The houses I saw over the shoulder of the ranger as he explained the park rules to me left me a little disconcerted. I had never been to a state park that shared a fenceline with a subdivision (if I had, I must have blocked it out of my memory) and am of the opinion that nature’s enjoyability increases proportionally with its distance from civilization. But, thanks to pre-trip research and planning, I knew that the sight that was currently making me uncomfortable was exactly what made the newest addition to the Texas state park system a very special place, and a testament to the hard work of many concerned citizens.

It began in 1991 when 45 civic and environmental organizations, called the Government Canyon Coalition, partnered with the Trust for Public Land to save the canyon by removing it from public auction. They then convinced the Edwards Aquifer Authority and the San Antonio Water System to pay 75% of the purchase price. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provided the remainder of the funds and took over title and management of the 4,717 acre property1 . By its opening date in October of 2005, Government Canyon State Natural Area had increased to 8,622 acres - one of the largest natural areas in the United States.

But all that was not on my mind at the moment. The rules that the park ranger was explaining were.

Of special note was the fact that access to all the trails would close at 5:00 pm and that I needed to be out of the natural area by 6:00 pm. This wasn’t a problem per se, but I would have to change the plans I had of hiking up to a high point somewhere around sundown so that I could catch a glimpse of one of those sunsets that you only see in the Texas Hill Country. Oh well...

After paying my $6.00 entry fee I continued on down the road so I could get shed of my truck and get out on the trails. I was somewhat surprised, but not disappointed, that there weren’t more people there already. The parking lots in front of the Visitor’s Center ...

Read the entirety of this article in the print edition.

Subscribe online — it's quick and easy