EVENT DETAILS
The Nature Conservancy's Davis Mountains Preserve (DMP) is a wildlife refuge in the highest country of the Davis Mountains in far west Texas. Visitors can enjoy exceptional wildlife watching, roads for driving or biking, horseback riding (bring your own), and some of the best hiking in the state, including a trail to Mount Livermore, the fifth highest peak in Texas at 8,378’.
WHEN: The Davis Mountains Preserve will be open for day use (8:00 am - 5:00 pm) on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
HOW: 1 reservation = 1 person. Reservations are required. Secure reservations here and pick up maps and more information at the preserve.
COST: This event is FREE, although donations are always appreciated.
Please note:
- A high clearance vehicle (8 in or more) is REQUIRED for all travel past our visitor center to the interior of the preserve, including to the Mount Livermore/Baldy Peak Trailhead. Some trails are accessible from our visitor center.
- The cut-off time to hike Mount Livermore is 10:00am. Please plan accordingly.
- NO PETS
- Overnight camping is not available for this event.
- Drones are not permitted
- Bring plenty of food and water. Pack everything in/out
- You can expect a typical mountain climate: mild with unpredictable weather, so please check the forecast, prepare appropriately, and assume nothing
- Cell service not available on preserve
- If Horseback Riding, Negative Coggins Test Required at Check-in
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Kaylee French at [email protected] with questions or comments. Visit nature.org/davismountainspreserve to learn more about the preserve.
Directions:
From Fort Davis: Head north on Highway 118 North past the Davis Mountains State Park, Prude Ranch, and McDonald Observatory. One-quarter mile past the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic area, turn left into the DMP gate.
From Balmorhea: Take Hwy 17 South to the Y at Fort Davis and turn onto Hwy 118 North (right). From here, follow directions "From Fort Davis".
From Kent: Take Hwy 118 south for about 23 miles to the intersection of Hwy 118 and Hwy 166. Bear to the left to stay on Hwy 118 and continue on for about 5.5 miles until you come to our gate on the right. If you reach the Lawrence E Wood roadside park, you have gone ¼ mile too far.