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Government Canyon Mountain Bike Trail
San Antonio, Texas
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:   |
16 trail reviews |
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Status: updated 3/31/09 by jeff.neuman |
Difficulty:  Advanced |
| Length: 0 miles | Global Rank: #1806 |
| Tread: Singletrack | Configuration: Network |
| Ridden: 59 | Wishlist: 31 |
| Avg. Speed: 5 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 30min |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: +458/-446 ft (based on partial GPS data) |
Directions:
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Description: This park has a network of trails ranging from 3-5 miles per trail. Every trail head has a large topo map charting every trail in the park. Some of the trails are for hikers only and is clearly marked on the maps. The trails are well marked and each marker has mileage listed so if you don't have a bike computer, it is not important. There is also running water at Parking Lot D. The terrain varies from canopy-covered rolling trails to pretty tough climbs. The decents are (or will be) legendary! If you come out towards the "Alamo City" give Government Canyon a try.
Description: This park has a network of trails ranging from 3-5 miles per trail. Every trail head has a large topo map charting every trail in the park. Some of the trails are for hikers only and is clearly marked on the maps. The trails are well marked and each marker has mileage listed so if you don't have a bike computer, it is not important. There is also running water at Parking Lot D. The terrain varies from canopy-covered rolling trails to pretty tough climbs. The decents are (or will be) legendary! If you come out towards the "Alamo City" give Government Canyon a try.
added on October 21, 2005 by 
SIMILAR TRAILS
Riders who liked this mountain bike trail also liked:Flat Rock Ranch in Comfort
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by tarvisg on January 21, 2012
Super rocky and quite technical. Front country is rather flat and easy single track similar to the mccallister and OP. The back country is where it is at here. Lost of good climbs and some fun downhill. I always end up with shaky hands by the end of this ride due to the continuous rockiness.
Similar Trail: Flat Rock, Salado, Tapatio Springs
reviewed by agroover on January 12, 2012
PeaceJ hit the nail on the head. I am out here riding only on Sat and Sundays for 4 months so I have to drive anywhere from 1.5-4 hours to ride decent trails cause I am staying up in Brownwood. I must say this trail was worth the 190-200 mile drive. I rode JJ route until it ended into the SB trail then turned L to go to Far Reaches down and back up SB trail to Wildcat Canyon and then back down to JJ and out. It was a great!! ride. About 2hr 40 for me and 15miles of some of the rockiest single track I have ever seen, but I consider myself an advanced technical rider so it did not matter I did not know the trail and I was by myself as I am on all these trails. I met several friendly hikers and bikers stopped briefly talking to all who wanted to. I am from Alabama so this trail was a lot rockier than I am use to, but I loved it. I consider it one continuous "rock garden" of varying degrees....worth the drive if you are in Texas and like technical single track.
reviewed by peacej on August 1, 2011
This is an excellent place to ride during the week, Saturdays are busy, watch for hikers. Not a beginner trail on a "Walmart" bike, very rocky in sections, full suspension xc bike highly recommended if you want to enjoy it. Bring lots of water. Experienced riders familiar with the terrain can cover the entire back country in 3 hrs or so. Beginners need to stick to Joe Johnston. Intermediates can try Far Reaches then down Wild Cat and back down J.J. to finish. Once completed Caroline's loop can be added. Try Sendero Balcones once you think you are ready. This place and Flat Rock adequately prepared me for sections of the CO trail. Met several people at both preparing for Big Bend, TX & Leadville 100, CO
Similar Trail: Flat Rock Ranch! - Smoother, up to 27 miles of single track, not for beginner or a Walmart bike. Bring a friend, extra water, and download a map before you go.
reviewed by blaster2 on July 30, 2011
I agree, this is NOT an advanced trail. The technicality only comes from the loose rock and ledges that are more suited to 35" tire Jeeps than 26" bikes, not really maintained for biking and washes out after hard rains. You'll struggle hard for several of these short sections, then start the downhill and wonder how it was so short after all that "climbing." Watch out for the Orb Weaver spider webs across the trail early in the morning. If you have the time, do yourself a favor and drive to Tapatio or Flat Rock
reviewed by Texjbq on March 3, 2011
I haven't ridden all the trails so maybe I should not be quick to judge, but the trails were built for hiking first mtb second. Loose rock everywhere not just in the creek bends. That being said I will definitely go back.
* Review edited 3/3/2011
reviewed by cshanek on January 25, 2010
First, this is NOT an advanced trail. It may be a 6 out of 10. Is is fairly conceivable to ride the entire 15-20 miles of bike-able trails without coming off. My wife, who had NEVER been mountain biking before, had no issue bombing down all of the downhills on a 13 year old bike with a blown front shock. That being said, some of the climbs are moderately technical. The majority of the trail is loose and rocky, with a few singletrack exceptions. Don't look for berms here. Hitting hikers can be a concern, as there are many blind downhill turns obscured by brush etc. Good short weekend ride. Rode (Reaches, Wildcat, Caroline's Loop, Joe Johnson)
Similar Trail: Haven't biked anything in Texas yet other than this. San Diego, and Maine has some awesome trails though.
reviewed by CHIRS on September 29, 2009
Very rough trail. Maybe 10% is smooth single track. If your looking for smooth and fast, this is not it.
