A 14-mile round-trip drive down a dirt road provides the opportunity to view a unique forest of giant dagger yuccas. Along the way one can get a closer look at the plants, and possibly animals, found in the Chihuahuan Desert. The best time of the year to view the dagger yuccas blooming is in late spring, specifically April and May. The road has sandy and rocky areas that may present challenges after a rain. The first two miles of the drive are suitable for any vehicle, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended for the remaining six miles. Allow at least two hours to complete the entire tour. Nineteen numbered markers along the route correspond to the Dagger Flat Self-Guided Tour found on this app.

Rules of the Road

• Be alert for slow-moving and stopped vehicles.
• The speed limit on this narrow, winding road is 25 miles per hour.
• The surface is normally graded with some sandy and rocky areas that may present challenges after a rain. Keep your speed up through sand. Stop in the sand and you may get stuck.
• Always pull to the right side of the road before stopping.
• Treat the desert gently; driving off the road is destructive and prohibited by law.
• Any picking or collecting of plants, other natural objects, or historic items is illegal. This park is here for their protection. Please help us protect our national heritage.