Maderas del Carmen Biosphere Reserve

Maderas del Carmen Biosphere Reserve (Parque Nacional Maderas del Carmen) is a protected natural area in Northern Mexico adjacent to Big Bend National Park. It is a large area of dramatic mountainous scenery and desert landscapes that is considered a vital biological corridor for North American wildlife.

It is one of Mexico's largest protected natural areas covering an area of more than 208,000 hectares. It is adjacent to three protected natural areas in Mexico and four protected natural areas in the United States. Together, these areas protect more than 1.2 million hectares.

The reserve began in 1994 when the Mexican government established it as the Maderas del Carmen Flora and Fauna Protection Area. The CEMEX corporation began a project in 2000 to buy contiguous privately held parcels of land that could expand the reach of federally held lands. In 2006, the area was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The reserve's landscape is dominated by three prominent featuresː rugged mountains, mountain forests, and desert.

The peaks, cliffs, and canyons of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains (which are often referred to as the local subrange, Sierra del Carmen are often bare craggy rock with little vegetation. Sheer cliffs and deep rocky canyons make up this landscape. Some mountains in the area have forests, which give it the name maderas.

Mountain forests are often referred to as "island forests" because they are found at higher elevations in the midst of a landscape of bare rock mountains and ddry desert valleys.

Lower elevations, particularly the valleys between mountains, is desert terrain with dry shrubs, open plains, and thorny scrub. Part of the reserve lies within the Chihuahuan Desert. Aside from the island forests, the reserve looks much like its neighbor, Big Bend National Park.

The mountain forest "islands" differ from one another in look and feel because they consist of four different predominant types of treeː

• Arizona pine (Pinus arizonica): common in the lower and upper montane conifer forests.
• Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii): thrives in the higher, cooler, and wetter mountain zones.
• Durango fir (Abies durangensis) and other local firs: grow in humid high-elevation canyons.
• Piñon pine (Pinus cembroides): found widely across mid-elevation slopes.

In the desert lowlands, dry grasses and shrubs (like mesquite) are often found interspersed among different types of cacti, particularly nopal. (which grows everywhere).

The animal population is surprisingly diverse.

The area is particularly known for its bird populations and is regarded as an important flyway for migratory birds. More than 400 species have been identified here including majestic eagles, hawks, and carrion birds like vultures. Golden eagles, the Mexican national bird, nests in the rocky cliffs as do peregrine falcons, black hawks and white-tail hawks. Several species of birds make their home in the flat, dry valley floors, including the roadrunner as well as quail and the Rio Grande turkey. The reserve sees large populations of migrating songbirds who see the reserve's "island forests" as a sort of "rest stop" in a region otherwise characterized by bare rocks and arid deserts.

Mammals include the apex predator, pumas (which range over large expanses). Pumas find ample prey in the reserve, including mule deer and pronghorn. Bison were once wiped out of Northern Mexico, but they have been re-introduced in the eastern parts of this reserve and you might see members of its small herd. Black bears have also been making a comeback throughout Northern Mexico and they find that the reserve's "island forests" make for suitable bear habitat.

Deserts are known for their reptiles, and you'll certainly find a lot of them in the reserve. Many are non-venomous snakes and unlikely to offend any travelers, but rattlesnakes get the most press. Western diamondbacks can be found throughout the reserve including in the desert lowlands but the most unusual are the two different species of black rattlesnake that live here. The black rattlers have been known to lurk in some of the trees, so if you run from a bear, be careful which tree you decide to climb.

Dry and hot. Duhǃ It's part of a desert....

It's a big reserve and there are multiple ways to get there, but the two most common are to either access the reserve via Big Bend National Park where there is an official border crossing and entry into the reserve, or to access the westernmost parts of the reserve, go to Melchor Múzquiz and drive to the reserve. Sounds easy? It's not. The reserve is about 170 km from Melchor Muzquiz and that's all over badly maintained dirt roads that either have deep potholes or that have recently washed out. You will need a 4WD truck and you would be wise to stock it with extra water, gas, and maybe some food that's more substantial than Sabritos and beer.

If you just want to see the edges of the reserve to say you've been there, you can fly to El Paso, rent a car, and drive to Big Bend National Park where you will find the Ejido Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry. Be aware that the crossing is only open 4 days a week, and even then, only from 09:00 to 16:00. The "ferry" across the river turns out to be a guy in a rowboat. Also be aware that you should be traveling with a cache of cash (small bills, preferably US and Mexican currency). There is a fee to cross the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo, fees for entry permmits, a daily entry fee for the reserve, and young men who will offer you a ride on a burro or horse for a few pesos (better than a mile walk in the hot sun). There are also vendors who will sell you light snacks or a cold drink, but they definitely want cash only -- no credit cards or smartphone payment schemes.

The reserve is managed for the federal government by the Comision Nacional de Proteccion de Areas Naturales (CONANP). CONANP charges all visitors a daily entry fee of M$150 (as of 2026). You will receive a plastic bracelet that shows you paid the entry fee.

Walk or use a 4WD truck in areas where allowed.

There are no developed campgrounds.

Backcountry camping is permitted. Campers must register with CONANP at an official entry point, pay daily fees and wear a bracelet, and must practice all Leave-no-trace camping guidelines. Campers must be completely self-sufficient as no potable water or supplies are available in the reserve. Campers who plan to enter, cross or camp on privately held lands must obtain permission from the landowner (usually CEMEX).

• Melchor Múzquiz
• Big Bend National Park
• Monclova
• Cuatro Ciénegas