Outer loop of Government Canyon State Natural Area

The Outer Loop is known for its rough and rugged conditions, featuring significant rock shelves, limestone outcroppings, and varied surfaces. You'll encounter both challenging climbs and descents, with some sections requiring careful line choice to avoid pedal strikes. While parts offer rolling singletrack, others are quite technical with steep, punchy ascents.

Completing the entire Outer Loop can take anywhere from 5 to 7 hours, depending on your skill level, fitness, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The route offers diverse Texas Hill Country landscapes, moving through woodlands, grasslands, and along limestone ridges. You can enjoy stunning vistas from overlooks like Chula Vista, Sotol, and the North and South Bluff Spurs. A notable feature is the 104-million-year-old dinosaur tracks found along the Joe Johnston Route. Don't miss the Landscape views from Joe Johnston Route.

The Outer Loop is generally considered challenging and requires good fitness and advanced riding skills for many sections. While some riders with any fitness level might find parts easy, the trail includes technical sections with ledges and off-camber terrain. If you're a beginner, consider riding the loop clockwise, as this direction is often perceived as easier due to descending more of the technical rock shelves rather than climbing them.

Parking is available at the main entrance of Government Canyon State Natural Area. From there, you can access the various trails that make up the Outer Loop.

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Government Canyon State Natural Area. You can find current fee information and any permit requirements on the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website: texas.gov.

No, there are no water points along the Outer Loop. It is crucial to carry plenty of fluids, especially during the summer months, as the route can be particularly difficult and dehydrating.

The best time to mountain bike the Outer Loop is typically during the cooler months, from fall through spring. Summers in Texas can be extremely hot, making the challenging ride even more demanding. Always check weather conditions before you go.

For the safety of wildlife and other visitors, dogs are generally not allowed on the backcountry trails, including the Outer Loop, at Government Canyon State Natural Area. It's best to check the park's official regulations before your visit: texas.gov.

The Outer Loop combines several trails to traverse the park's backcountry. You'll ride sections of the Joe Johnston Route, Far Reaches Trail, Caroline's Loop, Sendero Balcones, and Recharge Trail, among others.

Yes, many riders recommend tackling the Outer Loop in a clockwise direction. This approach is often perceived as easier because it allows you to descend more of the technical rock shelves rather than having to climb them, which can be quite challenging.