Similar Trail: 6 yrs ago I would have said 700 acres or 700 trails. That was the best place. It's a subdivision/ golf course now.... So sad..
reviewed by jeff.neuman on January 17, 2009
Even though it's got the only 'hills' in San Antonio it's nothing but rocks. Makes for very 'slow' going even on the downhills (relative to other trails with the same hill grades). If you're not riding a long travel full suspension bike don't bother with these trails.
Similar Trail: none
reviewed by monkeyfuel69 on November 24, 2008
Very tough trails with plenty of lung-burning climbs. The trails go up and down a ridge line and force you to choose between short and steep or long and exhausting. Definetely not for the beginner, too many 8"-12" drops to climb and descend. If your looking for a trail where you won't be getting your speed up, but you will be testing your technical abilities then this is the trail for you.
Similar Trail: Bandera Hill Country Natural Area
reviewed by ecp97 on September 21, 2008
Tough trail. You'll get a great workout on the way up and have a blast on the way down. About a year ago, gov canyon was my first mountain biking ride (and on a walmart bike). My buddy and I chose this trail because we didn't know what we were getting into. Bad choice for a walmart bike and for a first trail! We survived, but it took a few weeks before we wanted to ride again. If you're in San Antonio and new to riding, start with Mc***er, move up to OP Schnabel and mix in a few trips to flat rock ranch in Comfort TX. Then go to government canyon...on a full suspension. Only note for the San Antonio trails is to go with a local who knows the trails or you'll get lost. Ironically the only trail you won't get lost on is gov canyon.
reviewed by bossman152 on September 6, 2008
GREAT RIDE. WELL MARKED TRAILS. THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME THERE. RODE "JOE JOHNSTON TRAIL TO THE END, AND TOOK "SENDERO BALCONES " BACK. JOE WAS'NT TO BAD. DIDN'T PUT A FOOT DOWN. SENDERO IS ANOTHER STORY. MORE TECHNICAL. THE TRAIL FORCES YOU TO RIDE AHEAD OF YOURSELF. DOWNHILLS WERE AS TECHNICAL AS THE UPHILLS. ALL IN ALL THIS WAS A VERY IMPRESSIVE, WELL ORGANIZED. I WILL BE BACK TO CHECK OUT MORE OF THIS PLACE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. BOSSMAN152
Similar Trail: MADRONE CANYON LAKE , TEXAS
reviewed by j2davis on July 19, 2008
WOW. This trail system has a lot of variety. Quite a bit of rock garden. Hard to navigate those during up hill. But, if you stick it and paddle through with granny gear, it will reward you with awesome sections of downhill ride. Lots of hikers. A full suspension bike is definitely will make the ride a little smoother. The Front Country trail is fairly easy and good for beginners and quick qarm up before hitting the main back country trails.
Similar Trail: Op Schnabel Park Mountain Bike Trail
reviewed by SkoOFeR on June 6, 2008
i rode government canyon for the first time a few weeks ago. i knew ahead of time that there was a lot of climbing...but i found most of it to be relatively tame. there were plenty of ledges, loose rock, roots, etc. but kicking it in granny gear and giving it a little muscle will get most people up and over the obstacles. what goes up must come down and to me that is what makes government canyon well worth the trip. i only rode the back country, starting up Joe Johnston's Route (gruadual climb, double track/jeep trail) to Caroline's Loop (sweet single track climb ending with a nice little rocky downhill). I continued up JJR and then took Sendero Balcones (great climbs and sick, very rocky downhill - lots of opportunity to pin it and get some air...i recommend a full suspension) all the way down to the Recharge trail which took me back to JJR. I did a second loop, back up JJR, up Twin Oaks, and then over to Wildcat Canyon (another great stretch of fast singletrack which is mostly downhill the way i rode it). all in all this is a great place to ride, well worth the $6.
reviewed by wizkidr0b on November 12, 2006
The outer loop is a great ride but not one that you would want to do every weekend. It has some really good climbs and is rocky the entire time so a full suspension bike is a plus here. The downhills are great but become so rocky that you end up having to pedal downhill. It's a great ride but beats you up pretty well. Every uphill is bikeable but some can be pretty technical with multiple lips. Overall a great but "beat you up" ride which is why i don't suggest it for every weekend.
Similar Trail: flatrock ranch
reviewed by brian_edwards on November 2, 2006
I rode several of these trails this summer, in July, rode there for 3 days, early morning only. There really are alot of trails here from mild to wild. I would like to get down there in the winter, it was close to 100 degrees by 10:30 or 11:00 when I was there. The trails are rockier than I am used to but that added to the challenge. I had a good time and several great rides even though I COOKED.
reviewed by guess_who on April 22, 2006
Looking for herb hull in San Antonio, texas email @ fourkidsandgoingcrazy@yahoo.com. I have a question on Government Canyon Mountain Bike Trail. Thanks
