Davis Mountains Preserve Open Weekends

FAQs

General

• Is the Davis Mountains Preserve open to the public year-round?

  The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve is open to the public during our Open Weekend dates, which are posted on this webpage at the beginning of each calendar year. Our Open Weekend dates change each year.

• Do you have your Open Weekend dates set for next year?

  We set our Open Weekend dates at the beginning of each new calendar year.

• Why only four Open Weekends at the Davis Mountains Preserve?

  In an effort to expand our education and outreach opportunities throughout West Texas, we are hosting four Open Weekends at the Davis Mountains Preserve. This will allow TNC to offer public access to other West Texas Preserves throughout the year, including Marathon Grasslands, Diamond Y Spring and Sandia Springs.

• Do I need reservations for the Open Weekends? Where and when can I make them?

  Reservations are no longer required to attend Open Weekends; however, reservations are required to attend one of TNC's Davis Mountains Preserve guided day tours.

• How can I stay up to date on the latest info about Open Weekends at the preserve?

  Sign up for our TNC Texas Nature News, “Like” The Nature Conservancy in Texas on Facebook or sign up for our email list by contacting kaylee.french@tnc.org.

• Is there an entrance or camping fee to the Davis Mountains Preserve during Open Weekends?

  No. All Open Weekend events, including camping, are free to the public. However, donations are always greatly appreciated.

• Does the main entrance gate close each day during Open Weekends?

  Our main entrance gate stays open from 8:00 AM Friday through 5:00 PM Sunday. You may come and go as you please on the preserve during that time. Please be sure to sign in and out at our Visitor Center when you arrive and leave.

• Is your Visitor Center open for the entire Open Weekend?

  Yes! We always have a staff member or a volunteer who stays overnight in our Visitor Center or in our cabin, on site. They are available 24/7 to help our guests.

• If I have questions or an emergency before or after hours, what do I do?

  We always have a staff member or a volunteer who stays overnight in our Visitor Center or in our cabin, on site. They are available 24/7 to help our guests.

• I’m arriving late or would like to start hiking very early in the morning. Can I do this?

  Yes! You just need to be sure to sign in and out at our Visitor Center when you arrive and leave.

• Can I hike Mount Livermore/Baldy Peak outside of the Open Weekends?

  No. Mount Livermore/Baldy Peak are only accessible to the public during our Open Weekends.

• Can I hike off trail?

  We ask all guests to stay on our trail systems during Open Weekends.

• What does high clearance mean? Do I need high clearance? Do I need 4WD?

  Per The National Park Service, a high clearance 2WD vehicle is defined as an SUV or truck type vehicle with at least 8 inches of clearance or more, from the lowest point of the frame, body, suspension or differential, to the ground.

  A high clearance vehicle is required to drive anywhere past our McIvor Conservation Center at the entrance of the Davis Mountains Preserve, including to the trailhead for Mount Livermore/Baldy Peak. There are several trails accessible from our McIvor Center that do not require you to have a high clearance vehicle.

  NOTE: During our rainy season (July – September), our Madera Canyon Road has several water crossings that can be impassible. Other trails are available, if this is the case.

  A 4WD vehicle is not required but is helpful.

• What if I don’t have a high clearance vehicle?

  Here, you have two options:

  1. Rent a high clearance vehicle for the weekend.

  2. We have many very nice people with high clearance vehicles visiting during our Open Weekends who are happy to let folks ride with them down to the trailhead. You will also have to rely on a very nice person to give you a ride back from the trailhead, otherwise, you will have to hike the 5.3 miles back to our Visitor Center.

• Can I bring my pet?

  No pets are allowed on the Davis Mountains Preserve. However, pets are allowed on the Madera Canyon Trail.

Camping

• Can I camp anywhere on the preserve?

  Camping is available only in our 4 designated camping areas. A map with our camping areas can be found on our Davis Mountains Preserve page.

• Can I book a campsite ahead of time?

  No. All campsites are first come, first served.

• Do all the campsites get booked up during Open Weekends?

  No. We have 4 camping areas on the preserve. Two have specific campsites, and sometimes those do fill up. The other two camping areas are large mowed areas for dispersed camping. If we run out of campsites, we ask visitors to camp in our overflow area, which is the large, mowed area around our Visitor Center. We will not turn you away.

• Can I drive up to the campsites?

  Yes. All campsites can be driven up to.

• Are the campsites primitive?

  Yes. Each campsite or camping area is primitive and has no amenities (i.e. no water, electricity, etc.). The only picnic tables that are available are directly surrounding the McIvor Center.

• Do all camping areas have shade?

  In some form or fashion, each camping area has shade. If you’re not satisfied with the amount of shade, you can always switch camping areas or pitch your tent a little bit farther back into the trees, although this area will likely not be mowed.

• Can I use a camp stove or generator? What about a fire or charcoal grill?

  When we are not in a burn ban, gas camp stoves are allowed.

  Generators are not allowed.

  We do not allow any burning of solid fuels at our Open Weekends (i.e. charcoal, wood, pellets, etc.). 

• Are RVs allowed?

  Since we do not allow generators, RVs are only allowed if they are small, off-road equipped, and can function without a generator.

• Are there bathrooms on the preserve?

  Yes. Our McIvor Conservation Center has a men’s and women’s bathroom, each with two showers available for use during our Open Weekends.

• Is there a water faucet outside? Is it potable?

  Yes. There is a water faucet along the main road, close to our McIvor Conservation Center. It is potable, but we’d suggest bringing your own water anyway.

• Is there a place to wash dishes?

  No. We suggest bringing your own water so you can wash dishes at your campsite with biodegradable soap.

• Is there a trash can?

  No. We do not have a trash service on the preserve and ask that you pack out everything you pack in.