Day Trip to Helotes with The Daytripper

Our mission is to connect every Texan with a cup of Texas Grounds Coffee. Each batch of Texas Grounds Coffee is roasted to perfection.

Three decades and two generations of experience and passion go into every smiling face and mouth watering bite that make-up El Chaparral. Our family history is etched into everything we do. In 1972, our parents, Charlie and Mary Garcia, followed their dream to open a small eatery in Helotes, Texas. We sold our home in San Antonio and moved into the modest living quarters behind the restaurant. If you’ve been to El Chaparral in the last 50 years, you’ve probably savored a Taste Like No Other. This is the core of our reputation and is the essence of everything we do!

For 75 years, John T. Floore’s Country Store has hosted Texas and American music legends alike. This quintessential Texas Honky Tonk has hosted such legendary performers as Willie Nelson, Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, B.B. King, Little Richard and many many more. Known by many as the musical “birthplace” of Willie Nelson, Willie immortalized John T. Floore in his hit recording “Shotgun Willie”. John T. Floore and Wille Nelson were partners in the original Willie Nelson Music Company. Texas Monthly listed John T. Floore Country Store as one of the “50 Things Every Texan Should Do”.

Government Canyon State Natural Area offers more than 40 miles of trails. You can also camp, attend a program or guided hike, geocache, picnic, take nature photos, and look for birds and other wildlife. Your kids will connect with “natural fun” at our playscape and Discovery Trail. The natural area is open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Hiking/biking trails

Take a walk through time on the Joe Johnston Route to the Zizelmann House, built in the 1880s. You’ll pass 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks and a prehistoric midden (look for a sign with information on this Native American site). For great views, hike the Far Reaches Trail to the Chula Vista and Sotol overlooks, or to the North and South Bluff Spurs overlooks.

Camping

Reserve one of 23 walk-in tent camp­sites. We also have two walk-in group tent camps for up to 16 people. Campgrounds are open Friday and Saturday nights only. We open for additional nights around holidays; visit our Events page for those dates.