Over three miles of hiking trails meander around and atop Eaton Hill, leading hikers through a surprising array of differing terrain for the mere 37 acres that is Eaton Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can enter the park from any of the three trailheads found around the base of Eaton Hill, or drive to the top and begin an outdoor adventure from the Eaton House, the park office and future Nature Center.

Something is nearly always in bloom or producing fruit, and whitetail deer, an occasional wild turkey, Texas horned lizard and numerous bird and butterfly species inhabit this special piece of West Texas known affectionately as “The Hill”.

While the most enchanting feature of Eaton Hill is the unexpected delight wrought from an encounter with nature that cannot be planned, much thought and effort has gone into enhancing your hike and creating points of interest along the trails.

Flying atop the highest point of Eaton Hill, Old Glory stands in testament to our American spirit and in honor of the heroes and victims of the September 11th tragedy.

Leaving Old Glory and heading west, the trail rounds another water feature and intersects with our Birding Trail. Taking the Y to the right will lead down to the Birding Hut and one of several locations where birds have access to year round feeding and water. Bring your camera and binoculars! Numerous other sites throughout the park are dedicated to birding, and enjoy excellent species diversity.

Because kids need to be engaged with and anchored to their history and environment, Eaton Hill offers an imaginative tweak on the local story of the outlaw Will Carver. Carver rode for a time with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid before meeting his tragic end in Sonora. Campsites have been constructed along the trails inviting you to imagine the life of an outlaw – hiding out in the hills. Each site bears the name of a historical figure. Handouts are available to help visitors bring history to life!

Located in the old quarry not far from the Nature Center, visitors can explore the authentic wiki up: a Native American dwelling constructed from sotol leaves. Careful observation will reveal a treasure trove of interesting fossils preserved in the limestone rocks, and even a recreated pictograph of a Bird Shaman. The wall of water that trickles down the quarry bluff is a favorite bathing spot for the many bird species of Eaton Hill. Two famous residents are the wildly colorful painted bunting and the endangered black-capped vireo.

The view from the yard at the Eaton House is one of the area’s most spectacular, especially at night when the lights of Sonora twinkle below. During daylight hours, the old school and bell tower are visible to the south – the limestone rock and red roof top create a striking vision rising above the treetops. Another Sutton County gem of architecture, the courthouse, may also be glimpsed from the yard. Catch a park employee at the Center for an impromptu tour of some of treasures that will be on display. Porches and picnic tables provide the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy the butterflies and native plant garden, a sack lunch, quiet solitude or an evening visit.