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[pics] New OHV Park in West Texas [pics] New OHV Park in West Texas
Escondido Draw Recreation Area – Newest West Texas OHV Park is Now Officially Open.  David Diffie,  from the EDRA Board of Directors,  best describes... [pics] New OHV Park in West Texas

Escondido Draw Recreation Area – Newest West Texas OHV Park is Now Officially Open. 

David Diffie,  from the EDRA Board of Directors,  best describes the off road facility with these words……

EDRA Grand Opening
Escondado Draw Recreational Area will be formally open on October 12, 2019.
What is EDRA?…..Well. PURE OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE!!!

Location:

Escondado , Spanish for “Hidden” and it is EXACTLY THAT !!! EDRA is hidden in the canyons of Crockett County, Texas about 35 Miles west of Ozona Texas, the entrance is high on a Mesa, with trails leading down into the elusive canyons of Escondado. Wooded areas and meadows where deer graze and play. See map for detailed location and directions.

Initiated by Texas Parks and Wildlife, a venue for MOTORIZED OFF ROAD ACTION. 13 years in the making, from acquiring the land to cutting trails, building the infrastructure of trails, water supply, toilets, showers, camping and RV sites.

The Park

3400+ acres located in the canyons of Escondado Draw, Crockett County Texas. >>>See map for details.<<<

Something for Everyone:

Jeeps, full size off road vehicles – Motocross – ATV – Side by Sides.

Trails:

Ratings for Every Experience Level. Five Diamond ratings from Stock to Extreme. Trails with vast majestic vistas, or hard winching climbs deep in the Limestone Wooded Canyons.

Infrastructure:

 

There is a 35 site RV park with a Water Plant, and water hookups, electric box for 30 and 50 amp connections, and sewer. A bath house for campers, with toilets and HOT showers – on the trails, Vault toilets. Primitive camping is offered.

A Texas OHV decal is required. Check daily fees or Reserve your RV site at escondidodraw.org and follow us on Facebook.

A challenge for every Level.  Scenery for every eye.  Mystery for every explorer.

Like a TREASURE, it’s NOT EASY TO FIND ……… Enjoy, Dif

How to get there

Directions:  In West Texas on Interstate 10, between Fort Stockton and Ozona Texas, take exit 343 to US Hwy 290. Travel southwest for 4 miles to County Road 406 and turn Left (south). There is a EDRA sign there that points the way.  Travel another 7.8 miles to the entrance of EDRA on the left.

GPS Coordinates are 30.5849 N;  -101.5828 W.

Driving Directions

Opening image, Introduction, driving directions, map image, Courtesy/Credit David Diffie

Arrival at the park

We arrived on Friday night and got the RV all set and everything connected to be comfortable.  The weather was cooler this weekend than the past week, and that was nice.  We took a short drive to check out part of the Rim Trail and catch part of the sunset that evening, and it did not disappoint.

The folks at the gate greeted us with a smile on their face and got us all checked in for the weekend.  They were very helpful and provided great details about the park and facilities.

RV park with large spots and full hookups

We arrived on Friday night and got the RV all set and everything connected to be comfortable.  The weather was cooler this weekend than the past week, and that was nice.  We took a short drive to check out part of the Rim Trail and catch part of the sunset that evening, and it did not disappoint.

This JL did exceptionally well on the trail

Texas Freedom Off-Road Hospitality

I had the pleasure to join Texas Freedom Off-Road on a Saturday morning trail ride to “Roy’s Shortcut” and “Slip and Slide” and was not disappointed.  Roy’s is rated a 4 out of 5 and for a reason.  A small section of the trail if you are going up has a stair step that if you have a short wheel-based Jeep like my TJ, you will probably end up winching.  I had to winch up this section.  The JK’s and JL’s when fully locked had no issues with their increased wheelbase.

This club is out of Abilene, Texas and a great group of folks who allowed me to tag along and take their pictures and helped pull my winch line when I needed the assistance.  Great representation  of what “Leave No One Behind” is all about.  Randy Lowe, member of Texas Freedom Off-Road had this to say, “Escondido Draw is a Prime example of what a dedicated group of passionate volunteer enthusiasts can accomplish together…”

Everyone pitching in to help ensure everyone made it up safe

Ribbon Cutting

At the presentation of the park, they had Congressman Will Hurd who talked about the collaboration that was required to build the park and grants that helped fund this new recreation spot for West Texas.

Texas Senator Pete Flores also commented about the work done with Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Ozona community to help bring this park to the area.  They all know that the park will be a big help for the local economy and the community the park will support.

Eric Barnes, President of TMTC talked about the “long journey it took to get to this point and how at times this felt like a huge money pit.”  The plans include a new pavilion and a training and education building on the site.

Congressman Will Hurd speaking to the assembled group

Texas Senator Pete Flores speaking to the group

Final Thoughts

Overall, I like this park as it is close to us from our home in Odessa at just over 2 hours.  One thing I think can be improved is the map with showing the diamond rating for the trails.  I have also done some GPS mapping with the GAIA GPS program that I use.  I will include the rating on my maps that I post publicly.

You can search for public routes that people post in the program.  This also works for other areas as well.

I love that they built an RV park with full hook-ups for those of us with RV’s.  The office at the main gate has updated maps of the trails and other literature for the area.

A ModernJeeper having fun

Great park centrally located in West Texas.

 

 

ModernJeepers at play

Beautiful sunrises or sunsets from the top of the draw

MOC setup and waiting to hit the trails

 

ModernJeeper waiting

A beautiful day in Texas…

 

Links

EDRA Web Page

TMTC

GAIA GPS

 

Todd Ockert Contributor

Retired Navy, land use advocate and oil man! ModernJeeper advocate and forum moderator. Todd has been involved in the Jeeping Lifestyle for longer then he can remember from when his dad took him on trails in Michigan. His educational and leadership in different organizations have helped in the ongoing battle to keep Public Lands Open to the Public. Todd currently calls Texas home after leaving California in December of 2017.

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