Last updated: February 7, 2021
Thing to Do
Birdwatch at Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
NPS/CA Hoyt
Water is one of the primary resources needed to support birds in this desert park. In an otherwise arid landscape, the presence of water greatly concentrates bird life. Rio Grande Village is consistently one of the best places to find a large number of birds. The principal area to search in Rio Grande Village is the Nature Trail in the southeastern corner of the campground near site #18.
Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) roundtrip
Elevation gain: 150 feet (45 meters)
The first 100 yards is wheelchair accessible and crosses a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland. The trail then gradually climbs a limestone hill with panoramic vistas of the Rio Grande, and the Chisos and Del Carmen mountains.
Distance: 0.75 miles (1.2 kilometers) roundtrip
Elevation gain: 150 feet (45 meters)
The first 100 yards is wheelchair accessible and crosses a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland. The trail then gradually climbs a limestone hill with panoramic vistas of the Rio Grande, and the Chisos and Del Carmen mountains.
Details
Duration
15-45 Minutes
Activity
Birdwatching
The first part 0.25 miles of the trail enters dense vegetation, crosses a pond on a boardwalk, and continues through thick brush. This section of the trail is a great place to look for birds, as well as other types of wildlife, including javelina, badger, fox, bobcat, nutria, turtles and fish.
Age(s)
Great for all ages!
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is located at the back of the Rio Grande Village Campground, across from campsite #18.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
The Rio Grande Village Nature Trail begins from the paved road at the back of the Rio Grande Village campground. The first 100 yards is wheelchair accessible and crosses a boardwalk through a spring-fed wetland. The boardwalk is mostly level, about 4 feet wide, and composed of recycled plastic boards with metal railings. There are three square open platforms spaced out along the boardwalk that do not contain railings, and four benches for sitting.
After leaving the boardwalk, the trail narrows and continues along a dirt path. The path circles a small hill, utilizing steps to reach the top. At the top of the hill is an information panel about the Rio Grande.
Service dogs are allowed on this trail.
After leaving the boardwalk, the trail narrows and continues along a dirt path. The path circles a small hill, utilizing steps to reach the top. At the top of the hill is an information panel about the Rio Grande.
Service dogs are allowed on this trail.