The canyon was on the Joe Johnston Road from San Antonio to Bandera, which was blazed by the military at Fort Sam Houston in the 1850s, and is a part of the rich ranching history of Texas. Visitors may enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including, picnicking, hiking, biking, trail running, geochaching, regularly scheduled guided hikes, and ranger programs. Some of the monthly hikes/programs include: Haiku Hike, Hike the Canyon, Explore the Canyon, and Family Fun. For those looking for a place to go bird watching, Government Canyon is a good place to find the elusive and endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler.