Government Canyon State Natural Area
Prep for the Pro Hab Hike
Do you want to hike to Government Canyon’s Protected Habitat (Pro Hab)? Are you feeling unsure about taking on such a long hike? Join experienced guides who will lead you on a series of progressively longer hikes to help you prepare for the annual Hike to the Pro Hab.
Guided Hike to the Protected Habitat Area
Ready for a longer hike? Join experienced guides for an all-day excursion into the farthest reaches of Government Canyon SNA.
Birding for Beginners
Was that a kinglet, or a kingbird? Learn how you can add birding to your outdoor skills set.
Prairie in Your Pocket
Wildlife habitat isn't just in our parks. Your own yard can provide a place of refuge for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife...as well as yourself.
Sunset History Hike
Join us on a trip back in time with a short but beautiful hike to the historic Kallison Ranch complex.
Insectigation Hike
What's bugging you? Let's take a hike to observe some of the little things that are really running the world.
Veteran Suicide Awareness Walk/Ruck
Join us for a walk in honor of those we have lost to suicide and in support of those still struggling to find a way to live after their service.
Full Moon Hike
Join us for a short hike in the Frontcountry under the silvery light of the moon. *Updated 12/23/2025: this hike required registration and is now FULL.
Winter Solstice Night Hike
Take a walk over fields and through the woods on a starry (fingers crossed), moonless night...the longest night of the year.
Sounds of the Night
Sssshhhh...did you hear that? What was that noise?
Star Party-CANCELED
Bring a blanket or portable chairs for an evening of star gazing and planet-watching.
Intro to Hiking for Women
Want to spend more time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, but unsure how to begin? Come learn about hiking and Celebrate National Trails Day at a women’s beginners hiking clinic.
Family Stroll
Start your kids out on the right foot enjoying the outdoors! Join dedicated volunteers on a FUN and easy family-friendly walk.
S'mores Storytime
Listen to some verses about vultures, take a walk with a ranger, and make a s'more at our campfire.
Bluff Spurs Hike
Get a bird’s-eye view of Government Canyon on this ranger-led hike.
Nature Journaling-CANCELED
Slow down and deepen your experience of the natural world with mindful observations.
Nature's Gifts
For thousands of years, the diverse native plants of south-central Texas have offered food, medicine, fiber, and other gifts to people who know how to use them.
Warbler Walk-CANCELLED
Did you know EVERY Golden-cheeked Warbler born on Planet Earth is a Native Texan?? It’s true! Learn about these federally-listed endangered songbirds who come to Government Canyon every Spring to nest, mate and start their families here in the Texas Hill Country.
Sounds of the Night
Sssshhhh...did you hear that? What was that noise?
Insectigation Hike
What's bugging you? Let's take a hike to observe some of the little things that are really running the world.
Painted Bunting Walk
Search for one of the most colorful birds in Texas at Government Canyon.
Name That Tune: Birdsong Edition
Most avid birders eventually add sound identification to the tool set they use in identifying birds. But bird songs convey more information than just the identity of the singer.
The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
Take a plant walk to discover the diverse native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs of Bexar County.
Poetry Hike
Spend a morning reading and composing poetry on this special hike. We’ll be hiking about 1.25 miles on the Discovery Trail, stopping and writing along the way.
Hike to the Dino Tracks
Take a 5-mile hike with a ranger to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
Spring Has Sprung!
Learn to identify local wildflowers as we search for early bloomers and coming attractions.
Wildflower Walk
Take a hike in search of spring's best colors. Learn to identify local wildflowers, and take photos if you wish.
Mother's Day Wildflower Walk
Spend Mother's Day with Mother Nature and learn to identify local wildflowers.
City Nature Challenge Bioblitz & Blacklight Event
Join Jane Weeden, City Nature Challenge Bexar County Coordinator, and her volunteer team on a stroll in the canyon followed by an insect blacklighting event.
iNaturalist Nature Walk
Collect scientific observations to document biodiversity for the 2025 City Nature Challenge. Help San Antonio-area naturalists defend our title!
Junior Ranger Academy
Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.
Night Crawlers
Glow-in-the-dark scorpions, mysterious moths, and more...this night walk is just for invertebrate enthusiasts.
Poetry Hike
Spend a morning reading and composing poetry on this special hike. We’ll be hiking about 1.25 miles on the Discovery Trail, stopping and writing along the way.
