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. Wireless internet access is available for visitors to use.
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 can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the Natural Area at 210.688.9055.
Fees as Follows:
- $6 per day, per
person 13 and older, staying for day use only.
- Group
School-Sponsored Trip entrance fee per person (not
for overnight stays): $1 - $5
Contact the Park to make arrangements and for pricing.
- Group
School-Sponsored Trip entrance fee per person (not
for overnight stays): $1 - $5
Special entrance rates for:
- Holders of:
- Children 12 and under (free)
Day use only. No camping or overnight use is allowed. Open Friday-Monday and closed Tuesday-Thursday. The front gate is open from 7AM-10PM.. 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..
Natural Features: 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. Click the maps below to see an enlar. Government Canyon SNA is an official Leave No Trace partner. Click the maps below to see an enlarged view.
