You just passed over Tornillo Creek. Did you see any water? The usually dry creek bed drains the eastern portion of the park. For brief periods after summer thunderstorms, this desert stream roars. The height and width of this bridge is a testament to the amount of water that can flow beneath it! Sixteen miles downstream, Tornillo Creek joins the Rio Grande at Hot Springs. How did this creek get its name? Tornillo is Spanish for "screw," and refers to the shape of the bean produced by the screwbean mesquite. This mesquite can be found in many locations along the creekbed, providing support for the banks of the wash.