Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is a very short, very flat walk in Big Bend National Park. This trail is located in the Dugout Wells area east of Panther Junction. This simple walk runs just a half mile, but it is easy, informative, and beautiful.
This hike is just right for everyone, but the heat and lack of shade at Big Bend can be problematic. Make sure to take water, sunscreen, and a hat. We did this hike just before lunch and then used the tables near the Dugout Wells parking area for a picnic.
Dugout Wells is a short loop road, and the parking is right near the pit toilet. The best way to walk around the loop is counter-clockwise, so cross the road and begin the trail just left of the toilets. This nature walk is well-marked, and there are informative signs along the way. These signs talk about life in the desert and the plants and animals that survive there. We enjoyed learning about the cactuses most. There are at least a dozen signs spread over the half mile.
One thing that makes the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail unique is that it ends at the Dugout Wells. After crossing the road, it enters the tall trees where there is a natural oasis. This area has really cool birds and the potential to see other, larger animals that come to drink. We saw mockingbirds, white-winged doves, and a black vulture.
As the trail comes back around to the car, there are two picnic tables and some trash bins. We unpacked our sandwiches and had a really nice picnic before we left the area. It was a good thing, too, because it was already getting hot by lunchtime! The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is one of our family-friendly hikes in Big Bend National Park. For other ideas, check out our full list here.