Name That Tune: Birdsong Edition
Most avid birders eventually add sound identification to the tool set they use in identifying birds. But bird songs convey more information than just the identity of the singer.
CANCELED-Birding for Beginners
Was that a kinglet, or a kingbird? Learn how you can add birding to your outdoor skills set.
Shade Tree Journaling
Slow down, find a shady spot, and deepen your experience of the natural world with mindful observations.
Big Sit-Great Texas Birding Classic
Help our team tally bird species as we compete in the biggest, wildest birdwatching competition in the U.S.!
Family Stroll
Start your kids out on the right foot enjoying the outdoors! Join dedicated volunteers on a FUN and easy family-friendly walk.
Intro to Hiking for Women
Want to spend more time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, but unsure how to begin? Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors and provides a great source of relaxation and physical fitness.
CANCELED-Rockin' Through Time
Updated 5/23: The trails are likely to be closed on 5/24 due to the 2" of rain received early this morning, and the hike is canceled. We'll do it again sometime! The landscape at Government Canyon is full of clues about the ancient past, if you know how to look.
Explore the Canyon
Join dedicated volunteers for an informative and FUN hike at Government Canyon SNA
Connect to the Canyon
This October is Government Canyon's 20th Anniversary month, and we've scheduled a series of activities to celebrate! This weekend, we're using art to connect with our natural and cultural history.
Colors of the Canyon
This October is Government Canyon's 20th Anniversary month, and we've scheduled a series of activities to celebrate! This weekend, we're using art to connect with our natural and cultural history. Stop by to create beautiful artwork that captures the colors of Government Canyon.
Trek to the Dino Tracks
This October is Government Canyon's 20th Anniversary month, and we've scheduled a series of activities to celebrate! This weekend, we're focused on our ANCIENT history. Take a 5-mile guided hike to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
Trek to the Dino Tracks
This October is Government Canyon's 20th Anniversary month, and we've scheduled a series of activities to celebrate! This weekend, we're focused on our ANCIENT history. Take a 5-mile guided hike to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
Adaptation Artistry
How do spotted fur, big ears, long tails, and other special features help animals survive in a challenging environment? Stop by to learn more at a touch table and craft station. All are welcome, but this activity is timed to coincide with Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend.
Nature's Gifts
The diverse native plants of south-central Texas have always offered food, medicine, fiber, and other gifts to people who know how to use them.
Night Hike
Sunset can transform a familiar trail into a new environment with sights and sounds not experienced during daylight.
Reading Ranger: Dino Story and Craft
Bring a blanket and settle in for a festive story read by a ranger, followed by a craft. We'll bring the hot cocoa.
Winter Bird Walk
Search for vesper sparrows, loggerhead shrikes, spotted towhees, and other winter residents in the varied habitats along Lytle's Loop.
Junior Ranger Academy
Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.
Trek to the Dino Tracks
Take a 5-mile guided hike to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
Christmas Campfire Story and S'mores
Bring a blanket and settle in for a festive story read by a ranger, then make s'mores over our campfire.
Winter Holiday Traditions
Celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way by hand-crafting items families might have been made on the historic ranches that became Government Canyon.
Veterans Day Hike
Come out to Government Canyon State Natural Area and celebrate our military members with a Veterans Day Hike!
Wildlife Trick or Treat
Take a short, wooded hike to visit a series of trail stations where you'll learn about "spooky" wildlife including scorpions, bats, spiders and more. Bring your trick-or-treat gear!
Sounds of the Night
Sssshhhh...did you hear that? What was that noise?
Fall Plant Walk
Take a hike in search of fall color. Learn to identify local wildflowers, and take photos if you wish.
Sunset History Hike
Join us on a trip back in time to the historic Kallison Ranch complex.
Kallison Ranch Hike
Join us on a trip back in time with a short but beautiful hike to the historic Kallison Ranch complex.
First Day Hike: Family-Friendly Morning Hike
Start your kids' new year on the right foot enjoying the outdoors at Government Canyon State Natural Area!
First Day Hike: Bluff Spurs
Celebrate the first day of the new year with an adventure on the Bluff Spurs Trail.
Guided Hike to the Protected Habitat Area
Ready for a longer hike? Join experienced guides for an all-day excursion into the farthest reaches of Government Canyon SNA.
