Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens, Texas, United States
4.5 (301 reviews) Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ranking #1 in Fort Davis Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Gardens
Beautiful Views and Trails
Located 4 miles SE from Fort Davis on Hwy 118, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center is comprised of semi-desert grasslands and igneous rock outcrops with a riparian canyon and spectacular views from all directions. Explore a variety of hiking trails ranging from the Modesta Canyon Trail that leads into a hidden canyon with its year-round spring to Clayton's Overlook Trail, which provides a 360-degree hilltop view and a Geology Exhibit to the Outer Loop Trail with its Quarry View. Inside the fenced Botanical Gardens is a 1/2 mile winding path that features native plants of the Trans-Pecos region. You'll also discover the Pollinator Garden & Overlook, the Scenic Loop Trail, a Native Grasses exhibit, and the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum Collection with over 200 species and subspecies of Chihuahuan Desert cacti. There's a Bird Blind with a 30 ft. long water feature, Mining Heritage Exhibit, the Powell Visitor Center & Gift Shop. Adults: $6.50 each; Children 12 and under: Free
Address
43869 State Hwy 118, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Mobile
Website
http://www.cdri.org
Working hours
Monday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 9:25
User Ratings
4.5 based on (301 reviews)
Reviews
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5KG_TXtraveler 5:00 PM Aug 6, 2022
Beautiful Views and Trails
The nature center is worth a morning of hiking and learning about the plane species of the Davis Mountains. There are several trails around 2 miles in length- in the gorge or on the cliff. There is also a nature trail with various cacti and plants. The small indoor space has plaques explaining the formation of the area and a small gift shop. Bring lots of water and snacks for the hike.
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5falconfling1 5:00 PM Nov 18, 2021
Wonderful hidden gem
If ever there was a sleeper attraction. The center is located well outside Fort Davis, on the highway to Alpine Texas. Turn off the highway and bear right on the road to the center office...about a mile or more. To the left is a superb mining museum with lots of real antique mining equipment. Purchase the bargain entry cost ticket and walk the botanical trail. Be sure and stop and look around. Go on a pleasant day of 70s to low 80s temperature and see the incredible views. Lots of really large ancient volcanic domes, a small mountain range and generally wonderful scenery. Now if you go when Texas heats up to high 80s or more, forego this....just too hot. There are hundreds of plants on the trail and the entire setup is very well done.
