Passport to Texas

One of the many wild spaces at Government Canyon State Natural Area.

Government Canyon: The Wilderness in Your Neighborhood Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

Comprised of more than 12-thousand acres of mostly undeveloped land, Government Canyon State Natural Area, outside of San Antonio, is not a state park.

Although we’re part of the Texas State Park system—we’re actually a natural area. So, our focus is primarily natural and cultural resource management. However, we do provide recreational opportunities here. We have about 40 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Superintendent Chris Holm says guests experience something entirely unique when they visit the site.

It is a unique experience, as we’re so close to the city of San Antonio. But yet, when you get out here and start hiking or biking into what we call the backcountry area, you think you’re out in the great wilderness of the North or something.

Open for visitation Friday through Monday only, Government Canyon frequently reaches maximum site occupancy on weekends.

Almost every weekend we’ll have a capacity closure because we get too many people coming out. We want people to experience Government Canyon. We want them to develop a love of the place. Stewardship. But at the same time we don’t want it to be destroyed [from overuse]. And, so, there’s a balancing act.

Tuesdays through Thursdays, site staff focus on resource management. There’s more info on Government Canyon at texasstateparks.org.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Fishing: Gateway to outdoor obsession.

Health: Benefits of Time Spent in Nature Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

With more than a million acres of public parks and wild spaces in Texas, opportunities to get outside abound, and so do the health benefits of being active outdoors.

Adult men and women should carve out at least 30 minutes a day for some kind of physical activity. For children, that time grows to a full hour. Regular body-moving, heart-pumping movement builds muscle and develops balance and flexibility – among other benefits.

From daytime and guided night hikes, to star gazing, bike and equestrian trails, bird watching, to swimming, rock climbing, paddling, and geocaching – state and local parks offer a chance to get outside no matter your interest or ability. Your imagination is really the only
thing standing between you and what you can do outdoors.

Of course, you can always go to the gym to log your 30 minutes of activity a day, but when nature is your fitness center your workouts will all seem like play. Side stepping puddles, leaping up rocks, and traversing up and down hills exercise your balance and stability in
addition to the cardiovascular system…not to mention what being in the wide open spaces breathing fresh air can do for your peace of mind.

The outdoor alternative is also more affordable than the gym, as many state parks offer low-cost admission. So go ahead and get out, because life’s better outside. Find a park or scenic trail near you at texasstateparks.org.

That’s our show for today… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

TPW TV: Ray Roberts Lake State Park Bike Trails Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Looking for a place for two wheeled fun in North Texas? Then make a beeline to Ray Roberts Lake State Park, 20 minutes NE of Denton.

05— From the beginner to the expert, any type of biking that you’d like to do – Ray Roberts Lake State Park has it.

Learn about all the park’s trails on the PBS Texas Parks and Wildlife TV Show; park superintendent, Gary Waller.

10—We have everything from single track mountain bike trails, to fairly wide concrete trails for walking and mountain biking and hiking; and then we have equestrian trails, too.

A group that regularly takes advantage of the trails at Ray Roberts Lake SP is DORBA: the Dallas Off-road Bicycle Association. Guy Grey is an active member.

08—I had my dog Haddie with me. I’ve come out here and done the whole eight miler with her before. It’s a little bit different. You don’t see too many dogs out on the trail – but it’s fun to do.

DORBA member, Will Bloodworth, says the variability of trails can help mountain bikers improve their skills.

19— Around the lake is more of an intermediate terrain. Johnson Branch has quite a bit of what we call flowy sections – switchback sections, roots and rocks and sand and open field. So, you get a little bit of everything here. I love it. I think it’s very challenging; and if you don’t challenge yourself you’re never going to improve.

Learn more about bike trails at Ray Roberts Lake SP on the PBS Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series. Check your local listings.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti