If you're in the San Antonio area, the damn lake gorge tour is a must for you and your family. We used this as a team outing as our international team members came to visit. What fun we all had. The tour is less than 2 miles of a walk on a very slow leisurely pace. The guides will provide highlights and answer any questions along the way. Go online and reserve your space. Tickets sell out way ahead of time. This is because so many local schools bring students here for tours. You will be amazed to learn, not only geological structures, but also the effects of mother nature and the dam break that created the gorge a few years back. We left appreciating the forces of mother nature and the army corp of engineers even more. Don't be surprised to see fault lines, and dinosaur tracks, as well as, and beautiful views at every turn. read more

Great car show we went to this past weekend. The lake is gorgeous and not hard to find. We went to North Park but what sucks is it's only open from April to September. With such nice spots to picknik or camp they really should open it more throughout the year. read more

Canyon Lake Gorge - Dart - Hiking Near Me - Canyon Lake, Texas

See all

What an awesome place for a hike! I love when there's educational value imbedded in hikes, makes it a little more fun! When you arrive by vehicle take a left to head into the gravel parking lot and get to the Visitor Center where you'll be able to get a hiking pass for just $5/person (kiddos under 12 are free)! Here there are also really swanky toilets complete with a sink in each and an impression ventilation system. Most luxurious "portapotties" I've ever seen! There's also a water bottle refill station. Inside there is a mini gift shop with a selection of items like stickers, t-shirts, postcards, etc. if you feel like supporting the facilities and staff beyond the admission cost. There are two trails: one that takes you a miles and back along the gorge and one that's just a meander through the wood. Really you're there for the former, because it has eight stops along the way with ample places to sit and take in the view and nature sounds. Each stop also has a informational board to learn more! Each is self-guided, but they do offer guided tours if you want to go down into the gorge itself. Registration is done online and costs a bit extra, but I imagine the knowledge they impart during it is well worth it! Perhaps one day we'll be back to experience it, as we had a lovely time. Spent approximately two and a half hours here, taking it at a relaxed pace. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Highly recommended! Only wish the path had been a little longer so we could've enjoyed it longer. read more

After living part-time in Canyon Lake for almost two years, exploring this beautiful area in all seasons, I finally am ready to share my enthusiastic review of our newest natural wonder, the Canyon Lake Gorge. Where else in Central Texas can you see a 25 million year-old geological feature that appeared out of nowhere in 2002? It's got waterfalls, lagoons, rocks, fossils, dinosaur footprints, plants, animals, and plenty of interesting hiking features, all just a stone's throw from the other area entertainments of lake and river recreation, glamping, and live music. Until yesterday, the only way to visit would be to (1) schedule one of the limited availability public or private guided tours, or (2) observe from a distance at Overlook Park by Canyon Lake Dam. Okay, or option (3), volunteer for the Gorge Preservation Society to help build out the planned public access amenities. The guided tours are excellent for those who are physically fit, love the outdoors, and interested in a lecture about the geological history, flora, and fauna of the area, as well as being over the age of 6 and able to withstand 2-3 hours of sun exposure. However, the cost of $15-20 per person and the fixed schedule could be an issue for many groups. With the opening of the new self-guided trail on November 13, 2021, people of all ages and fitness levels will be able to experience the gorgeous gorge in a relaxed pace and a focus on whatever catches their individual interests. The wide, 1-mile, mulched path on the north rim of the gorge is shaded and has 8 rest stops with benches and interpretive markers. For this option, you still must pay an entrance fee of $5 per person over age 12, and availability Tue-Sun, 9a-4:30p is subject to capacity limits (100 people per day, no dogs allowed). Parking entrance from South Access Road is at the same driveway as the Tye Preston Memorial Library. You check-in and pay at the spiffy new visitor center & outdoor lab. We've done the tour and the self-guided trail, and thoroughly enjoyed both. I'd recommend the self-guided option for those with young children or mobility challenges, or who simply prefer more flexibility in selecting the date/time/length of a visit. Keep in mind that while the trail is easier than the full tour, there are still a few steep steps and the whole walk to marker 8 and back to the visitor center is about 2 miles. However, if you want to get down into the gorge and see the features up close, the more expensive and time-consuming guided tour is the only way. With either option, be sure to wear comfortable clothing for the season, sturdy shoes, and bring along a hat and water bottle. Take only photos and leave nothing behind. read more

