Hill Country Edge
Canyon Lake Gorge
Hiking
Hill Country Edge
Canyon Lake Gorge is a 64-acre preserve owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and leased to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), born from six days of catastrophic flooding in 2002 when overflow from Canyon Lake's spillway carved a canyon up to 50 feet deep and more than a mile long through previously buried Cretaceous limestone. The flood exposed 110-million-year-old fossils — including perfectly preserved sea urchins with visible spines, clam-like bivalves, ripple marks from an ancient sea floor, and sauropod dinosaur tracks — in formations that geologists had never before seen at the surface. GBRA guides lead three-hour tours covering 1.25 miles through the gorge interior, where visitors can examine Early Cretaceous rock layers, seasonal waterfalls, and aquatic features up close. A 90-minute tour option covers the highlights for visitors with limited time, and a self-guided Gorge Rim Trail allows access without a reservation for a trail fee. The gorge is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is closed Sundays. Because access to the gorge floor is by guided tour only, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water — the limestone reflects significant heat in summer.
Shade Details
The gorge bottom offers some shade from the canyon walls. Most of the hike is in direct sun. Morning guided tours are more comfortable in summer.
Conditions & Tips
Guided tours only — reservations required through GBRA. Tours run Saturday and Sunday mornings. Summer tours are hot; bring plenty of water.
none
Guadalupe North River Trail