Most Texans know about Dinosaur Valley State Park, but few are aware that the ancient beasts left their mark elsewhere in the Lone Star State. Located in San Antonio, Government Canyon State Natural Area is home to 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, and all it takes to see them is a 2.5-mile hike each way.
Situated on 12,000 sprawling acres of Hill Country landscape, Government Canyon State Natural Area is located on the north side of San Antonio.
tpwd.texas.gov Its importance cannot be overstated, sitting atop the Recharge Zone of Edwards Aquifer and protecting the city’s drinking water.
With over 40 miles of multi-use trails, this place is a nature lover’s dream.
tpwd.texas.gov The 1.2-mile Discovery Trail is by far the crowd favorite, with an interactive playground that kids absolutely love.
A lesser-known fact about Government Canyon is that it’s home to 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
TripAdvisor/Stephen K. Believe it or not, this area used to be the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico back when the ancient beasts roamed the Earth.
You’ll find the tracks just past Marker #19 on the Joe Johnston Route.
Google/Floyd M Smith It’s a relatively long hike - about five miles round-trip - so start early and bring plenty of food and water.
Informative signs about the dinosaurs responsible for the tracks make the experience both fun and educational.
Google/Doug Gross According to scientists, theropods and sauropods made the footprints during the Cretaceous Period, on their quest for water.
There’s so much else to see at Government Canyon aside from the dinosaur tracks.
Facebook/Government Canyon State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife Several of the hiking trails lead to historical sites and breathtaking overlooks that showcase San Antonio as you’ve never seen it before. If you’d like to extend your visit overnight, 23 walk-in tent campsites, as well as two walk-in group tent camps, are available on Friday and Saturday nights.
Address: 12861 Galm Road, San Antonio, TX 78254.
Google Maps Park hours are 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday-Monday, and the entrance fee is $6 for adults and no charge for children 12 and under.
Visit the Government Canyon SNA website or Facebook page to learn more.
tpwd.texas.gov
Its importance cannot be overstated, sitting atop the Recharge Zone of Edwards Aquifer and protecting the city’s drinking water.
The 1.2-mile Discovery Trail is by far the crowd favorite, with an interactive playground that kids absolutely love.
TripAdvisor/Stephen K.
Believe it or not, this area used to be the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico back when the ancient beasts roamed the Earth.
Google/Floyd M Smith
It’s a relatively long hike - about five miles round-trip - so start early and bring plenty of food and water.
Google/Doug Gross
According to scientists, theropods and sauropods made the footprints during the Cretaceous Period, on their quest for water.
Facebook/Government Canyon State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife
Several of the hiking trails lead to historical sites and breathtaking overlooks that showcase San Antonio as you’ve never seen it before. If you’d like to extend your visit overnight, 23 walk-in tent campsites, as well as two walk-in group tent camps, are available on Friday and Saturday nights.
Google Maps
Park hours are 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Friday-Monday, and the entrance fee is $6 for adults and no charge for children 12 and under.
Have you ever been to Government Canyon State Natural Area? If so, we’d love to hear all about your trip in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another state park in Texas where you can discover ancient dinosaur footprints.
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Address: 12861 Galm Rd, San Antonio, TX 78254, USA