See all

closed. willing to update review whenever it is open. gate was shut at the entrance. is a shame since perfectly nice weather and no one there. perhaps understaffed or seasonal. read more

Absolutely lovely family friendly outing. We were a large group that came to tour following a wedding - our guide was so sweet & incredibly patient with both kid & elders. Staff in the shuttle & office were also very friendly & helpful. We lucked out with ideal Fall weather- sun & blue skies but not too hot. Learned a lot about geology & this region, guide had genuine enthusiasm, felt like a steal for $10. Make sure you book in advance, sign the waiver, bring some water ( they had water coolers u can refill from mid way!) & sturdy shoes. Little restroom halfway through tour was tidy & well kept. The rock shop is very cute & reasonably priced & also u can look at more fossils. read more

See all

Quite an AMAZING experience! This gorge was carved over a week's time during the flood of 2002 when Canyon Lake's waters overflowed and poured over the spillway. It did not exist before then. The pictures don't do it justice - you must experience this in person to believe it. Trust me, you will be in awe as the tour guide takes you through the gorge. It's not a place that you can just go for a hike in. You need to purchase tickets ahead of time - $10 per person, and well worth it! As another reviewer stated, the online purchasing process is bad. Don't even attempt it on your phone - it's so much easier on a laptop or desktop computer. You meet at the address listed on the business page, then a small air-conditioned bus drives you to the actual gorge, just a short drive away. After you arrive at the gorge, everyone sits at picnic tables in the shade and the guide tells you about the flood and how the gorge was carved out. After that, the guide takes you through the gorge and explains so much more about the geology that was uncovered after the flood. It was SO informative. PRO TIP: There's a restroom located at the parking area, then another one where the bus drops you off at the gorge. And there's one more about halfway through the tour. I have **unbelievable** bladder control, so I didn't have to use the one on the tour. But be forewarned, a certain someone told me that you can see outside through the spaces between the boards, so people can probably see in too. This person has been known to be paranoid in the past though, so you might want to check it out for yourself. ;-) read more

See all

What a hidden gem! An hour southwest of Austin is this amazing day trip. We took the 3 hour guided tour and it was a great use of a day. The Canyon Lake Gorge was formed after the 2002 devastating floods. In 3 days those floods uncovered fossils, unique rock formations, and carved a gorge 45 feet deep. Something that would usually take millenia. Our tour guide was Joe and he was a delight. He was knowledgeable, fun and obviously loves his job and this very special place. Definitely make time to go. Also, wear good shoes and bring water. All you geologists, this is a must. read more

Loveeddd our time here and can't wait to come back! You definitely want to come to this majestic place! Down the road you can even stop by the famous dam! Such a fun time! read more

See all

The place is so nice .... i love it.. The water is clean .. good for camping.. I saw a lot of people hide read more

Canyon Lake Gorge - Hiking Near Me - Canyon Lake, Texas

Was a fascinating tour - our whole group really enjoyed it (and that's saying something in this mid-July heat!!!) I would recommend wearing comfy walking shoes and everyone taking a bottle of water on the hike. read more

See all

Dave, our tour guide, really did a great job explaining the effects of the 2002 flood. It's shocking how all the homes, trees, and the overall foundation here was quickly swept up from a week of heavy rain in 2002 and the flooded waters from the Canyon lake. A new layout- this gorge materialized from the aftermath. The Canyon Lake Gorge is viewable by guided tours only. Currently, the guided tour is three hours long and tickets are obtained through their website. Geologists and rock enthusiasts would love this tour. It is loaded with information on rock layers, fossils, and there is even a set of dinosaur prints that were uncovered. It is only a little over a mile of walking; nothing strenuous and mostly downhill, but good shoes with traction is a must. TIPS: - Preregistration required. - Beware of the online ticketing process, which is why I am docking one star. It's not intuitive and took multiple tries to get the cart to update. - Liability Waiver must be signed. - No roaming around, this area is owned by the US. Army Corp of Engineers and only accessible by the guided tours. - There are plans to create a tour with classrooms and limited walking, for people who wouldn't be able to walk through the gorge. read more

