Today, we hiked to one open pool of water surrounded by tall grasses and up to another desert oasis pool that was forested and had delicate Maidenhair Ferns and mosses growing in the crystal-clear water. Both of these places were important sources of water for people in the past, including the last ranch inhabitants and now serve the wildlife and plants in the area. Frijoles Ranch, a museum, was closed with no volunteer or ranger available. There is some gravel parking for this trail.

After completing this 2.5-mile hike, we found a full parking lot. To free up space after we were done, we drove to the Pine Springs Visitor Center for some lunch and work. The Tejas Trail crosses the wash in Pine Spring Canyon then climbs up to the peak trails. We hiked for two miles, then rested a bit under a beautiful alligator juniper tree and spoke with a group of young men who were headed up for overnight camping. This was enough for us today.