Canyon Lake Gorge

Canyon Lake Gorge is a limestone gorge about 1 mile (1.6 km) long with walls reaching depths of roughly 50 feet (15 m), exposing layers of rock that tell the story of ancient times. The exposed formations reveal multiple geological features and allow visitors to see the Trinity Aquifer system beneath the surface.

In July 2002, a massive flood caused extraordinary amounts of water to rush over the Canyon Lake spillway, carving out this gorge in just a few days. This sudden event exposed the limestone layers and created a new geological formation that would otherwise have taken much longer to reveal.

The site draws scientists and geologists who study the rock layers and exposed aquifer system as part of their field research. This gorge serves as a working classroom where professionals examine how sudden natural events reshape the landscape.

Visitors can join guided tours offered several times per week, though advance booking is required to secure a spot. Good hiking boots are essential since the trails are uneven and the ground can be slippery in places.

The limestone walls hold fossils over 111 million years old, including dinosaur tracks and sea creatures like sea urchins whose spines are still visible in the stone. These ancient remains tell the story of when this place lay beneath an ancient sea.