Covering over 8,500 acres, Government Canyon State Natural Area opened in October 2005. Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased the land in cooperation with the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the San Antonio Water System (both of whom wanted the land to protect the aquifer recharge zone), and a couple of other agencies.
There are over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails. Mountain biking is not only OK, it’s encouraged. Pets are welcome, also, but they must be leashed and must stay on the front country trails. The park hosts several programs every weekend; check their website for a schedule. Picnic tables, grills, and activity pavilions are located near the Visitors Center.
Opening hours are Friday through Monday from 7:00 am-10:00 pm. Currently, overnight camping is not permitted, but the park may be further developed for that purpose in the future. There’s a $6 entrance fee for adults, 65 and older cost $3, and children 12 and under are free. The turnoff for the park is three miles north of Loop 1604 on Culebra Rd.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you go during warm weather, make sure to take plenty of water, for both you and your pet. There are no facilities whatsoever on the trails. Past summers have seen park rangers making rescues of hikers with poor planning skills.
(Author's note: sorry about my absence the past couple of days. Crazy busy. Taking Monday off was an, um, tactical error of the first order.)
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