Overview
Explore West Texas' Springs
The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) Diamond Y Spring Preserve and Sandia Springs Preserve are cienegas, or desert marshlands, in far West Texas. These unique ecosystems are each home to seven federally threatened and/or endangered species that rely on these permanent and vital springs for life in the arid desert. The phantom cave snail, Pecos sunflower and Leon Springs pupfish are just a few of these species that you might see during a tour day.
Tour Dates:
- October 2, 2026
- December 4, 2026
Details
We are pleased to offer guided tours of both the Diamond Y Spring and Sandia Springs preserves, which include an interpretive drive through each preserve and a couple of short hikes to the springs (about 100 – 200 yards). You’ll learn about the history, TNC’s conservation work, the species we protect and more at both preserves.
Important info about the tours:
- A high clearance vehicle is REQUIRED for these tours.
- Hiking difficulty: easy to moderate, but quite short distances (100 – 200 yards).
- Maximum participants: 30
- A reservation is REQUIRED to attend these tours. Registration links will be posted on this page about a month before each scheduled tour. Check back to secure your spot!