Girl Scouts Love State Parks: Habitat Hike

Take a self-guided hike with your troop and use one of our wildlife "shopping lists" on a habitat scavenger hunt, for Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend.
It's not just Girl Scouts, wildlife loves Government Canyon too! Look through the eyes of a roadrunner, javelina, or queen butterfly as you search for the food, water, and shelter they need.
Pick up trail maps and ask about recommended hiking routes in our Visitor Center (open daily 8:30 am-4:30 pm). You can also find trail information at the GCSNA website. For most troops, we would suggest either the Discovery Trail (easy terrain, 1.25 miles) or the South Bluff Spurs Trail (rugged terrain, 3 miles). The Visitor Center will have copies of the Habitat Hike activity sheets, but supplies will be limited. Please print and bring your own if possible: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon/gs-love-sp-2026.pdf
How to Prepare:
This is a self-guided activity and registration is NOT required. However, we request prior notification if you are bringing more than 20 people. Though the activity is free, entrance fees to the Natural Area do apply. We often fill to capacity. If you wish, you can pre-purchase and print out a day pass to ensure entry. Day passes can be reserved up to one month before the date of your visit.
Dress for hiking outdoors. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat are recommended. Bring at least 32 oz of water per person, per hour that you plan to hike.
Accessibility:
There is a paved path leading from the parking lots to the Visitor Center. There is an accessible restroom. The Discovery Trail has a crushed granite surface which will accommodate most wheelchairs. Other trails are rough and rocky.
If other ADA assistance is required, please request modifications by emailing accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov at least 30 days in advance.
Check trail conditions before you come:
If trail surfaces are muddy, all trails may be closed except for the Discovery Trail. To check on conditions, you can call GCSNA's main office at (210) 688-9055, or go to the GCSNA webpage, Instagram, or Facebook.