Overview


The Canyon Lake Gorge is open to the public for guided tours only. Research permits for university or scientific research groups are the only exception.

  • Hiking through the Canyon Lake Gorge can be physically demanding, and is not recommended for people with bad knees, ankles or heart conditions. Persons that are overweight may want to rethink hiking through the Gorge.
  • Tours are restricted to 23 people or less.
  • Tours typically last about 3 hours. There are no restroom facilities or potable water in the Gorge.
  • Tour participants must carry bottled water with them, and are encouraged to bring a backpack so that their hands will be free.
  • Tour participants must wear sneakers or hiking boots. Sandals, slick soled shoes or cowboy boots will not be allowed.
  • The tour guide will likely require 2-3 vehicles from the group to be parked at the bottom of the Gorge, and will be arranged when the tour is confirmed.
  • No pets are allowed on Gorge Tours.
  • No rock collecting or fossil collected are allowed on Gorge Tours.
  • Tours will follow a designated route. Participants will not be allowed freedom to wander.
  • Everyone who enters the Gorge must sign a Liability Release Form prior to admittance.

Public Tours

Public tours are offered each Saturday of the month, with occasional weekday tours as well. See the Public Tours page for more info.

Group Tours

  • Group Tours are limited to educational groups, groups with interests in the sciences (geology, biology, hydrology, earth science), environmental groups, and groups of citizens that were directly affected by the Flood of 2002.
  • Because of the limited availability of tour guides and docents, Group Tours are not offered for informal gatherings of friends and family.
  • School group tours are limited to high school and college. At present, no elementary or middle school groups will be allowed to tour the gorge.
  • High school and university groups will not be charged a fee. All other groups will be charged $10.00 per person.
  • If it is a student tour for high school (grade 9-12) there must be one chaperone for every 8 students.
  • Tours last an average of 3 hours. There are no restroom facilities or potable water in the Gorge.
  • A Group Tour Request Form must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance of the proposed tour date.
 Canyon Lake Gorge