Join the Friends of Government Canyon for a guided hike at Government Canyon State Natural Area.

Join us for a guided hike on one of the many trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area. The hike will range from 4 to 7 miles depending on the group.

Who is Invited

Open to ages 12 and over; minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. No pets, please.

Registration & Fees

Registration is required for this hike. Hiking group size is limited. Sorry, no group registrations.

Registration opens on Saturday, two weeks prior to the event, and closes at noon, the Thursday before the event. Though the hike is free, all Natural Area entry fees apply.

To save time at the Fee Booth on crowded days and ensure entrance, please pre-purchase and PRINT OUT a Day Pass. SPECIAL NOTE: Reserving a Day Pass is NOT the same as making a program reservation.

When & Where to Meet

Arrive no later than 8:15AM.  Meet at the Visitors Center near the rainwater harvesting tower. The Natural Area front gates open at 7:00AM; plan to be at the Visitor Center and ready to go no later than 8:15AM. The hike starts promptly at 8:30AM.

What to Wear & Bring

Dress for the weather; sunscreen and hat recommended. Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes appropriate for rugged, rocky trails (no sandals or flip-flops please). Bring sun protection, at least 2 liters of water per person and a snack if you think you’ll get hungry.

Requirements

No pets please. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Participants must be able to hike approximately 4-7 miles over rocky trails with elevation change.

To reduce human impact on the Natural Area, please follow the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics.

Cancellation

This hike is weather-dependent and subject to cancellation. Check trail conditions by going to the GCSNA twitter feed or the Government Canyon State Natural Area Facebook page.