Thank you for your interest in visiting Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center!
There is no fee for reservations or trail entry. However, we ask that all visitors consider making a donation to support keeping our sanctuary open and the maintenance of our trails. Donations may be made in person, through our online donation portal at https://dogwood.audubon.org/donate, or here on Ticketleap at the same time as making your online reservation. Please note that Ticketleap charges processing fees. You may avoid the fees by following the link to our donation page.
We also have a gift shop with a large variety of bird and nature-related gifts. Items in our store are curated by our onsite staff. All purchases directly support our sanctuary and conservation mission. A large portion of our products have been selected based on eco-conscious efforts, location made, and brand values (supporting small businesses, minority and women-owned businesses, etc.). We carry local, raw and unfiltered honey as well as bird-friendly coffee, maple syrup, and chocolate. We have a large selection of books, field guides, and puzzles for all ages. We also carry games such as Wingspan (plus expansions and accessories), Ecologies and expansions (designed by a biology teacher), Audubon Bird-Opoly, card decks, kids' games, and more. We offer a variety of native flower and grass seeds from Native American Seed. Other items available in our gift shop include Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center branded souvenirs, hand-carved hiking sticks, plush animals, stationary, candles, and art. Some of our featured artist collections include Rachel Ignotofsky's books and puzzles; Stan Tekiela's books; stickers and other items featuring the whimsical artwork of Mackenzie Myrick; and various items featuring Charley Harper's bird art. Many of our gift shop items are now available for purchase online, including our collection of unframed lithographic "elephant folio" art prints from Of Birds and Texas: The Art of Stuart and Scott Gentling. We love to work with local artists! If you are interested in selling items through our gift shop, contact us.
Hours:
- REGULAR HOURS: We are typically open Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00a-4:00p and Sunday from 11:00a-3:00p. Last trail entry is ONE HOUR prior to our close time. At close time, we lock access to the trails as well as the gate to the circle portion of the parking lot. Please exit the trails and circle parking area prior to closing time.
- EXCESS PRECIPITATION: If we have experienced heavy precipitation and the trails are muddy, we will close the trails in order to prevent erosion and manage our expenses. The gift shop, indoor bird blind, Nature Play, restrooms, and water fountains will be open during regular hours unless otherwise noted on our Facebook page. For more information on why we close trails due to precipitation, visit here.
- HOLIDAYS & DAYS OF RECUPERATION: We are closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and most holidays. We are typically closed for an extended period between Christmas and New Years. Check our website for posted holiday hours.
The gravel parking lot closer to FM 1382 (outside of the parking lot gate) does not have access restrictions. If you would like to hike the Balcones Trail or explore nearby, vehicles should be moved to this area after our closing time. The gravel parking lot is shared by our visitors, users of the Balcones Trail (multi-use concrete trail along FM 1382), and Cedar Mountain Preserve. See information about nearby trails on our website.
The stated Restrictions below apply to all visitors. By accessing our property, you agree to the Restrictions below.
We manage our preserve as a bird and wildlife sanctuary. As such, we manage daily visitor capacity and require that usage of our trails be quiet so that others may enjoy the peace of our sanctuary environment. We cannot guarantee entry for walk-ups, especially on busy days with nice weather, but will accommodate when possible. Large groups of 10 or more individuals may be broken into smaller units if trails are being used by an authorized group for bird walks or meditation. Online reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends.
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.
Important information for your visit regarding parking, restrooms, pets, and more.
PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY!
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center manages visitor capacity for a quieter, less crowded preserve that provides a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of nearby city life. In turn, birds and other wildlife benefit. In the Cedar Hill greenspace area, Dogwood Canyon is currently the only preserve that offers free hiking trails managed for peaceful enjoyment by limiting the number of hikers allowed within the preserve at any given time. While reservations are not required, they are encouraged. Reservations guarantee entry unless we close trails for weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
By reserving a ticket, you agree to the following rules for yourself and all your guests.
Please keep in mind that while Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is a non-profit conservation organization, it is still a business and is private property. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in visitors being asked to leave the property.
1. MAPS: In 2020, we added the Dogwood Trail, a one-mile trail that explores deeper into the canyon. This provides a total of more than three miles of hiking opportunity at Dogwood Canyon. A PDF version of our most recent trail map is available here. Learn more about our trails on our website.
2. WEATHER CLOSINGS: If there is an active Heat Advisory or Extreme Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service, we will close trails early at NOON. On these days, last trail entry is at 11:30a. The gift shop, indoor bird blind, Nature Play, restrooms, and water fountains will continue to be open until our regular closing time. In the event of severe weather or excessive precipitation resulting in muddy trails, trails will be closed to prevent erosion. Feel free to call us at (469) 526-1980 to check trail status before visiting.
3. PETS AND SERVICE ANIMALS: To protect the preserve and its wildlife, and in maintaining the property as a unique and peaceful sanctuary within the Cedar Hill nature corridor, pets are not permitted on the Dogwood Canyon property, including the hiking trails. Please see below for nearby trails open to dogs. Service animals are welcome when they are working. 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 Balcones Trail (concrete multi-use trail along FM 1382) is acceptable for dogs. Cedar Ridge Preserve also permits dogs on its trails when open--check their Facebook page for hours and closures. More information about nearby trails is available here.
4. CHECK-IN: Your reservation permits entry to our hiking trails. Upon arrival, check in inside the gift shop. Once you have arrived and checked in, you may remain on the trails until that day's closing time.
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 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.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Trailhead parking lots are favored by criminals due to the likelihood of valuables being left behind for an extended period. If a break-in occurs, please report to police. We will work with police to turn over security camera footage and any other evidence for their use and prosecution. Security footage is overwritten regularly, so report quickly for the best results.
6. LARGE GROUPS (10+ INDIVIDUALS): Your group size is limited by the number of tickets available during your desired entry time. We reserve the right to require groups of 10 or more individuals to break up into smaller units, unless other arrangements have been made with us in advance. Our trails are often used by meditation groups and bird walks, which require peaceful surroundings. Large groups may be broken up into smaller units when trails are used by authorized groups so that hikers and special use groups can respectfully share the trails.
7. 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.
8. PERSONAL SAFETY: Please be mindful of your personal health and safety, especially during extreme temperatures and inclement weather. 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. Audubon makes no representation as to the safety of the trails on any particular day. Although this is a managed preserve, forces of nature can alter the safety of trails and the preserve in an instant. Monitor weather, stay alert, and make sound decisions for your personal safety based on your own experience, abilities, and skillset.
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.
9. 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.
10. RELEASE OF LIABILITY: By accessing our property, 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.
Any unauthorized access to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center and our trails is considered criminal trespassing and may be prosecuted as such.
If you have questions, please contact us at 469-526-1980 or [email protected].
