Government Canyon State Natural Area offers more than 40 miles of trails. You can also camp, attend a program or guided hike, geocache, picnic, take nature photos, and look for birds and other wildlife. Your kids will connect with “natural fun” at our playscape and Discovery Trail.
The natural area is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Hiking/biking trails
Take a walk through time on the Joe Johnston Route to the Zizelmann House, built in the 1880s. You’ll pass 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks and a prehistoric midden (look for a sign with information on this Native American site).
For great views, hike the Far Reaches Trail to the Chula Vista and Sotol overlooks, or to the North and South Bluff Spurs overlooks.
Camping
Reserve one of 23 walk-in tent campsites. We also have two walk-in group tent camps for up to 16 people.
Campgrounds are open Friday and Saturday nights only. We open for additional nights around holidays; visit our Events page for those dates.