Why Does It Hurt?

Plants with thorns, spines and burrs in Big Bend Ranch State Park may be pokey and can hurt but our cacti have adapted to use these spines to survive in the Chihuahuan desert.

Join us as we discover and appreciate the inspiring why our desert cacti like Yucca, Spanish dagger, prickly pear, Lechuguilla, mesquite and cholla have evolved to use their spines to survive and thrive here at the BBRSP's Chihuahuan desert.

Prepare: Dress for the weather and bring water, a hat, close-toed shoes are recommended for this trail. No registration required.

Meet: At the Grassy Banks, located on FM 170 East, 10.3 miles from Barton Warnock Visitor Center headed west. 

Time: 10:00am

Cost: Adults 13 and older, $5; Children age 12 and under, free admission. Park admission is free with a Texas Parks Pass.