Veteran Suicide Awareness Walk/Ruck

Name: Veteran Suicide Awareness Walk/Ruck
Start: 2025-09-27T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-09-27T12:00:00-05:00
Location: Government Canyon State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife

Schedule

Sat Sep 27 2025 at 08:30 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Government Canyon State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife | Helotes, TX

Join us for a walk in honor of those we have lost to suicide and in support of those still struggling to find a way to live after their service.
The Harlan High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard will present the colors at the Amphitheater to get us started...don't miss it! Gather about 8:30 am to get in position.
Suggested walking routes with water stations and info tables are the 2.12-mile Savannah Loop (rocky, rough natural surface), the 4.75-mile Lytle's Loop (a longer option also with a rocky and rough surface), or the 1.25-mile Discovery Trail (accessible surface near the Visitor Center for those with mobility concerns). Hikers on either trail can do as many laps as they feel comfortable with, and can hike weighted or unweighted. Rucking is welcome but not required. If you are rucking, please provide your own weighted ruck. We will have a pack scale for your use at the Frontcountry Trailhead and at the Visitor Center. If you choose to fill your ruck with non-perishable food, you can empty it into a donation box for the San Antonio Food Bank at the end of the event. Visit the SA Food Bank website to see the most needed donation items.
We encourage you to bring flags or wear memorabilia if you wish.
Who Is Invited:
This hike is open to all ages. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Where to Meet:
Park in Lot C to check in and hike Savannah or Lytle's Loop. After checking in, those who wish to use the Discovery Trail may want to move to park in Lot A or B nearer the Visitor Center.
How to Prepare:
Dress for hiking outdoors. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat are recommended. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person and if desired, a snack. We will have water and info stations at a couple of strategic locations for refills, staffed by volunteers from organizations with mental health missions.
Registration is NOT required. Entrance fees to the Natural Area do apply. We often fill to capacity. To ensure entrance and save time at the Fee Booth, please pre-purchase and print out a day pass. Day passes can be reserved beginning one month before the date of your visit.
VETERANS and ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: Check out our Parklands Passports, which provide you with free entry to all Texas State Parks (including GCSNA). You can bring your documentation and register for your passport at our Visitor Center or any other TX State Park. Note that these are best obtained in advance. Waiting until the day of the event will slow you down, as our Visitor Center does not open until 8:30 am and our staff may be serving many visitors. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes/texas-parklands-passports
Most Government Canyon SNA Trails close after heavy rain events. Check trail conditions by calling GCSNA's main office at 210-688-9055, or go to the GCSNA webpage, Instagram, or Facebook. This event will move to the Discovery Trail if the rest of the trails are closed.
If ADA assistance is required, please request modifications by emailing [email protected] at least 2 weeks in advance.