A short distance from the rockslide scar, Dog Canyon cuts through the Santiago Mountains. Although the real source of the canyon's name is unknown, it was called "Canon del Perro" by the Spaniards in the late 1700s. When the United States won control of this Big Bend territory, the army was sent to map it. In the late 1850s numerous expeditions surveyed the area. The rugged terrain and climate caused the army to experiment with camels as beasts of burden. Lt. William Echols led his 1859 camel expedition through Dog Canyon. The unique experiment ended when the Civil War erupted. 
Ahead, a roadside exhibit gives more information about the camel experiment and expeditions. During cooler months, consider a half-day hike to Dog Canyon from the exhibit pullout.