Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve

Welcome to the Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve!

The Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve is a 384-acre tract of land in Buda operated by the Hays County Parks Department. This land is only a sub-section of the privately owned 2,254-acre Dahlstrom Ranch on Onion Creek. The Preserve is set up as a limited lease between Hays County and the Dahlstrom Family, which allows public access for up to 20 years. This unique public access agreement is all thanks to Gay Ruby Dahlstrom herself.

Gay Ruby Dahlstrom first arrived at her family’s historic ranch at the age of six and, until she died at 84, she walked the property regularly. Gay loved the connection the land gave her to her heritage and to the environment, and she always wanted to share that connection with others.


Now – thanks to Gay’s vision – the public will have the opportunity to experience 384-acres of one of the state’s rare, pristine natural areas. The Preserve includes just over three (3) miles of unimproved hiking trails, and a three-quarter-mile asphalt ADA-accessible trail.

A PLACE TO RECHARGE: A recharge zone is a land surface area where precipitation and surface water can enter the aquifer. These areas are incredibly important for groundwater conservation and are sensitive to surface pollution. Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve lies entirely within the recharge zone of Barton Springs. Dye-tracing has shown us that water entering the caves, faults, and fractures in this zone flows out of Barton Springs within a few days. Thus, the creation of this nature preserve allows for the protection and management of a valuable recharge zone.


Reservations are required to visit the Preserve.


Make a Reservation
Directions

Park Address: 5131 FM 967 Buda, TX 78610

Download a map and brochure here.

Find Us
Fees

Reservations are required to visit the Preserve.

Adults: $5.00
Children: $3.00

In addition to the admission fees above, an online service fee will be applied to all purchases. Please click here to make reservations. 

Hours

January—October:

8am - 4pm, Thursday-Sunday. No admittance after 2 p.m.

November—December:

8am - 4pm, Wednesday-Friday No admittance after 2 p.m.


Upcoming Preserve Closures:

January 1-3, 2026

March 29 - April 5, 2026

September 1-8, 2026

December 13-31, 2026

 

ALL HAYS COUNTY PARKS WILL BE CLOSED:

April 5th, 2026 (Easter Day)

November 26th, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day)

December 25th, 2026 (Christmas Day)

January 1st, 2027 (New Years Day)

Rules
  1. No pets or other domesticated animals
  2. No food or beverages on preserve (water is allowed)
  3. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
  4. No camping
  5. No smoking, vaping, or use of e-cigarettes
  6. No fire or fireworks
  7. No caving/tampering with caves
  8. No firearms or archery equipment
  9. No hunting or fishing
  10. No removal or destruction of natural resources
  11. No littering
Amenities

Hiking, ADA trail, birding, wildlife watching

Tours & Education

Private Tours: Available by request. We require a minimum of 10 participants for a private tour group. Please contact us at least 2 weeks in advance.

To request a private tour please email katherine.sturdivant@hayscountytx.gov or call (512)-214-4593

Contact Us

Phone: (512)-210-4217

Email: parks@hayscountytx.gov

Back to Parks Department Main Page

Find it Fast