This hotspot was established in the summer of 2021, so eBird species-frequency bar charts are based on sparse data. Although the eBird map pin is located near the trailhead in the state park, and only the first part of the trail is located within the park, birds for the entire length of the trail, up to its intersection with FR-90B, could be listed for the hotspot. However, due to the challenges of this trail, there are fewer lists for trail sections farther away from the trailhead. Indeed, as of the end of 2022, the eastern third of the trail beyond the cliff face known as the Eyebrow is largely unlisted. 

Birders should not use this hotspot for observations made on the Riparian Nature Trail , which is a separate hotspot.  Similarly, if you are birding around the Visitor Center, the campgrounds, or the ranch house, list your observations for the general Oliver Lee State Park hotspot. 

Trail length (almost 5.5 miles one-way from the park trailhead to FR-90B) and elevation change (over 3000 feet) offer hikers the opportunity to encounter birds from different biomes. The trailhead, at 4400 feet, directly behind the Visitor Center, is located in the Chihuahuan Desert habitat. The lower portion of the trail passes through yucca, mesquite, ocotillo, and various cacti which attract desert birds, including, seasonally, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, White-winged Doves, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Curve-billed Thrasher, House Finch, Canyon Towhee, and Black-throated Sparrow.  The rocky trail climbs steeply to the park boundary with the national forest;  Rock Wrens, unsurprisingly, are commonly observed. The middle trail winds across two plateaus, or “benches”, where the yucca and cacti are mixed with grasses. Above the canyon walls, looking across from the plateau, one may occasionally see large flocks of Chihuahuan Ravens, along with Common Raven and Turkey Vulture.  Scott’s Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk may be observed here, both on the lower and middle trail. The upper portion of the trail finds piñon and juniper; few if any lists are available for this section.

Dog Canyon Trail is not a trail for the casual walker, even in the best of weather. There is almost no shade. Grades average 30% but reach 45% in some sections. The junction with FR-90B is at 7500 feet.  Traversing the Eyebrow can be a terrifying experience for people with vertigo. Each year, the local search and rescue team is called upon to bring down visitors who have overestimated their fitness or underestimated their water needs. Do your research before beginning the climb, and grab a trail map from the Visitor Center if there isn’t one in the box at the trailhead; mobile connection is impossible on much of the trail. Of course, you don’t have to do the entire trail;  the hike up to the state park and national forest boundary can be rewarding, and the trek to the first bench even more so.

The National Recreation Dog Canyon Trail is 5.5 miles long. It begins at Oliver Lee State Park and ends at Forest Road 90B. This beautiful trail traverses up from the desert to elevations over 2000 feet above its starting point and is a trail for the experienced hiker. The trail is open for hiking and horseback riding.

The trailhead can be found just past the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park visitor center.

Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and a unique oasis of pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon.

Enjoy a short walk on the Riparian Nature Trail or a challenging hike up the Dog Canyon Trail.

The Hiking Project website has a description and map of a hike at Dog Canyon.