Government Canyon State Natural Area: 13,000 acres of trails north of San Antonio

Government Canyon State Natural Area is a 13,000-acre park at 12861 Galm Rd in northwest San Antonio. The park sits over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, and protecting that drinking water supply is one of its key purposes. Trails range from easy grassland walks to rugged canyon terrain.

Hikers can make a roughly five-mile round trip to see dinosaur footprints that scientists believe were made by Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs about 104 million years ago. The park also has 23 walk-in tent campsites and group facilities. Mountain biking is allowed on most trails except the Discovery Trail and Protected Habitat Area trails.

Day-use fees are $6 per adult; children 12 and under are free. The park is open Friday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday until 8 p.m. The park frequently reaches capacity—reservations are strongly recommended. Book at Texas State Parks reservations online or call 512-389-8900. Check current trail conditions and alerts at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon before visiting.