Smith Spring Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Most of this trail is easy, but watch your footing for loose rocks.

The beginning of this loop trail starts at the Frijole Ranch, which is a good place to get a history lesson about the area as it doubles as a museum and historical ranch.

This trail takes you through the typical Texas Chihuahuan Desert environment, and visitors will be able to see cactus, yucca, agave, some junipers and small oaks and scrub along the way. Your outing will generally be easy, with mostly flat to small hills being the only obstacles that you'll need to navigate around. Take a moment to practice your navigation skills at the top of any of the small hills along the way!

There's a seasonal wash below the mountains that provides an interesting visual break, as there are more trees here than in the surrounding desert. At the high point of the trail, you come upon Smith Spring, which the trail is named after. It's a lush, flowing spring that creates a large pool in the desert environment. The riparian system creates lots of shade and opportunities to witness wildlife such as birds and other mammals.

Lizards of all kinds can be seen in the lower areas, and it's possible to have bird sightings by the spring, or deer, elk and javelina. Oaks, junipers and plenty of the typical desert flora, yucca, agave and cacti.