Davis Mountains Preserve Open Days

FAQs

General

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

  No, The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve is open to the public during our Open Day event dates, which are posted on this webpage at the beginning of each calendar year. Our Open Day event dates change every year. Additionally, we offer guided day tours of the Davis Mountains Preserve throughout the year.

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

  No. We set our Open Day event dates at the beginning of each new calendar year.

• Why so few opportunities to visit the preserve?

  The Davis Mountains Preserve is a special and fragile place, privately owned by The Nature Conservancy, and we work hard to protect it. As visitation has grown, so have the impacts on the preserve's landscapes and wildlife.

  To address these impacts, further prevent degradation of the landscape, better steward the preserve, create more engaging experiences for our visitors and ensure we can safely evacuate people during emergencies like wildfires, we’ve made the difficult decision to limit visitation to scheduled Open Days and guided day tours.

  What impacts are we facing on the preserve?

  • Non-native and invasive plant species introduction and spread; puncturevine (goatheads), Russian thistle (tumbleweed) and Lehmann’s lovegrass brought in on tires, the undercarriage of vehicles and the hiking shoes of our well-intended but unaware visitors, are now prevalent along our roadways and parking areas, and they are expanding rapidly into our grasslands.
  • Wildlife species that are sensitive to human disturbance—like the federally threatened Mexican spotted owl—are either no longer present or shifting behaviors to avoid areas of human presence.
  • Continued hot and dry conditions facilitate the risk of wildfire on the preserve. Visitation increases that risk.
  • Our infrastructure and facilities were built in 2004 and cannot maintain visitation from 3,000+ visitors each year, especially our water and septic systems.

  If you’d like to volunteer to help us manage impacts like these on the Davis Mountains Preserve and other West Texas preserves, please contact the West Texas Project Director, Kaylee French (kaylee.french@tnc.org). 

• What can I do to help protect the Davis Mountains Preserve?

  There are many ways you can help!

  1. Donate to The Nature Conservancy in Texas or become a TNC member.
  2. Volunteer for our West Texas program by emailing kaylee.french@tnc.org.
  3. Help us educate others about the importance of preserving the Davis Mountains Preserve and the unique species and habitats it safeguards.
• Do I need reservations for the Open Days? Where and when can I make them?

  Yes, reservations are required for all of our Open Days. The link for reservations will be posted at the top of this page three months in advance. For example, reservations for the August 29, 2026 Open Day will be available by May 29, 2026.

• Is there an entrance fee to the Davis Mountains Preserve during Open Days?

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

• I would like to start hiking very early in the morning during an Open Day. Can I do this?

  No. Our main entrance gate opens at 8:00am during our Open Days.

• Can I hike off trail during the Open Days?

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

• Is camping offered during the Open Day events?

  Unfortunately, no. Camping is not offered for our Open Day events. There are many great places to stay in the area, including the Davis Mountains State Park, Balmorhea State Park and various other accommodations in and around Fort Davis.

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

  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. A 4WD vehicle is not required but is helpful.

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

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

  Here are two options:

  1. Rent a high clearance vehicle for the day.
  2. We have many very nice people with high clearance vehicles visiting during our Open Days 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.
• Are there bathrooms on the preserve?

  Yes. Our McIvor Conservation Center has bathrooms that are available during our Open Days.

• Are there trash cans on the preserve?

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

• Can I bring my pet?

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

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

  No. Mount Livermore/Baldy Peak are only accessible to the public during our Open Days, no matter what other internet sites may tell you.

• What if I want to hike on or visit the preserve outside of an Open Day event?

  Permission is required from our West Texas Project Director. Otherwise, you are trespassing on private property. Each request for access to the preserve will be considered, although your request is much more likely to be granted if you are:

  1. Part of an organized group that will visit the preserve.
  2. Your organized group is nature-focused.
• How can I stay up to date on the latest info about the Davis Mountains 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.