|
Since the rules say the park is open, one could assume that you can just hop the gate to get in. Right past the parking lot is a cactus garden. Those are always so cool, with cacti growing every-which-way. The visitor’s center across from the garden is mostly falling apart. The trails start from here, winding through cactus and Texas ebony. Surprisingly, the trails seem to be well-maintained. On the trails are lots of signs extolling one to ‘stay on the trails’ - as if cactus thorns, rattlesnakes and the threat of Africanized bees weren’t enough.
When entering the trails at N26 12.329, W98 16.029, across from the abandoned Visitor’s Center, take the trail going east. Follow the main trail (several short spurs dead-end), and turn right at N26 12.250, W098 16.099. At N26 12.301, W098 16.063, turn right onto a short loop. Eventually you’ll end-up back in this spot; turn right again and, after 252 feet, you’ll be back to the point where you entered the thicket. It’s a nice 1-mile loop from the road and back.
The nature center was opened in 1983, with state monies from Texas Parks and Wildlife and federal monies from the Department of the Interior. Apparently the city spent the money, developed the park, and didn’t have any funds to maintain it properly. So it was abandoned. Paradoxically, during the time this park couldn’t be maintained, McAllen was busily developing a new park at Quinta Mazatlan.
|