Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

A must see when near Fort Davis! The cactus museum was really special. Didn’t get to do hiking this time, but wish we had.

Lovely botanic gardens with lots of cactus. If you like desert plants this is a paradise.

Absolutely magnificent! Give yourself plenty of time because there is so much to learn and see! The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable.

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.

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.

$6.50/adult was the cost when I went SEP 2022 Great 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 went What 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.

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.

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!

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center was a fantastic stop for my daughters, our dog, and me on 2.15.2025. I knew from scrutinizing their website that I would love this place. I love their video tour by David Politzer from 2022. In fact, the only things I didn't love were their map and outdoor displays that needed maintenance or repair. The map lacked key details and was a bit confusing. There were several uprooted signs, at least one overturned bench, and exterior paint wearing. Otherwise, it's a very cool place. Clean women's restrooms. Bottle refill station inside the visitor's center. In 2023, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center celebrated its 50th year anniversary, so it definitely deserves constant maintenance. Open: Mon. - Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Very nice lady at the front desk. She only charged me half price since we got there at 4 p.m. My kids and dog were free. Admission Fees ADULTS $6.50 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE MEMBERS FREE SRSU STUDENTS $3.25 DOGS ARE WELCOME FREE My dog loved it here. A little rocky, but not many issues with stickers and weeds as long as you adhere to the trails. No dogs allowed in the Cactus Museum Collection. They're having their succulent sale on March 10, 2025 from 9 am - 5 pm. For more information, go to https://www.cdri.org/

I did not do any hiking here so I can't speak to the trails available. I arrived in the early afternoon and it was to hot for a long hike. The botanical gardens is very nice with a significant collection of native desert plants. All are very well labeled. Out back of the garden is a "Cactus Museum," a small greenhouse with a great collection of different Cactus. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Admission is only $7. Definitely worth stopping by.

Inexpensive, clean and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Had a good time, it was a bit hot but got to see some beautiful plants and learn some educational things.

Wow! This place was an unexpected gem on our trip to Ft. Davis. Lots to see and wonderful hiking. Visitors center offered some neat items and lots of information. We did the long hike and it offered a challenge but beautiful views. Well marked paths and several different trail options. Our visit was mid-March so not a lot of blooms but I bet it's so pretty once everything is blooming.

I went here with a group & didn't have high expectations, but the tour we were given & the in-depth knowledge shared by the tour guide AND the staff in the gift shop were GREAT! They have areas showing different zones of the Chihuahuan Desert -- there were SO many varieties of plants in various stages of bloom/growth. In the gift shop, they have fun souvenirs AND LOADS of information aimed at every level of visitor -- from the youngest to the most educated! Lots of diagrams & charts & books for every interest level. Their Cactus greenhouse was amazing! SO many plants I'd never seen before! A fun stop!

We stopped by while visiting the Davis Mountains area and really enjoyed it. We visited in August, so it was HOT. Not a lot of wildlife/birds/etc, but we could really enjoy the plant trails by ourselves. It was also a great way of getting to know all of the plants because most all of them were well marked. I was almost a Master Naturalist after we left because I could tell you most plant names. We first took the loop around the hummingbird/butterfly area. It was way too hot/late for them, so we just bumbled around. Be careful here. The loop trail is NOT well marked and it is kind of rocky. We were borderline to "too old" to try to skip around all the rocks, ruts, roots, and ankle grabbers. We made it but it was sketchy at times for us. The "left side" trail was much easier and well maintained. It was the one going to the Cactus Museum. I'm glad we went to it because it was SUPER cool. The green house was where they are raising hundreds of fascinating little cactus. Likely to put/plant on the trails. Definitely make sure you visit it.

