Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

Cindy Svec

2023-12

We live in Florida. We bought a membership. Does that tell you how awesome this place is? Had a wonderful time. Staff is fabulous. The trails are great. The gift shop is terrific. The cactus museum is fabulous and we hope to return again this trip to check out the bird blind.YOU need to join and post great things here on Google and everywhere else you can think of. :) 10 STARS!

S Kendall (SK in Aus TX)

2023-11

If you like cactus, this is the place! Very nice trails with plants identified and spots to sit and reflect.Nice visitor center with space to sit down, relax and enjoy the view.Somewhat handicap accessible. The trails are pea gravel and on a gentle grade. If you are on wheels, you should have fat tires or it will be tiresome to traverse.Mining heritage exhibit is nice too. Would be good for the kids.I’m told the actual hiking trails are spectacular, with views to match.

Katie Niemann

2024-01

Incredible place to visit to soak in the beautiful desert scenery and see so many cacti you never knew existed! A great spot for kids to explore nature. We did the outer loop trail and visited the cactus greenhouse and had an outstanding time. The trail allowed us to go in a canyon and to the top of an overlook where we could see the entire expanse of this beautiful region. Thanks to the volunteers who make this special spot such a treasure for all!

kiersten andrews

2024-03

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Jeremiah Marsh

2023-09

$6.50/adult was the cost when I went SEP 2022Great place to get outta the city at. There's four different hiking trails that vary in difficulty. There's a botanical gardens of native species. In the gardens, they have a cactus greenhouse as well. Right before the gardens, there's a bird blind.Trails are well marked.Thank you all at the visitors center for the info. Extremely insightful as to what I should be keeping my eyes peeled for. They mentioned that there were aoudas (?) and mainly birds out. Though when I was leaving, I was told there was a bobcat sighting. I asked about snake 'n' other little critters that can cause harm if I'm not paying attention. They informed me that they're not common at all-- especially during mid-day.The visitors center has a gift shop. A ton of books that are geared towards outdoors, the Chihuahuan desert, and plants. They have stickers, cups, shirts, field guides, 'n' more.There's a bathroom, a water fountain, and a station to refill water bottles. Drinking tap water is safe-- per what I was told. My water bottle was too big to fill at the station so they let me use the tap in their kitchen.I did not see the mining exhibit this time around. Nor did I walk through the gardens to see what's changed. The trails were where I wentWhat I found really cool is how they're trying hard to be as renewable as possible. Their lights are powered by a solar panel on grounds. They also redirect rain water to help increase biodiversity.

Jim Ross

2024-01

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Duane Holstege

2023-05

Really cool place! Highly recommend. We spent about 5 hours there hiking and checking out the gardens and green house. Nice visitor center. Very helpful staff. You must do Clayton's overlook trail. Cool 360° display of mountains and volcanic history. Easy trail. We hiked the outer loop trail which starts with Modesta canyon, then winds around Lions head and past the old quarry. Then it brings you to Claytons overlook. Overall around 2.5 miles moderate to strenuous. The hardest part was going down and up through the canyon. The greenhouse was awesome, over 200 species of cacti. The mine museum was very interesting as well nice displays of different types of ores and old mine equipment. I can't think of any negatives at all.

Mark Schneider

2023-05

The Botanical Gardens are stunning. Plan for at least 2 hours to see all of the exhibits. This is a photographer’s dream. Check out my pics please. The hiking trails are rugged, take the hikes seriously and wear sturdy boots if you have them. Pack lots of water and enjoy the wilderness.

Cameron Hall

2022-05

We have been to Fort Davis 3 times but this is our first trip to the Research Institute. We have been missing out. This place was great. We walked all around the botanical, cactus, and pollinator gardens. The mining exhibit was really interesting. We also took a hike down to the spring in the canyon. It was a great hike, although the area had been experiencing a lot of rain, and there was actually water in the canyon prior to the spring itself. We will definitely be back to hike more on our next visit to Fort Davis.

Stephanie Boyd

2018-05

Fantastic place to learn about native flora and local geology (has one of the best interpretive geological displays I've seen). Trails have great scenery. Gardens are well tended and lovely to walk around. Staff has been hit or miss: some very friendly and helpful, some quite rude. A must-see, regardless, if you're in the area.

Nicolas Pujet

2023-05

Wonderful facility. The cactus collection is outstanding, and had many in bloom when we visited at the end of March. The botanical garden and pollinator gardens were well laid out but not yet in bloom We also hiked the Modesta Canyon trail, a strenuous but beautiful hike with an informative trail guide.

Jill Wright

2021-05

A little gem in the Chihuahuan Desert just south of Ft. Davis. Lovely trails through an extensive botanical gardens, great views of Mount Mitre and the Davis Mountains, displays of the area's mining history and rock samples, plus a lovely bird blind where a water and feeding station attracts a variety of local and migrating birds. More trails are available for hiking as well. A nice way to spend a couple hours when visiting the attractions in the area, as well as supporting a local research and conservation institute.

