Attraction: Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

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Address:
I-25 to Hwy. 70 East, exit Mesa Grande Rd., U-turn under hwy., right on Jornada Rd, follow Jornada 6.5 miles, left before Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park sign
Big Bend National Park, Texas

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Parks and Outdoors

Expert Review of Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

Parks and Outdoors Review of Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

By Away Travel Expert: Laurie Roddy

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Recommended for:
Camping, Day Hiking, Horses and Riding, Scenic Drives, Trekking and Backpacking

Parks and Outdoors Expert Tips & Helpful Hints

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is a .5-mile loop past a small oasis through the Chihuahuan Desert.
The trailhead is located at Dugout Wells at the end of a short gravel road six miles southeast of Panther Junction.
Look for interpretive signs that explain desert ecology.

Visitor Information

Description:

Located 6 miles east of Panther Junction on the road to Rio Grande Village (Dugout Wells Picnic Area), the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is a 0.5 mile flat hike. The trail has various signs explaining the area's plant life. The area is noted for having good birding. There is also a picnic ground nearby.

Please Note: The dry desert air quickly uses up the body's water reserves. We recommend that you carry a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day in the summer, slightly less in the winter. For half-day hikes, carry at least 2 quarts per person.

Springs and tinajas (depressions in rock where water collects) are unreliable and may be unsafe to drink. Springs are rare in the desert and wildlife depend on them. Please carry enough water to supply your own needs

Due to the complex topography and vague trails, detailed 7.5 minute topographic maps and a compass are necessary for most hikes.

On a final note, the weather in Big Bend, hot or cold, injures and kills more hikers than any other factor. Come well prepared because weather changes can be dramatic and unexpected.

Directions: From Panther Juntion, Travel 6 miles east on the road to the Rio Grande Village. The trailhead is at the Dugout Wells Picnic Area

Difficulty: Easy

Contact Wildernet

Telephone Number: 575-524-3334

Fax: 575-523-2866

Website: http://www.zianet.com/cdnp2

Email: cdnp@zianet.com

Parking: Designated parking area

Hours: Park hours: Tuesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The details, dates, and prices mentioned here were accurate at the time of publication.