If visiting Ft Davis/Marfa/Alpine/Balmorhea area - be sure to visit Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center! Bountiful desert beauty!! A botanical garden, cactus and succulent greenhouse, mining exhibit, wealth of information about the area, friendliest staff EVER, best rocking-chair-sitting porch views, and a gorgeous hiking trail with breath-taking view of this JAW-DROPPING part of West Texas at every turn. Take a breakfast/lunch and hot coffee/tea/special beverage and enjoy a soothing rock in the wooden rocking chairs on the back porch. It feels like a retreat you didn't come for but desperately need! And for such a nominal fee! Do not miss a stroll through the botanical garden, cactus and succulent greenhouse, and plan for time (and weather) to hike - trust me! If you enjoy hiking, the effort will be fully worth it!! As with all desert hiking - wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, maybe a brimmed hat, and carry a good amount of water. We will certainly return to this gorgeous place on any future visits to the area!!

Very COVID conscious and well distanced. The woman we spoke to at guest services was very warm and inviting. She was knowledgeable and excited to tell us all about the research institute. We walked through several of the short trails on our way to Davis Mountain State Park. The cactus and plant varieties were impressive and obviously well cared for and well loved. The greenhouse was a treat. There are so many cactus types being grown and showcased. The colors and textures of all their plants are beautiful and interesting. Don't cut yourself short when visiting CDRI. We spent 2 hours and felt like we rushed ourselves. We could have easily spent a full day here and will return to do just that.

Great tour guide/gardener that was very knowledgeable about the native plants. Fabulous pollinator garden and almost as great cactus garden (that's probably just a personal preference for me though). Learned a lot about native plants and pollinators. Would love to come back!

The facility is an amazing enclave of native plants, showcased safely and accessibly. The outdoor gardens are full of insects and birds. We saw an amazing variety of cactus, well labeled and thriving. The greenhouses were my favorite part indoors. In addition to the wildlife and plants, they have a a deeply informative exhibit on mining. If one reads the placards, they will have learned more about mining and smelting the 95% of America ever will know

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.

This desert oasis is fantastic! They've really made the desert come alive out here. For the low price of $6.50, you get a pass out into the desert. They've got a few hiking trails that take you out past cacti, sotol, agave, yuccas, desert sages, grasses and trees. Most of the plants are carefully labelled with the English and Latin names, which is really cool. I learned a lot about succulents out here with varietals that I'd never imagined or laid eyes on. At the end of the hike is a desert greenhouse full of cuttings, and the finest of the best examples of the different more delicate varieties of cacti. There's some in here that are almost as old as I am! The cacti are beautiful examples of each, and many were flowering- so cool! The staff was friendly and enthusiastic about teaching about the desert, from behind a pane of glass over a loudspeaker. They wouldn't let us in for water or to use the restroom. The mining exhibit was neat- they have samples from across the American southwest, showing off different types of mining, and different examples of ores and rocks. They did a cool job of making it interesting and fun! This place is so far out in the middle of nowhere, it's a great way to see what goes on in the desert. This nature hike had more fauna and flora than any other hike I did in the West Texas region! I highly recommend this place for any nature lover.

A very nice presentation that brings together the natural beauty of the desert, what's possible in the desert with a bit of help from humans, and a bit of history added to the mix, giving a glimpse into the primitive technology and backbreaking work and of those hardcore miners who came here to extract wealth from the desert. I was there at the end of February, a bit early, before the desert really began to bloom, so I didn't get to see the many hummingbirds that migrate through on their way north each spring. But, the bloom is just around the corner, so in a week I'll be heading back that way to check out the entire area one more time.

I can't wait to go back and do some hiking out here! We visited just to see what it was all about and left wishing we had more time. The home around the pollinator garden was really nice and the cactus museum had some really interesting specimens. The folks getting us checked in we're so kind, and the website isn't kidding, they have a great gift shop!

'A' wanted to do a bit of hiking after a fun lunch at Marylou's Restaurant and found this place in a Fort Davis brochure. There are several trails around the property that are well-defined, but a bit rough in spots due to the volcanic rock that defines this area. 'A' spotted some birds that we've never seen before, including a ladder-back woodpecker. I found the placards identifying many of the cacti along the trail to be interesting and informative. We went into the greenhouse and got some pictures. Finally, we checked out the mining history exhibit. Come out and support this non-profit center - wear good shoes and watch where you step. ​

The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is my go to for hikes and when I want to feel surrounded by nature. The trails are not too challenging but the views are great. Entrance free is $6.50, and you must book online now. Be aware that due to COVID there is no access to a restroom or water station so bring plenty of water.

