How to Get There
Via the Glenn Spring Road, 7.1 miles from the junction of the Glenn Spring Road and the main paved park road to Rio Grande Village, along the west side of the road. The Juniper Canyon Road is 5.5 miles in length and ends at the Dodson/Juniper Canyon trailhead.
Usual Road Conditions
The Glenn Spring and Juniper Canyon Roads are recommended for high clearance vehicles only. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly after heavy rains. Ruts are the norm on this road. There are many arroyos to cross. The section of road before the Juniper Canyon Road is very rough and needs to be driven slowly and with great caution. This is not a good place to break down! Ask a Park Ranger for the latest road conditions.
Current road conditions...
Ground Cover/Shade
Minimal shade. Moderate ground cover.
Views
Good views of the Chisos Mountains (South Rim) to the west. Elephant Tusk and Backbone Ridge are also visible to the south.
River Access
None.
Cautionary Notes
The road can deteriorate rapidly after rain. High clearance vehicles are highly recommended at all times, and 4-wheel drive may sometimes be necessary, especially after rain. The portion of the Glenn Springs Road before the Juniper Canyon Road is very rough.
Remarks
Hikers using the Dodson/Juniper Canyon Trails will park their vehicles at the end of the road (above TS-1). Lock and secure your vehicle and valuables while you are away from your campsite.
The Twisted Shoe campsite is named in honor of Mescalero Apache chief Zapato Tuerto (Twisted Shoe), who led Apache warriors in a battle against Spanish soldiers in this vicinity in April 1787. This campsite was designated Juniper Canyon 1 until November of 2006; the former Juniper Canyon 2 campsite was relocated to Robber's Roost at the same time.
A backcountry use permit is required (available at visitor centers). Campers are responsible for regulations listed on the permit. Camping is in designated sites for minimal impact on the surrounding vegetation.
