Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Closed
New Year's Eve 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Year's Day Closed
Christmas Eve 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Closed
New Year's Eve 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
New Year's Day Closed
Welcome!
discover the Coolest Hiking Trails in Texas!
at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens
Videos of the Conant Lectures are Now Available Here!
Videos from our most recent R. Conant Distinguished Guest Lecturers Program are posted on the website. The videos feature Gary Paul Nabhan who presented "Fragrances of the Chihuahuan Desert: The Desert Osmocosm Smells Like Rain," Chris Ritzi who presented "Beetles, Weevils, and Scales, Oh My! The Story of Biocontrol of Saltcedar Along the Rio Grande," and Jesse Kelsch who presented "The (almost) Never Ending Story: Landscape Evolution in the Big Bend."
Hiking at 5,100 ft. Elevation!
Discover spectacular hiking trails on your next trip to Far West Texas!
Modesta Canyon Trail 1.75 mi.
Clayton's Overlook Trail 1.50 mi.
Upper Loop Trail .50 mi.
Outside Loop Trail 2.25 mi.
Scenic Loop Trail .25 mi.
Modesta Canyon Trail 1.75 mi.
Clayton's Overlook Trail 1.50 mi.
Upper Loop Trail .50 mi.
Outside Loop Trail 2.25 mi.
Scenic Loop Trail .25 mi.
Be sure to stop in and visit the Cactus Museum Collection.
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:00-5:00
While you're visiting,
you might want to get a CDRI Membership.
Your membership will allow you free admission to
the CDRI site for one year. It will also grant you
free access to 370 botanical gardens and
125 nature centers across the U.S.
through our participation in the reciprocal admission programs with the American Horticultural Society and
the Association of Nature Center Administrators!
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9:00-5:00
While you're visiting,
you might want to get a CDRI Membership.
Your membership will allow you free admission to
the CDRI site for one year. It will also grant you
free access to 370 botanical gardens and
125 nature centers across the U.S.
through our participation in the reciprocal admission programs with the American Horticultural Society and
the Association of Nature Center Administrators!
Have you seen the Happy Jack Mine?
Come Ready to Have Fun
As You Discover the Chihuahuan Desert!
As You Discover the Chihuahuan Desert!
We're located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains at an elevation of 5,100 ft. The following items are recommended to ensure a safe and fun adventure for you and your family.
* A wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and close toed shoes with a patterned tread for traction;
* Plenty of water;
* Hiking poles or a walking stick.
* Plenty of water;
* Hiking poles or a walking stick.
Be sure to check in at the Powell Visitor Center upon your arrival. We'll supply you with maps and trail guide booklets for the hiking trails. We'll also provide a map for the Botanical Gardens and provide information about the many features within its 18-acre fenced garden including the Maxie Templeton Cactus Museum. After hiking, you can take care of all of your vacation shopping needs at the Gift Shop, visit the Mining Exhibit, and make a stop at the Bird Blind to see which of the grassland birds that might have flown in.
The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is to promote public awareness,
appreciation and concern for nature generally and the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region specifically, through education, the visitor experience, and through the support of research.
appreciation and concern for nature generally and the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region specifically, through education, the visitor experience, and through the support of research.
Take a Hike at CDRI Open: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Located off of Hwy 118, 4 miles SE of Fort Davis 43869 St. Hwy. 118, PO Box 905 Fort Davis, TX 79734 432.364.2499 |