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Dugout Wells is an area of Big Bend National Park in Texas. It was once known as the “cultural center of the Big Bend”.
History
The area making up Big Bend National Park was settled by ranchers and farmers in the early 1900s. Dugout Wells attracted two families in particular, the Greens and the Averys. It contains a spring dug out by a settler, hence its name.
The families built a schoolhouse that attracted children from other nearby farms, and this made Dugout Wells a magnet for social activity. It remained as such until two events occurred. First, the Great Depression greatly affected area residents, many of whom left for better opportunity elsewhere. Second, the State of Texas purchased the land in the mid-1930s with the aim of creating the first national park in Texas.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail
Today, all that’s left of Dugout Wells is a windmill and some debris scattered throughout the area. The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, an easy ½ mile loop, showcases some of these human remnants as well as a typical Chihuahuan Desert habitat.
Cottonwood trees, cacti, and ocotillos attract birds and other wildlife. I was surprised to see a palm tree growing there.
Recreation
Dugout Wells is a great place for a picnic. We had the whole area to ourselves. There’s also toilet next to the parking lot. You can access the area from a turnoff along Park Route 12 on the way to Rio Grande Village.
