Spring Adventures in Canyon Lake Gorge
Canyon Lake Gorge is a hot spot for outdoor fun in the New Braunfels area. But it is a recent-ish addition to the Texas Hill Country, as it was only just formed in 2002 after extensive flooding of the Guadalupe River. This flood, the first time Canyon Lake crested over its spillway since its completion in 1964, unearthed limestone, fossils and even dinosaur tracks that have since made Canyon Lake Gorge a fascinating destination for hikers, tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and more.
Today, Canyon Lake Gorge is an outdoor classroom with lots to teach visitors. From geological wonders to fascinating fossils, Canyon Lake Gorge is brimming with exciting history and artifacts that visitors of all ages can enjoy and learn from. If you’re ready to unearth the past in the Texas Hill Country, plan to spend a day (or more!) and Canyon Lake Gorge.
Where is Canyon Lake Gorge located?
Canyon Lake Gorge is located in Canyon Lake, Texas, just northwest of New Braunfels. The access point to the gorge is located on the access road across from Hidden Valley Sports Park. Visitors can take the turnoff for the Tye Preston Memorial Library and follow the signs to locate the gorge.
What is there to do at Canyon Lake Gorge?
Guests can plan to spend the entire day at Canyon Lake Gorge, enjoying the outdoors and exploring the history unearthed by the 2002 floods. If you are wanting to hike and explore, you can take a self-guided tour of the upper rim for $5 per person or schedule a guided hiking tour for $20 per person. Tours last about two hours each. During these tours, you will be able to view the picturesque waterfalls in the area as well as explore the fossils and dinosaur tracks the floods exposed more than 20 years ago. The park is closed on Sunday and Monday, so be sure and plan your visit accordingly.
Is Canyon Lake Gorge a good spot for kids?
Kids will love exploring Canyon Lake Gorge! Even if they aren’t into dinosaurs (and really, who doesn’t love dinosaurs?), they will find it fascinating to look at all the fossils preserved for 110 million years in the limestone the floods exposed. Kids can bring magnifying glasses to help them explore the area and learn about the geology of Canyon Lake.
New Braunfels-area lodging
The Rio Guadalupe Resort in New Braunfels is the premiere place to stay when visiting the Texas Hill Country. Located along the Guadalupe, Rio Guadalupe Resort is filled with amenities and fun that will make your stay enjoyable for the whole family. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and convenience store onsite as well as take advantage of the river access at the resort to access all kinds of fun, such as kayaking and tubing, along the Guadalupe River. New Braunfels is a nature lover’s paradise and Rio Guadalupe Resort is just the space for nature lovers to get some rest after their long, fun days spent with Mother Nature.