Papalote Rancho Viejo

From the turnoff on the North side of the main road a stone corral built in the 1930s is visible toward the East. This road was part of the original road into The Ranch from Marfa to the North. The picnic table, fire ring and tent pads are sheltered by the stone pila (water tank) and sit in a partially shaded area near the papalote (windmill). The Rancho Viejo Trailhead is a few hundred yards north. This moderately difficult trail along Teneros Creek leads into scenic Manzanillo Canyon. There are ample opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.The nearby mesas and mountains shelter the site from much of the high winds in the area. Southeast is a spring marked by cottonwoods; it is an excellent place for year-round bird watching.