Do you have guided hikes at the Nature Center?

Yes, occasionally. Guided hikes are scheduled for the following days in 2011:

• May 7 Guided Botanical Garden Walks on National Public Gardens Day. 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Cost: $7.50 (includes admissions)
• Saturdays in July (9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th). Guided discovery hikes. Start at sunset. Cost: $5.00
• October 28. What Lurks in the Dark of Night? Storytelling & Night Walk. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $10 per family

If you can’t make a guided hike on those days, we have an excellent trail guide to Modesta Canyon (available for $1 in the Leapin’ Lizards Nature Shop) and brochures for self-guided walks through the gardens.

What is there for kids to do?

The Nature Center is a great place for kids to run, explore, climb rocks, and watch bugs, birds, and lizards. We also have more formal & fun activities for children. Be sure to check out our Nature Camps and Fun for Families page.

Can we eat lunch at the Nature Center?

We don’t have food service here, but you’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch and eat on the front porch or in the shade of the pavilion. There are no picnic tables, but lots of rocks, benches, and walls to sit upon.

Do you have bathrooms and water?

Yes, we take pride in the cleanliness of our bathrooms in the Visitors’ Center. Water is also available from a water fountain on the back porch. Please keep in mind that there are no bathrooms on the hiking trails or in the botanical gardens.

Can I take my dog on a hike?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on our trails. You must keep them leashed at all times and clean up after them if necessary.

Can I mountain bike, ride my horse, or ride my atv on your trails?

No, our trails are for hikers only.

Can I camp at the Nature Center?

No, we’re not set up for campers. We open at 9:00 a.m. and close and lock the gates at 5:00.

When is the best time to visit?

The Nature Center is beautiful at any time of the year, but our favorite times are in late March through May and again from July through October. The spring can be a bit windy and the weather unpredictable, but spring is when the cactus and early wildflowers are blooming. Our cactus greenhouse is spectacular in the spring.

To truly experience the splendor of the Nature Center, we recommend that you visit in the summer. The Chihuahuan Desert region gets most of its precipitation during the summer months. The grasses green up, the wildflowers bloom, the butterflies flit by, and the weather moderates. It’s likely to rain in the afternoon (brief, but often hard thunderstorms) and cool down in the evenings. Be sure to bring a sweater for summer evenings!

How much of the Nature Center can I drive through?

Very little. There is a 1-mile long road to the Visitors’ Center and that’s as far as you can drive. The botanical gardens, exhibits and breathtaking scenery are all accessible by walking paths or hiking trails.

Can someone in a wheelchair visit the Nature Center?

Definitely! The Visitors’ Center has a ramp on the west side of the building and designated parking for those with handicapped permits. The botanical gardens has smooth (sometimes a bit rocky or sandy) dirt paths that are wide enough, flat enough, and smooth enough for wheelchair access.

Can I bring a group?

Groups are always welcome! We strongly recommend that you arrange for a guided hike or tour ahead of time. Groups tend to get the most out of their visit with a guide.

And don’t worry about your bus. There is plenty of space for large vehicles to park and turn around in our parking lot.

Do you have a gift shop?

Yes, we’re frequently told that we have the best gift shop in the region. The Leapin’ Lizards Nature Shop specializes in books about the plants, animals, geology, and the natural history of the Chihuahuan Desert region along with nature-related toys, t-shirts, gifts, and jewelry.  We offer a wide variety of high-quality bird feeders and proud to offer Eagle Optics close-focus binoculars.

There’s no admission fee for those that just want to visit the nature shop!