Scenic Route: Independence Creek Preserve

An oasis in West Texas, Independence Creek Preserve protects the spring-fed creek and about 20,000 acres between Dryden and Sheffield. On specific days, the preserve opens to visitors for access to the pristine waters of Independence Creek (pictured) and hiking through the hillside juniper woodlands and Chihuahuan Desert scrub landscape. Travelers along Interstate 10 turn south onto Texas 349 and drive about 22 miles south of Sheffield to reach the pre-serve entrance.