Field Trips
The outdoors is the best classroom. Government Canyon State Natural Area offers TEKS-aligned learning experiences in nature with ranger-led and self-guided visits.
We don't charge school groups daily entry fees, though camping or facility rental fees will be assessed if necessary. Please contact the Government Canyon SNA email for more information or to make a reservation.
Scheduling
Ranger-led field trips
We offer ranger-led field trips Tuesdays and Thursdays from February through May and mid-September through December. We do not offer ranger-led field trips during Spring Break or other major holidays.
Minimum group size for these field trips is 25 students, and the maximum is 80 students.
Groups larger than 80 students will need to schedule a self-guided trip, due to staff/volunteer limitations. However, it may be possible to organize a field trip which is partially self-guided and partially ranger-led. Please ask about this option if your group size is between 81-120 students.
Contact the Government Canyon SNA email with questions and to schedule a ranger-led field trip.
- Choose from the list of standard programs.
- Be ready with three preferred dates and times for your field trip.
- Provide at least two months’ notice to secure your trip. Available dates are limited.
- If your group needs to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible so we can release your date for another group.
- We will send an email confirmation once your trip is booked.
Self-guided field trips
Already have a lesson plan to use at the Natural Area? Self-guided field trips are available year-round on Mondays and Fridays. We’ll send a pre-packet with suggested activities and can help you decide on a hiking route.
Contact the Government Canyon SNA email with questions and to schedule a self-guided trip.
Planning
Please keep in mind that while we do have covered facilities and restrooms, your entire trip will be outside. Self-guided school groups do not automatically have access to our group picnic pavilion or other covered facilities. If these are needed, you can reserve them for $60 a day by calling our Government Canyon SNA Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8920.
Field trips are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Also, we close most trails (except the 1.25-mile Discovery Trail) after heavy rain. We will not cancel your visit if the trails are closed, but we may need to adjust the day’s plan.
Government Canyon SNA follows the Leave No Trace principals. Please discuss what this means with your group members.
Directions and maps
Find our Government Canyon SNA location, park facility and trails maps.
Costs
With advance notice, educational groups enter at no cost, and Ranger-led programs are also free of charge. If your group needs to reserve a facility (the Group Picnic Pavilion or Gallery) or is planning to camp, additional fees will apply.
Chaperones
We require at least one adult for every 15 students. If you are leading self-guided hikes, please bring enough adults for one at the front of each trail group and one at the back. Chaperones must remain with students during the entire trip.
Note: Parents not serving as chaperones may have to pay full park entry fees.
Can’t Come to Us?
TPWD Discover is Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's free, TEKS-aligned distance learning program about the wild things and wild places of Texas. We offer free, interactive and on-demand resources for students in early childhood through 12th grade as well as educator training.
- Explore our Classroom Resources page. There you'll find a downloadable, searchable spreadsheet along with many more resources.
- Visit our TPWD Discover YouTube channel for a collection of TEKS-aligned videos from across the state.
- Create a free account with TPWD Discover Connect2Texas to register for virtual, educational programs. To view upcoming events, click the "Events” tab on the Connect2Texas website and search for "Texas Parks and Wildlife Department." You can also request a recording of a virtual program.
- Check out a wildlife-themed educational trunk and materialsfree of charge. Trunks or tubs include hands-on activities, presentations and instructions. These materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so coordinate early!
Stay connected
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