Dogwood Canyon is operating by online reservations to allow hikers to enjoy the trails while maintaining as much safety as possible. Although the Covid-19 pandemic continues, we know far more about the virus than we did when it first arrived our in communities. With Audubon's continued commitment to do its part to slow the spread, we have limited opening of our trails with a very conservative approach. To visit our center all hikers over the age of two must have a reservation before arriving at the center.
There is no fee for reservations or trail entry, but we ask that all visitors consider making a donation to support keeping our sanctuary open and maintenance of our trails. Donations may be made on-site or at http://dogwood.audubon.org/donate.
Our extended summer hours, beginning the week of July 5, 2021 are as follows:
Thursdays: 9:00a to 2:00p with last trail entry at noon. Gates are locked at 2:00p.
Friday Mornings: 9:00a to 2:00p with last trail entry at noon. Gates are locked at 2:00p.
Friday Evenings (extended hours): 4:00p to 8:00p with last trail entry at 7:00p. Gates are locked at 8:00p.
Saturdays (extended early hours, closing earlier): 7:00a to 1:00p with last trail entry at 11:00a. Gates are locked at 1:00p.
ALL VISITORS MUST BE OFF THE TRAILS AND OUT OF THE CIRCLE PARKING LOT BY THE ABOVE-STATED GATE LOCK TIMES.
The stated Restrictions below apply to all visitors. By reserving an entry timeslot, you agree to the Restrictions below. We cannot guarantee entry for walk-ups. Online reservations are highly recommended, especially on Friday evenings and Saturdays.
Please keep in mind that Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is private property. Failure to observe the stated Restrictions may result in visitors being asked to leave the property and/or may force closure of the trails.
RAIN CLOSURES - We often close the trails due to heavy rain. If we do, we will contact you via e-mail and cancel your reservation. For more information about why we close the trails during periods of heavy rain, visit: https://dogwood.audubon.org/closedtrailsduetorain.
If you have questions, please contact us at 469-526-1980 or [email protected].
CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO OUR RESTRICTIONS AS OF JUNE 30, 2021. PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY!
Important information for your visit regarding masks, parking, restrooms, dogs, and more.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate a new system of what it means to remain safe and healthy while still offering the opportunity to enjoy and relax in the outdoors. By reserving a ticket, you agree to the following rules and state that you understand the following changes to our property and previous operating procedures.
Please keep in mind that Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is private property. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in visitors being asked to leave the property.
1. MAPS: We have added an additional mile of trail deeper into the canyon for a total of more than three miles of hiking opportunity. Paper trail maps are not available during the pandemic; however signage has been placed along our newest trail to aid in navigation. A downloadable version of our most recent trail map is available at https://dogwood.audubon.org/sites/default/files/static_pages/attachments/20160317162653057.pdf. An updated trail map, including the new trail, will be available online in the near future.
2. WEATHER CLOSINGS: In the event of severe weather or excessive rain, trails will be closed. Please provide an e-mail address that you check often when making your reservation so that you will receive notification of tickets canceled due to trail conditions.
3. DOGS: To protect the preserve and its wildlife, and in maintaining the property as a unique and peaceful sanctuary within the Cedar Hill nature corridor, dogs are not permitted on the Dogwood Canyon property, including the hiking trails. Please see below for nearby trails open to dogs. Trained service dogs are welcome. Emotional support and companion animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and do not have the same access rights. Required proof of service dog status includes service dog ID card, service dog vest, harness, and/or tags, or credible verbal statement.
Nearby trails open to dogs: The concrete walk & bike trail (Balcones Trail) along FM 1382 and traversing the Dogwood Canyon driveway is acceptable for dogs. Cedar Ridge Preserve also permits dogs on its trails when open, Check their Facebook page for hours and closures.
4. CHECK-IN: Your reservation only permits entry to the hiking trails. Upon arrival, check-in at the window near the gift shop desk (in the breezeway). Visitors must arrive and check-in at the center during the reserved timeslot. No substitutions will be made at the center. No late check-ins will be permitted. Once you have arrived and checked-in, you may remain on the trails until that day's closing time. The reserved timeslot is only restricting entry time, not the amount of time you may spend on the trail.
5. PARKING: We share the parking lot with the Balcones Trail, which can frequently be full. When it is possible to safely carpool, please do so.
Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Please note that if you park inside the circle parking lot inside the gates, the gate will be closed and locked at closing time. All non-staff vehicles must exit the circle parking lot by the stated closing time.
6. AREAS CLOSED: The following areas will remain closed until further notice: nature play area (including picnic tables), basin (large concrete structure with deck in front of the building), and all indoor access (including indoor bird viewing area and gift shop).
7. PUBLIC RESTROOMS AND WATER FOUNTAINS: As of April 1, 2021, the public restrooms and water fountains are reopened. The restrooms are sanitized only once per day, at the end of the day. Public restrooms and water fountains may be used at your own discretion during our open hours. No guarantees are made with respect to safety regarding COVID-19 or other pathogens. We recommend that masks be worn inside the restrooms and that guests wash hands thoroughly.
8. GIFT SHOP: The gift shop remains closed, However, items may be purchased through the gift shop window (where visitors check in prior to their hike). Food and drink items will be limited.
9. TICKETS: The number of hikers permitted each day is limited due to COVID-19. No admittance is permitted without an advance reservation. You must have a ticket for each person in your group over the age of two. Your group size is limited by the number of tickets available during your desired entry time. We are unable to increase the number of available tickets and will not grant entry to anyone who does not have a ticket.
10. FACE MASKS: We recommend that visitors who are not vaccinated wear masks when checking in, passing others on ramps and trails, or when unable to maintain social distancing from other parties. Visitors are expected to social distance by at least six feet from those not in their group when possible.
11. KEEP IT CLEAN: Leave No Trace principles must be followed while on Dogwood Canyon property. Pack out what you pack in. Leave nothing but footprints. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics at https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/.
12. PERSONAL SAFETY: With indoor areas closed to the public, except for public restrooms, please be mindful of your personal health and safety, especially during extreme temperatures. Air-conditioned/heating space is not available to the public. Bring sufficient water for your hike and dress appropriately. Do not access trails when it is not safe to do so based on your personal health, weather, and other relevant factors.
If you experience an emergency while on Audubon property, first call 911 and then call the center at (469) 526-1980 to alert us that emergency vehicles are expected.
13. COVID SAFETY: Anyone who is feeling unwell or who has had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay at home until the risk for the spread of infection has passed. However, no public activity can be 100 percent safe, even outdoors. By accessing any Audubon property, you accept the risk that you may come into contact with pathogens, including the COVID-19 virus. Older adults and people of any age with severe underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19. If you are in an elevated risk category, please consider visiting at a later date, when it is safer to do so.
14. RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By reserving a ticket, you agree that you and your guests are visiting Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center at your own risk and acknowledge that Audubon has made no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, regarding the safety of its property with respect to COVID-19 or other pathogens, trail conditions, including poison ivy and tripping hazards, or other natural hazards found on the trail. You and your guests expressly release and hold harmless Audubon and its officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, successors and assigns from and for any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever for any loss, damage or injury to person or to property suffered or incurred in connection with visiting Audubon property. This release shall be binding upon you, your heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and assigns.
THANK YOU for your adherence to these restrictions as we all participate in management of the impacts of COVID-19.
Any access to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center without a reservation and in violation of these rules is considered criminal trespassing and may be prosecuted as such.
If you have questions, please contact us at 469-526-1980 or [email protected].
