Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is a research facility spanning over 200 acres in the foothills of the Davis Mountains, featuring laboratories, botanical gardens, and exhibits about desert geology. The grounds offer various areas to explore plant collections, examine rock formations, and see scientists studying the unique environment of this region.

The facility was founded in 1973 by science professors from Sul Ross State University, initially operating from a school building in Alpine. It later evolved into an independent research center in the mountains, where it continues to study desert ecosystems.

The institute produces The Desert Newsflash newsletter for 5000 subscribers and previously contributed to Nature Notes radio program on KRTS station.

A highlight is Clayton's Overlook, a geological viewpoint at the highest spot on the property where you can see mineral specimens and rock formations of the region. The best way to explore the facility is on foot using various paths that wind through plant gardens and exhibition areas.

The institute maintains a specialized herbarium with thousands of dried plant specimens from the Chihuahuan Desert, helping researchers document the region's flora. This collection serves as an important tool for botanists seeking to understand plant diversity and adaptation in the desert environment.