The vast acreage to your right was added to the park in 1989. Six years prior, the Harte brothers generously donated their 67,125-acre North Rosillos ranch (highlighted in green on the map) to the Nature Conservancy with intent that the land ultimately go to Big Bend National Park. It was the single largest donation since the park's establishment in 1944.
Ahead, a roadside exhibit marks Nine Point Draw. Stop and observe the surrounding landscape. Together with Bone Spring Draw, the two washes drain much of the land on your right. Though dry most of the year, a heavy rain transforms these washes into muddy, raging torrents which can roar wall to wall through Dog Canyon. The Big Bend region is crisscrossed with dry washes. Flash floods can pose hazards when they pour across roadways. While driving, if you should arrive at a low-water crossing during a flood, stop and wait. Ironically, a major cause of death in the desert is drowning!