See all

Soooo many trails around here. Feel free to explore. You could get some fabulous pictures, explore nature and enjoy a beautiful sunset. read more

See all

Beautiful thing to see. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. I would definitely recommend this as a great way to spend three hours. Very educational. read more

Canyon Lake Gorge - Hiking Near Me - Canyon Lake, Texas

This was an easy 1.5hike the husband and I took. Breathtaking views. You pay $5 but they have beautiful fully loaded bathrooms for your use at the beginning and at the end of the trail. Would make a great place for a picnic or even a small private event if allowed. read more

We took a 90 minute ( actually lasted 120min) guided tour of the gorge and it was excellent. Susan was our guide and very knowledgeable in the geology and botany of the gorge. We saw dinosaur tracks and many different fossils amongst the limestone formations. It was 2 hours well spent. John, was also very helpful when we stopped the day before to check out the tour. I highly recommend the tour and the area. read more

Great hiking wonderful helpful staff. Great outdoors is calling you to check out the Canyon Lake Gorge.

This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited! The Gorge was created after flood waters flooded over the spillway at Canyon Lake during the flood of 2002. If you lived in Texas at this time you might remember the Willie Nelson benefit at Greune Hall to raise money for victims of this flood - I was there and remember all the sad stories of homes lost and being stuck at Ex - In laws house for 2 days in high water... Those are my memories of the few days that created this masterpiece of nature! Today they give guided tours to groups of at least 10 but not more than 23 people every Saturday at 10.00 per person - you have to reserve a spot so do not wait till the last minute or just show up. Hiking through the canyon is physically demanding and takes about 3 hours and I would not suggest it to anyone who is not in excellent shape especially in hot weather. But, if your body can get you there and back do not miss out on this miraculous natural creation. I am posting pictures my friend took during our visit... read more

See all

I hosted a Meetup event here and we all had a good time despite the cloudy weather and passing shower. The geological formations and flora and fauna in the gorge were amazing to view. The guide, George, was knowledgable and helpful during the tour. I highly recommend this site! read more

Went on a guided tour of a recently formed gorge below the spillway on Canyon Lake. Dinosaur tracks, lots of fossils, neat plants and animals... Four docents switched off leading the hike depending upon their knowledge of the features present. Docents were well prepared and pleasant. This would be of interest to geologists and naturalists in addition to hikers... the hike is all downhill/downstream... 3 hours Do yourself a favor and avoid the hotter seasons as there isn't much shade here. Map shown is incorrect... actual location is just South of Canyon Lake Dam read more

Canyon Lake Gorge - Hiking Near Me - Canyon Lake, Texas

Fascinating tour of a fascinating event! Knowledgeable docent and guide. Really learned a lot and would highly recommend!

The tour was really informative and fun! Over three hours you get to see dinosaur footprints, fossilized sea creatures and beautiful views. The tour isn't very strenuous, it's all downhill, and the guides do a really wonderful job! A really fun outing! read more

Canyon Lake Gorge - A view from the Canyon Lake Gorge tour. - Hiking Near Me - Canyon Lake, Texas

Canyon lake is always nice to visit pretty water views and very close to San Antonio fiesta Texas and other nice spots read more

See all

A great tour. Be prepared with energy bars, water, a hat, walking stick. The information and sights were amazing and so educational. I think anyone living in our community should take this tour and learn about where you live. read more

From a 9 year old: This tour was beyond amazing. The views were incredible. The tour guides were very nice. If your kids are bored and need something to do then hop on down to the Canyon Lake Gorge. It is educational, there are dinosaur footprints, and they can learn about early life in the Cretaceous period. At the end of the tour your can hunt for fossils....and take as many pictures as you can get. read more

Took the walk trip and the guide was extremely well informed and enjoyed the scenery more than I expected too. Learned a lot. Advice Wear comfortable shoes and bring something to drink with you. Don't forget the camera lots of photo opps, About half way restrooms are available. read more

Bad experience have been to the park multiple times and recently for the first time the game warden approached me and my group and ticketed all of us for open beverages, bad place to go if you are trying to have fun would not recommend. read more

It was not as fun as I thought it was going to be. I wish there was more water...the drought has really dropped the level down. Still fun and beautiful. read more