Great stop. Nice trails with the various trees and plants labeled. A mining exhIbit, a cactus greenhouse. The gift shop is awesome. Clean restrooms are a big plus.

This is a wonderful recreation and learning opportunity in beautiful far west Texas! I was looking for a place to hike--public land being somewhat rare here--and this place really hit the spot. The trails were great; a little rocky, so wear good boots! They dropped into sweet little craggy canyons and followed ridges for long views. The botanical garden and cactus greenhouse were interesting, well-kept and informative. You can learn a lot! Maybe because of covid, you have to purchase your $6.50 admission online, but you can easily do it right there. This place is a gem.

Totally worth stopping - great hikes, nice desert plant garden to educate about the beauty and diversity of the desert. And it is totally dog friendly!

We live locally and have been very happy to visit here often when looking for a quick afternoon hike. Unfortunately, now you cannot enter the building and because of that there are no restrooms for public use. We were outside the building entrance and one of the volunteers, after my husband renewed his membership, asked me to put a mask on. I said, no and that I was leaving. She seemed a little astonished that I didn't want to cover my nose and mouth while being out in the fresh air and sun. Won't be going back until they lift the mask order. Texas is open but not this place.

If you go to Marfa or Ft Davis and you don't stop here: you're really missing out. It's only $6 to get in. The have miles of hiking, an indoor cactus room, a garden walk, lots of cute spots for photo ops, and give expert advice. Take the time. If you think your visit to this area is only about minimalist art, festivals, or irony: think again. Stop here. No. Actually. Don't just stop here. Make some real time for it. You won't be sorry. Dress for weather, wind, and sun.

Hiking. Lazing. Snacking. Learning about the science of the desert. Laughing. Walking. Re-hydrating. Seeing Wildlife. Enjoying plant life of the 4-5 different eco systems they cover in the 500+ acre outdoor science & learning center. This place is good for kids of all ages. Hikes range from easy to strenuous and some are measured in miles. This is a great way to see what 35 million years of weathering have done to the volcanic Davis Mountains. Volunteers here were outgoing, cheering, and willing to help orient you to all they have to offer. If you and or your kids are in W. Texas, this is a great place to spend an hour or two.

Don't double think it. When you see the sign just turn in! Especially if your road tripping. It was originally intended for research, lab coat needed research center. It's evolved into so much more! I want to go back just for the trails. When it comes to gift shops, my feeling is you've seen one, you've seen them all. This one stood out and I bought some souvenirs for those near and dear. I know, shocking, I managed to dish out dough for someone other than myself. The only other gift shop that's had this effect on me is the one in Houston at the Health Museum. Cool stuff. Come for the hike. You will be glad you did. Kill the day here, do all the trails if you can.

My husband and I went here to do the outer loop trail (2.5 miles). It was a beautiful view all the way around. Ralph at the front of the center was so friendly and nice!! He welcomed us as soon as we walked through the door and answered all the questions we had. You can tell that he enjoys his job and loves to make you feel comfortable. Overall it was a great experience!

Came yesterday and went inside the visitor center (with masks). Looked around-nowhere does it state a fee. Asked the store if they had water to sell and they said no they discourage plastics so they force you to buy water canteens. (Her words). So since we ran out of water from our previous hike, we just took the short loop around. Not very identifiable, nothing much to see. We come back today, head straight for the botanical gardens trail first before doing the 5k loops everywhere. Again walked around the porch, no one mentioned anything. We enjoyed the botanical garden loop trail. Everything is labeled there. We are used to a flower type botanical garden but of course we realized this was desert based now. We go to head towards the bigger loop, we get stopped asking if we're members and we said no. We walk two more feet and the same lady from yesterday about the water barked at us where our masks where and we smiled and said we're just hiking, we're not going in. She said but you have to, you have to pay. I said we were here yesterday don't you remember us asking for bottled water to pay for? No one mentioned a fee and there's no signs. She stated but you have to pay (very exasperated) Very rude. I would have had no issue paying if everything is uniform and there's signs posted. No admission fee at the highway and none on the door. Not a great way to treat people from out of town.

