Junior Ranger Academy

Explore the trails at Government Canyon with a ranger and earn your Junior Ranger badge.

Take a hike, make wildlife observations, use magnifiers to search for decomposers, and learn to Leave No Trace as we complete activities that will result in young rangers being sworn in as TPWD Junior Rangers. We’ll walk about one mile and work together on activities in our journals. Parts of the program will be in the Pavilion, and part will occur on the trail. This activity is best for 6-12 year-olds. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. No pets please.

This activity meets in the Group Picnic Pavilion, near the Visitor Center. Lots A & B will be the closest parking. The Pavilion has a concrete floor, and there are accessible walkways leading to it from the parking lot. We will use the Discovery Trail, which has a compacted crushed granite surface. 

Registration is NOT required for this activity, but please arrive on time. Saturdays can be very busy and there is often a long line at the Fee Booth. Late arrivals may be asked to take a self-guided hike and do the Junior Ranger activities on their own. 

This is a public program intended for families. If you would like to bring a group for a program at Government Canyon, please contact the Park Interpreter at Lisa.Cole@tpwd.texas.gov to schedule at a different time. 

Though the event is free, entrance fees to the Natural Area do apply. We often fill to capacity. To ensure entrance and save time at the Fee Booth, please pre-purchase and print out a day pass. There is often a line at the fee booth; arrive early to get to your activity on time.

Dress for hiking outdoors, in layers that can be added or removed as the weather changes. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat are recommended. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person and a snack.

If ADA assistance is required, please email accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov at least 2 weeks in advance.

This program is weather-dependent and subject to cancellation. Check trail conditions by calling GCSNA's main office at 210-688-9055, or go to the GCSNA webpage, Instagram, or Facebook.