Accordingly, access and recreational activities may be restricted if the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) deems such action necessary to protect the environment.

The reserve is located in northwestern Bexar County, and protects a large, relatively pristine tract of Hill Country terrain, numerous and diverse species of plants & wildlife, the upper Culebra Creek/Leon Creek watershed, and a critical aquifer recharge zone for the San Antonio Water System.

Additionally, wild turkeys, nine-banded armadillos, skunks, raccoons, opossums, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and fox squirrels are present.

Among the many bird species present, GCSNA includes nesting habitats of the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo, both of which are classified as endangered.

Some common plants are prickly pear cactus, twisted-leaf yucca, sotol, agarita, Turk's cap, scarlet sage, wafer ash, frostweed, Texas bluebonnet and goldeneye phlox.

each week, weather permitting, and offers 40 miles (64 km) of hiking/biking trails,[6] with over 500 feet (150 m) of elevation change found within the reserve's boundaries.

TPWD urges all visitors to respect the LEAVE NO TRACE set of wilderness ethics when visiting the Natural Area: 1) Plan Ahead and Prepare, 2) Travel on Marked Trails Only, 3) Always Dispose of Waste Properly, 4) Leave Behind What You Find, 5) Never Build An Open Fire, 6) Respect All Wildlife, and 7) Be Considerate of Other Visitors.