Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park logo  

Increasing scientific literacy by fostering an understanding of the Chihuahuan Desert

P.O. Box 891
Las Cruces, NM 88004
575-524-3334
cdnp@zianet.com  
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Located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, the 960-acre Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park site is a topographically and biologically diverse example of this beautiful desert. The Nature Park encompasses a small section of the Doña Ana Mountains northeast of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Spectacular views of the Organ Mountains, San Andres Mountains and the Jornada Basin are also visible from the Park.

Getting to the Nature Park (field trip participants, see below)

  1. From I-25 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, head east on Highway 70.
  2. Take the Mesa Grande Rd. exit (at Oñate High School)
  3. Make a U-turn under the highway to head west on the frontage road.
  4. Turn right (north) on Jornada Road.
  5. Proceed north on Jornada Road for approximately 6.5 miles.
  6. Turn left just before the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park entrance sign.
  7. Follow the entrance road west to the Nature Park parking lot and trail head.

NOTE FOR TO TEACHERS TAKING FIELD TRIPS: The first half of the field trip will take place at the headquarters of the Jornada Experimental Range. Follow the directions above but continue north on Jornada Road for 17 miles. Do NOT turn left at the stone pillars or at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park entrance sign!

Hours

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park is open from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Access outside these hours requires special written permission from the Nature Park. Please contact the Nature Park office (575-524-3334) for more information.

Nature Park Features

  • 1.5-mile Desert Discovery Trail (1.2-mile easy loop around hill and optional 0.3-mile more difficult spur trail to the top of the hill)
  • Plant identification placards with scientific, English common name and Spanish common name
  • Picnic tables and shade ramadas
  • Science demonstration plot
  • Parking area
  • Composting, waterless toilet facilities
  • 150-seat amphitheater

Future Development of the Nature Park Site

We are currently working on Stage 2 development at the Nature Park site. Future amenities at the Nature Park site will include:

  • Fence around Park perimeter
  • Demonstration garden highlighting xeriscape tips
  • Visitors' center