This area is an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert where a settler established a small ranch complex around 1900. Moisture seeps through to this area from a bed of gravel in the eastern part of Chisos Mountains.
The settler dug out a spring to pool the seepage and subsequently improved the flow by erecting a windmill.
A few houses and the region's first school house was constructed here. Today, none of the structures exist. There is a short trail through the area.
Cottonwood trees are also found here, a sure indicator of water in the desert.
This is also a great spot for a picnic in the cool area of the oasis.
The Chihuahan Desert Trail is also located at this location. It is an easy .5 mile loop trail with interpretive signs about the desert ecology.
We spent time in the Mojave Desert in Pahrump, NV, and Death Valley National Park; the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, AZ, and Saguaro National Park; and now the Chihuahan Desert here in TX at Big Bend. The differences and similarities of each desert is really quite fascinating. Each is unique, so I really enjoyed this nature trail.
There are three species of prickly pear: the Englemann found in all three deserts; the purple-tinged found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan; and the blind prickly pear found only in the Chihuahuan.
The purple-tinged appears to be red here. And, oh my, those thorns!
This is the blind prickly pear that can be seen all over the place here at Big Bend.
This tiny flower was just lovely.
This was a nice stop before returning home (our motor coach) today. We thoroughly enjoyed the sights we saw today in this amazing, remote location. I've never seen anything like it!
For additional information about Dug Out Wells and other hiking areas at Big Bend, check out the park's web site.
Website: www.nps.gov/bibe
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