Independence Creek Preserve, where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Edwards Plateau and the Tamauplipan Thornscrub. The Nature Conservancy purchased the first parts of Independence Creek Preserve in 1991 and made the larger purchase of 19,740 acres in 2000 and 2001. More info about the preserve: Texas Pecos Trail
Independence Creek contributes 27 million gallons of freshwater a day to the Pecos River, making it the most important freshwater tributaries of the lower Pecos River. The Nature Conservancy is doing an amazing job restoring the land. Most recently the staff onsite has started to establish a wetlands area.
This area was occupied by the archaic people and we saw rock art and other artifacts. The rock art is estimated to be 3,000 to 5,000 years old.
Thank you for this post. I am thinking of visiting Independence Creek Preserve on the June 28, 2014 open day. Do they provide maps once at the Preserve? I am hoping to spend the day hiking as much of the area as I can, and specifically hope to see and photograph some rock art. Were you part of a group with a guide, or were you able to find the art on your own? I enjoy looking for art, have done so on my trips to Utah…..special places and special feelings. Any information would be appreciated. Have bookmarked your site and will read your Nepal adventure very soon. Thank you! Tom McCoppin, Lake McQueeney, Texas
hi,
yes, there is a map with a few trails marked. You are allowed to hike any where so not required to stay on trail. We hiked around by ourselves most of the time. However, the Nature Conservancy person showed us the two locations for the rock art. The people working there were very friendly and helpful. During the open days, I believe that someone is always at the pavilion to answer questions. I think it would be easy to find the rock art on your own with directions from someone there. One set is just off a road and the other is a short walk from the jeep trail. The only trick to the second one is to know where to go down along the edge so that you can get to the ledge to see it. Have fun!