Awesome hiking and lovely gardens! Lots of cool hiking trails, plus the great botanical gardens. If you only have an hour or two, the botanical garden walk is perfect. It's lovely and informative, plus there's an amazing cactus greenhouse at the back of it. Plus the the little mining exhibit in front of the visitor's center is way cool too!

For some strange reason Frommers no longer listed this place as a must see in Fort Davis. Such a shame because it is a real jewel in the desert. The entrance is off of the main highway coming from Alpine into Ft. Davis and easy to miss if you are cruising along at highway speeds. The nature center boasts a well stocked botanical garden of all plants found in the Chihuahuan Desert and geeks out on the various rocks found in this area. Stretch your legs and choose from several hiking trails varying in length. Afterwards, sit a spell in the rocking chairs on the back porch and simply enjoy the views. Well worth the $6.00 per person entrance fee.

Great place for a leisurely stroll through the botanical garden or choose a more challenging hike through the canyon. Gorgeous views, friendly staff, and our kids enjoyed the mining museum. This place is probably gorgeous in the spring and summer months.

This is a hidden gem. We went on the botanical gardens walk which features cacti and local flora and quite a few trees. There is a greenhouse full of collectors cacti. Then we went on a interesting hike (Modesta trail) along a ravine that had different rock formations on the two sides and a steep rocky descent that was fun and beautiful. $6/person admission fee is worth it.

A great place to see the local West Texas flora! Hike a few trails and check out the botanical gardens.

Amazing beauty; something for everyone. We took a rather strenuous hike down through the springs and beyond, then a lazier stroll out through the botanical gardens and greenhouses to an overlook. The (new?) visitor center is beautiful and homey, with a nice porch for relaxing in the shade and a knowledgeable staff. They even have sun hats, sunscreen, and walking sticks you can borrow. I was amazed that so many flowers were blooming in late October. Did you know many, many kinds of ferns grow in the Chihuahuan desert? I didn't, but I do now.

I am an educator and I have taken many groups of students in areas around Big Bend and Fort Davis. The CDRI nature center was the highlight of our trip to the Fort Davis area. The Nature Center's interpretive guides are a must have to gain the maximum from your experience. I highly recommend the 2 mile loop hike, it encompasses all of the key elements of the Fort Davis area of the Chihuahuan desert. The points of the interest are well chosen to highlight the importance of water, the geology of the area, and the strategies that plants and animals use to survive in a place that receives little rainfall. The canyon section follows the intersection of two of the igneous rock types that help shape the area's landscape. The Clayton Overlook will help to explain the geology of the surrounding area. The total elevation change is around 500 feet with most of the sections of the trail a moderate to slight incline. Any plants that were not present on the hike were present either at the center or in the desert botanical garden. A two hour visit will give you a great overview of the Chihuahuan Desert. The gift shop has all of the reference books (they are the ones I use every year) one could ask to give even a deeper understanding of the area. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

So now for the hiccup from our recent West Texas trip. We really wanted to visit the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens on the 507-acre property of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. We drove up for the nice, long road to the huge, fancy visitor center. Husband went in and paid the $12. As we walked back to the greenhouse that was tiny in size and pitiful in quality compared to that visitor center, we saw a sign noting pesticides in use in the greenhouse. So we asked a nearby staff member which pesticides. She hemmed and hawed and turned away while telling us she used a "natural, organic soap three weeks ago." Great! We opened the door and were completely overcome by the wretched, toxic stench of mothballs at which time we hurriedly turned to leave and spotted a sign warning mothballs and mousetraps in use. From the parking lot, we called the visitor center and gave a Lisa an earful. She said that the mothballs are the most humane way to keep the ground squirrels out of the greenhouse. Hogwash!!! Perhaps less money on the extravagant visitor center and more money properly securing the greenhouse would have been a better solution. Or just cayenne pepper. Mothballs are awful for humans, pets, bees, squirrels, all. Read this: https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/gateway/health%20effects/Mothballs.pdf