Indio Ranch is also an excellent venue for eduational field trips because of its isolated location and undeveloped Chihuahuan Desert habitat. The academic disciplines particularly suited for activities on the Station grounds are animal and plant ecology, physiological ecology, biosystematics, ecotoxicology, paleontology, sedimentation, structural geology, geomorphology, and archaeology. Ongoing projects at the Station are examining various aspects of reptilian population ecology, reptile and mammal metabolic rates, rattlesnake venom component analysis, biosystematics, terrestrial and aquatic arthropod ecology, and plant surveys. The many anthropological sites indicative of past hunting and gathering activities of indigenous people have also attracted investigators. Presently, the only structural facilities are the centrally located Indio Ranch house and adjacent buildings.
Water is available in the ranch house via a solar pump.
There is also a small, one-room building next to the ranch house that can accommodate up to three individuals on cots. In addition, an old concrete water tank is presently being converted into a dorm room. No electricity is available, although a solar panel will produce limited power to run lights in the future. Present lighting is restricted to gas lanterns. A large propane tank next to the ranch house has been refitted and partially filled with gas to be used for stoves and a refrigerator.