First Day Hike: Tails to the Trails
Ease into the new year with your favorite canine friend on a guided dog-walk along the Savannah Loop Trail.
First Day Hike: Trek to the Tracks
Take a 5-mile guided hike to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
Explore the Night Sky-RESCHEDULED due to weather.
Take a tour of the winter night sky with an amateur astronomer.
Indigenous People, Plants and Animals
Take a walk with knowledgeable volunteers to explore the historical and present-day symbiotic relationship between native plants, animals and people in the Government Canyon area.
Trek to the Dino Tracks
Take a 5-mile guided hike to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
Take a plant walk to discover the diverse native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs of Bexar County.
The Wonder of Texas' Native Plants
Take a plant walk to discover the diverse native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs of Bexar County.
S'mores Storytime
Seeds are magical! Hear a story about the ways seeds move and grow, and plant a wildflower seed to take home with you.
Junior Ranger Academy
Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.
Junior Ranger Academy
Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.
Junior Ranger Academy
Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.
Bluff Spurs Hike
Get a bird’s-eye view of Government Canyon on this ranger-led hike.
Warbler Walk
Did you know EVERY Golden-cheeked Warbler is a Native Texan? Learn about these federally-listed endangered songbirds who come to Government Canyon every spring to build their nests and start their families here in the Texas Hill Country.
Nature's Gifts
The diverse native plants of south-central Texas have always offered food, medicine, fiber, and other gifts to people who know how to use them.
Nest Quest
Kids will learn how to identify common birds and practice with binoculars on this ranger-led bird walk.
Insectigation Hike
What's bugging you? Let's take a hike to observe some of the little things that are really running the world.
Bird Walk
Search for summer tanagers, painted buntings, golden-cheeked warblers, and other summer specialties along Government Canyon's Backcountry Trails.
Spring Has Sprung!
Take a hike in search of spring's best colors. Learn to identify local wildflowers, and take photos if you wish.
Wildflower Walk
Take a hike in search of spring's best colors. Learn to identify local wildflowers, and take photos if you wish.
Mother's Day Wildflower Walk
Spend Mother's Day with Mother Nature and learn to identify local wildflowers.
Intro to Hiking for Women
Want to spend more time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, but unsure how to begin? Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors and provides a great source of relaxation and physical fitness.
Family Stroll
Start your kids out on the right foot enjoying the outdoors! Join dedicated volunteers on a FUN and easy family-friendly walk.
Grit and Grace: Women's History Hike
Learn the history of Government Canyon’s trailblazing women and hear stories about the positive impacts they made on the canyon.
Explore the Canyon
Join dedicated volunteers for an informative and FUN hike at Government Canyon SNA
Intro to Hiking for Women
Want to spend more time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, but unsure how to begin? Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors and provides a great source of relaxation and physical fitness.
Memorial Day Hike
Feel free to carry your flags and bring pictures or memorabilia to share on this veteran-led walk.
Family Stroll
Start your kids out on the right foot enjoying the outdoors! Join dedicated volunteers on a FUN and easy family-friendly walk.
Kallison Ranch Hike-Excursión Bilingüe al Rancho Kallison
Join us on a trip back in time with a short but beautiful hike to the historic Kallison Ranch complex. Únase a nosotros en un viaje al pasado con una caminata corta pero hermosa hasta el histórico complejo del Rancho Kallison.
Explore the Canyon-Trek to the Dino Tracks
Join dedicated volunteers for an informative and FUN hike at Government Canyon SNA.
Night Crawlers
Glow-in-the-dark scorpions, mysterious moths, and more...this night walk is just for invertebrate enthusiasts.
Night Crawlers
Glow-in-the-dark scorpions, mysterious moths, and more...this night walk is just for invertebrate enthusiasts.
Make Your Own Yucca Fiber Twine
For thousands of years, humans have used the fibers within yucca leaves to create cordage for a variety of uses. Stop by and try it yourself!
Nature Journaling
Slow down and deepen your experience of the natural world with mindful observations.
Habitat Hike
Go “shopping” for wildlife habitat with a ranger at Government Canyon State Natural Area.
Junior Ranger Academy
Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.
Prairie in Your Pocket
Wildlife habitat isn't just in our parks. Your own yard can provide a place of refuge for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife...as well as yourself.