Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Southwest Region
"Conserving the Nature of America"
 

 

Information

Refuge Hours of Operation

In general the refuge is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year with the following Picture of wildflowers.exceptions:

On rare occasions, portions of the refuge may be closed temporarily because of resource management activities or safety concerns.

Shin Oak Observation Deck: The Observation Deck is open almost year- around (excluding a few weekends in the fall). However, we are obligated to minimize the disturbance to the surrounding nesting vireos. We accomplish that by closing the deck for a short period just as the vireos arrive. The closure this year has been set for March 23- April 9, 2009. The deck will reopen on April 10. Please call ahead because these dates are subject to minor revisions.That period corresponds to the time the vireos are arriving on site, establishing their breeding territories.

Doeskin Ranch trails are open year-round (except during a few weekends in the fall for public hunts) from sunrise to sunset.

Doeskin Ranch parking lot area paving work is scheduled for the end of June and July, 2009. Doeskin Ranch is still open to the public from RR 1174. However, the paving contractors are using the entrance (south road) as their entrance and exit road. Visitors are to enter and exit Doeskin Ranch via the north access road (normally the exit road).

Warbler Vista and Sunset Deck - Sunset Deck and foot trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Paving work is scheduled for Warbler Vista beginning August 1, 2009 for a few weeks, but Warbler Vista will still be open to the public. The Cactus Rocks Trail parking lot and the Sunset Deck parking lot/ and a parking lot accessible path will be paved. The nature trails at Warbler Vista will be always open to the public during this construction period.

Facilities: Rest room facilities are available at headquarters, Doeskin Ranch and Warbler Vista. Bring plenty of drinking water or something to drink of the nonalcoholic variety! Gas, food, and lodging are available in Lago Vista as well as nearby Liberty Hill, Jonestown, Bertram, Cedar Park, Leander, Marble Falls, and other surrounding communities. The nearest available public camping area are available at a variety of primitive parks operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority on Lake Travis.

Headquarters: Free literature and recreation-related recommendations are available at headquarters!

Pets: Please remember this refuge was designed to provide a protected habitat for endangered species. Pets are not allowed at the refuge.

All trails are constructed and designated as walking trails.

 

Office Location:

Balcones Canyonlands NWR Headquarters
24518 FM 1431, Box 1
Marble Falls, TX. 78654

Phone: 512-339-9432
Fax: 512-267-6530

E-mail Contacts:

General: fw2_rw_Balcones@fws.gov
Refuge Manager: deborah_holle@fws.gov
Refuge Biologist: chuck_sexton@fws.gov
Outdoor Recreation Planner: rob_iski@fws.gov/
  

Headquarters is open to the public Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To reach the Refuge Office from Lago Vista, go west on FM 1431 for 5 miles past the intersection with Bar-K Road. If you are coming from the west on FM 1431, the office is one mile east of the intersection with Cow Creek Road. The office is on the north side of the highway.

 

 

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Last updated: August 14, 2009
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