Eaton Hill Nature Center & Preserve

This was a great stop during our recent road trip. The lady who worked there was very friendly and showed us a collection of rocks, fossils, and taxidermied animals, as well as some live snakes. The center is a nice place for kids to learn about the native wildlife.

There are several hiking trails, and we selected one of the shorter ones. Beautiful views of the desert and plenty of cactus along the hillside. I'd go back the next time we are in Texas.

Came for the cave, fell in love with the preserve. It's about a 3 mile area with great views of the area, we even saw some cowboys practicing their calf roping! There are all sorts of cool plants to identify, some fossils lying around, and some fun rocky inclines to hike!

We went during the week and hiked there at least once everyday for 3 days and, let me tell ya, it is very private. I'm actually kinda surprised. If I was a local I would be going to the preserve more often.

The Nature Center is truly incredible, and so are the ladies who run it, Amber and Delyse. They've got a whole treasure trove of fossils, minerals, and taxidermy!! They even have some snakes and a tarantula. I also loved all the art, and some it was created by Delyse herself.

We will definitely be back if we're ever in the area again!

This is one of the friendliest towns in Texas! I came for the "Ring of Fire" eclipse. They had mules to get everyone up the hill for the viewing, activities for kiddos and pet friendly! Provided water and hot dogs for everyone. A GREAT place to visit.

Ok, i went reluctantly but it was nice. Trails covered with wild flowers first week of June big surprise! Not much in Sonora but cave - steak house and this place

What a great stop driving along i-10. We walked the trails along the nature center for 40 minutes or so. Our kids got thier wiggles out and we got to take in the scenery of Sonora.

Eaton Hill Nature Center is a beautiful, amazing place very close to my heart. There is so much to see and enjoy. I have spent much of my life on that hill. My son grew up volunteering up there to help make and maintain the trails. My Uncle John Mormon, Retired Cheif Petty Officer, U.S. Navy, took me up there many years ago and we found the ruins of he and his best friend's fort from his childhood. When he passed a few years ago, the whole family gathered on that hill and we spread a bit of him at sunset.
There are so many beautiful spots to sit and ponder.
I love seeing the children though, so curious! There are fossils and exhibits, wonderfully labeled specimens that you can touch and examine.
There are also live animals in the museum itself, including several species of rattlesnake, a cottonmouth, a copperhead and a very pretty rat snake.
There is a lot of wildlife on Eaton Hill. Deer, rabbits, lizards and so many beautiful birds can be seen from viewing areas located inside the museum and on the trails.
I think it is great for the community as well as anyone travelling down that long stretch of I-10.
What a great stop on a road trip!

Great reason to stretch your legs on your way out to Big Bend. My daughter had a wonderful encounter with a fawn.

Such a great place... came for the eclipse and found they was having a viewing party... They did an amazing job with it and got great pictures too... Amazing place must visit ❤

We were there Sept 23 & 24, 2019. Fabulous place! They were technically "closed" but the folks that work there don't keep strict hours. So they gave us a tour and talked to us about the history, etc. This is a great place to visit. And, the hikes had spectacular views. This is the place to go when visiting Sonora!

Very charming place; we went for a walk on a break from a long drive. The women working there were friendly and helpful.

We had a great time exploring the nature center and learned a lot about the wildlife and history of the area.

Very beautiful nature area. The trails are rough but the view of the city and old relics you find everywhere make it very worth it.

This was a great stop to take in the views, picnic, learn about local nature/habitat and hike! Staff were friendly and helpful! Will come back again.

Must stop by! We made a pit stop on our travels to Austin. Brooke is the director of the center and she is so sweet! Super knowledgeable on the area, wildlife, local habitat, animals, etc. We got to meet the snakes and it was my first time holding snakes! There is a possum, a prairie dog, turtles that are rehabilitated as well. So cool to experience a one of a kind spot and enjoy a unique trail around the center! It's super neat area as it's exiting the desert climate and entering the humidity - on the trail you'll notice a "mix" of plants, succulent, tree, from different climates! Brooke really loves the creatures there and passionate about her work! Means a lot to see the purposeful work being done here!

This lady loved her snakes! So informative and great. We probably stayed close to two hours and never got bored.

A great loop of hiking/nature trails overlooking the town of Sonora. The visitor center has interesting displays of area fossils, minerals & a slide show of great pictures of area birds & wildflowers. There are also some live animals & reptiles that serve as educational ambassadors. We enjoyed visiting with the delightful lady who takes care of all this. A great place for children too.
Some of the trails are a bit rugged (a hiking pole was helpful) but everyone can enjoy the visitor center and grounds right around it!

Wonderful trails, relaxing to get into nature and see some animals! Just a step aside the town bustle but worth it. Extra information on animals and the habitats from staff Brooke! Show and tell was great, glad to meet the critters and learn all about em!

Fascinating place. Pretty little walk and very helpful staff.

Whilr traveling west and spending the night in Sonora we heard about the 20th anniversary party for the center. It's well worth a stop here. They have live snakes, a tarantula and prairie dog. They also have binoculars for viewing birds. Everyone there was so friendly and informative. We didn't try any of the trails.

Trails are open every day from sun-up to sundown!