Government Canyon State Natural Area

Nature preserve · San Antonio

Government Canyon State Natural Area

Nature preserve · San Antonio

2

12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254

Photos

Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by knoxium (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by knoxium (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by satxwdavis (Atlas Obscura User)
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null
Government Canyon State Natural Area by null

Highlights

Tranquil park featuring multi-use trails from rugged to beginner-friendly, plus guided canyon hikes.  

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12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254 Get directions

tpwd.texas.gov

Information

Static Map

12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254 Get directions

+1 210 688 9055
tpwd.texas.gov

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"About 110 million years ago, prehistoric creatures strolled across a muddy beach in what is now San Antonio, Texas. The beach and coast have long since relocated. But the dinosaur tracks remain, stamped into now-solid earth by the passage of time. The tracks are within the Government Canyon State Natural Area. As of right now, they’re Bexar County’s only known dinosaur tracks on public land. Park officials first uncovered the tracks in 2014. They’d previously been buried beneath pools of water and layers of sediment. Local paleontologists originally believed there were only a couple dozen tracks. However, they were delighted to discover hundreds more. Scientists have studied the prints and theorize that they were made by two different types of dinosaurs. The three-tip prints were made by three-toed, two-legged theropods (meat eaters), while the larger, rounder tracks were made by giant four-legged sauropods (plant eaters). In addition to its paleontological treasure, the park offers over 40 miles of trails, camping areas, educational displays, and even an aquifer recharge zone. Though the dinosaur tracks are only a small section of this 12,000-acre natural area, they are a must-see for any science and outdoor enthusiast." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

The Most Wondrous State Parks to Visit During the Government Shutdown
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@atlasobscura

"About 110 million years ago, prehistoric creatures strolled across a muddy beach in what is now San Antonio, Texas. The beach and coast have long since relocated. But the dinosaur tracks remain, stamped into now-solid earth by the passage of time. The tracks are within the Government Canyon State Natural Area. As of right now, they’re Bexar County’s only known dinosaur tracks on public land. Park officials first uncovered the tracks in 2014. They’d previously been buried beneath pools of water and layers of sediment. Local paleontologists originally believed there were only a couple dozen tracks. However, they were delighted to discover hundreds more. Scientists have studied the prints and theorize that they were made by two different types of dinosaurs. The three-tip prints were made by three-toed, two-legged theropods (meat eaters), while the larger, rounder tracks were made by giant four-legged sauropods (plant eaters). In addition to its paleontological treasure, the park offers over 40 miles of trails, camping areas, educational displays, and even an aquifer recharge zone. Though the dinosaur tracks are only a small section of this 12,000-acre natural area, they are a must-see for any science and outdoor enthusiast." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

14 Places to Walk in the Footsteps of Dinosaurs
View Postcard for Government Canyon State Natural Area

Kaja SWIEB

Google
Nice place with a lot of options for hiking. We went to see dinosaur tracks. The hike is about 2.5 miles one way, 5 miles all together, it's not difficult at all the only thing is that there are a lot of rocks on the trail, u need to pay attention to your steps and sturdy shoes are a must. There are benches along the way, and once you arrive at the destination. We spent a good amount of time looking at the dinosaur tracks... It is so cool to see it, and the more you look at it the more details you see .

John Walker

Google
My wife and and our daughter did a day hike at Government Canyon. It was another beautiful Saturday for hiking. This is 2 weekends in a row. This just might become a habit. That is until it gets too hot to enjoy these hikes. Cost is $6 per person. No dogs are allowed on the trails except for the lower trail that is just a loop. Of course you still always have those people who believe that rules apply to everyone else except them. Get out and enjoy God’s creation.

Thomas Piland

Google
This is a great place to hike with about 48 miles of trails. There’s a $6 fee per car but credit cards are accepted at the entrance. Warning to wear stabilizing and comfortable shoes as the trails can be very rocky.

Raymo All

Google
Lots of great hiking plus dinosaur tracks! We visited this park twice (note: Texas State Parks seem to charge by the person, not the vehicle, so a park pass might be a better option) and had some wonderful hikes. We couldn’t take our dog on the dinosaur track trail, but they had a very nice series of pet-friendly trails a bit down the road. Water, trees and elevation changes made the hikes enjoyable. Park office was nice and the park rangers were helpful and friendly.

B Martin

Google
We spent a full day hiking the Joe Johnson and Caroline's Loop trail. This park is a hidden gem. There was a short line of vehicles to get in but it wasn't a long wait. It seemed like most of the hike was uphill but it was definitely worth it. Saw the dinosaur tracks and the Zizelmann house along the way. This was a great place to spend a day, especially during February.

Nuria Villarreal

Google
Tickets to come in are $6 per person, we ended up buying the annual pass for all texas parks for 70$. This park has 2 walking trails in the front country that allow dogs. The savanna trail is short about an hour and a half. I really enjoy coming here and walking my dog. There are no paved trails so it is very dusty. Lots of bugs some deer. We love coming here to unwind. It's open pretty late which is nice because all other parks close so early.

First Last

Google
A real gem hidden in San Antonio, they have some really awesome vistas and really rewarding trails (excuse the finger on the camera shot lol). The pictures show some succulents right off the a trail, growing in an interesting damp environment. They have clean restrooms and camping options too, great camping for people who don't want to rough it in the middle of no-where

Quinton Hamp

Google
Good family hike for family with kids from 7 year old to 13 years old. Did Dino tracks and the overlook. Total miles were 6.7 and walking time was 3 hours. Stopped at tracks and had picnic. Beautiful hike. Overlook has no rail, so definitely cautious with kids.