Brandy Rainwater

2024-05

Great place to spend a few hours. Friendly staff. Nice garden. Ok bird blind with great water feature. Saw some Bighorn Sheep!

Greg Rangel

2024-03

Fantastic nature center showing the beauty of the Chihuahuan desert.

Stacy Dyer

2019-05

We loved the geological exhibit at the top of the hill. Definitely worth the hike. Great views! At the main building, they maintain a vibrant hummingbird garden and multiple feeders. We visited during the late summer/early fall migration and were treated to SWARMS of Rufous Hummingbirds. Such a treat to see so many in one place. Highly recommend this place as a sweet side trip from Davis Mountains SP.

Dee Dee

2024-01

Knowledgable and enthusiastic woman named BJ will check you in. Pretty trails and interesting plants, small greenhouse. BJ can accurately tell you the difficulty level of the trails. If you enter gardens thru the gate on left, and head right, there is a scenic overlook. Water available and potties in visitor center, very clean. Nice gift shop. I decided to do a difficult trail and almost lost a lung. Dogs allowed, leashed. I wouldn’t bring young children unless I closely supervised them because of the many many cactus. Recommended

Kellye Kosanda

2023-05

A must-visit for anyone who remotely enjoys plants and nature. Great value for the entry fee. Loved the cactus museum and the native grasses sections of the botanical garden. (I didn’t visit the pollinator garden.) Apparently, there is arboretum reciprocity with other Texas arboretums. Membership here seems to be the way to go if you regularly visit your home arboretum.The hikes are gorgeous as well. We did the overlook trail. We got a bit turned around due to the trail material (extrusive igneous rock!), but we saw some great views in the meantime. Small and decently-curated gift shop. Absolutely will visit again.

Lauren Disney

2019-05

We LOVE hiking here! There are multiple trails including one (moderate) hike that goes up/down a mountain to an overlook. If you don't hike, enjoy sitting in rocking chairs on the visitors center (where you check in) porch and watch hummingbirds buzz away. There is a small fee but it's worth it! They are also open most Sunday afternoons, but call ahead to confirm.

Kelsey Johnson

2022-05

Well worth the visit! Hiked the Modesto Canyon trail and visited the Botanical Garden and Cactus Museum. Overlook from the Pollinator Garden boasts a panoramic view of the area.

Beth Burgess

2023-05

Absolutely love this place. Dogs allowed on the trails and in the outside gardens. Trails and gardens are wonderful.

Magnus Andersson

2018-05

A great way to explore a little piece of the Chihuahuan desert is to walk one of the trails that's prepared for you. The longest one took me about two hours, in a slow pace. Bring water and keep feet and hands out of cactuses and mind your step. Great views, butterflies, birds, in the middle of nature. A bonus is that you support the research centre and the environmental work they wish to accomplish. Admission 7$.

Katie Leonard

2022-05

Wowowow this is a must-see when visiting Marfa. The paths are all really well marked and it makes for great hiking for most levels. Lots of beautiful desert plants, wildlife, and views. Definitely bring a hat, sun screen, and water!

Earl Cohen

2018-05

A very nice little dessert garden with some small number of trails. Plants are well-marked and maintained. Worth the visit.

Samuel Brannon

2021-05

Who knew there were such a diversity of plant life in the desert in West Texas. I would encourage anyone with older children to go on this adventure. The trails are well-kept. The signage is easy to read. And there’s plenty to learn about the power of botany. Strong plant life is an important part of any ecosystem. The desert is an important place too.These folks run a really good operation. I left feeling invigorated and rested. The whole garden is relaxing and it is nice to have a good long walk after being in the car for so long.

Jason Spangler

2019-05

Great hiking in the grasslands and canyon. Modesta Spring is an oasis with cardinal flower and madrone.

Marie

2017-05

DO NOT PASS THIS BY. Such a great side trip! Terrific hiking opportunities and wonderful chance to get to know some of the flora of this region. The cacti nursery is a special treat. Worth your time.

Martin Havran

2022-05

A diverse Chihuahua Desert experience. My favorite trail is to Clayton's Overlook. At 5,200 feet, it offers spectacular 360 degree views with interpretive panels to explain what you are looking at.

John Decker

2020-05

Worth a stop especially if you are a plant lover. Nice botanical garden with some good hiking options.

Carolyn R

2018-05

Wonderfully informative, but it's a desert and hot! Wear a hat, sunscreen and maybe bring an umbrella for shade.

MC Guerry

2023-05

I love to visit here. Great displays. Plants are all amazing and the descriptions so informative. Has a decent visitor center and gift shop. The employees are so helpful and with much enthusiasm. Easy, but quality trails to see the local environment and view. Awesome cactus greenhouse.