rest rooms. All buildings and two of the picnic sites are accessible. An accessible nature trail is planned for future development.
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Facility & Trail Map (2 pages)
(PDF 116.5 KB)
Note: The Protected Habitat Area trails are currently closed. All other trails are open. All pets are restricted to the Frontcountry trails. Currently there is no Equestrian use pending further trail work to allow safe access. Contact the natural area for more information prior to arrival at site as trails may be closed due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions. - Fees
Flora/Fauna: Trees such as Mountain Laurel, Ashe Juniper, Mesquite and Live Oak abound, as well as Mexican Buckeye, Lindheimer’s Silk-Tassel and Escarpment Black Cherry. Steep slopes provide scenic overlooks of the surrounding Bexar County and glimpses of San Antonio. Rare birds such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler can be found. Geologically, the Natural Area lies on the Balcones Escarpment, an area of deeply entrenched canyons that defines the eastern boundary of the Edwards Plateau. Approximately 88% of the Natural Area overlays the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. The remaining acreage overlies the transition zone for water recharge.
Government Canyon State Natural Area is a highly sensitive eco-system that needs your help to remain pristine. To reduce the human impact on the Natural Area please follow the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. Government Canyon SNA is an official Leave No Trace partner.
More information on the wildlife mentioned here:
Weather:
Schedule: Day use only. No camping or overnight use is allowed. Open Friday-Monday and closed Tuesday-Thursday. The front gate is open from 8AM-6PM. Access to all Backcountry trails is closed at 4PM, access to all Frontcountry trails is closed at 5PM. The Protected Habitat Area trails are currently closed. All other trails are open. All pets and horses are restricted to the Frontcountry trails. Contact the natural area for more information prior to arrival at site as trails may be closed due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions.
Directions: From the intersection of Loop 1604 and Culebra Road (also known as FM 471 - back road to Castroville), travel west 3.5 miles to Galm Road. Turn north (right) on Galm and travel 1.6 miles; gate with signs on the left.
Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744