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shetheripper · 1 year

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3 days, 2 nights and 34 miles solo on the Outer Mountain Loop plus the Northeast Rim in Big Bend National Park 1/10-1/12/23

As you might already know, I took a seasonal job as a waitress at the Chisos Mountain Lodge in Big Bend National Park to save money and create some beautiful experiences in the outdoors. It has been a blast! I’ve been able to hike so much and really knock out a lot of goals in solo and distance hiking. The outer mountain loop is a 31.6 mile backpacking route that takes you up from the basin, through the chisos mountains, out and around the range, through the desert, back up into the mountains, and back down into the basin. This is the hike I came here to do.

Photo from all trails.

After a couple months of getting my legs on the trails, as well as tackling more and more distance, I finally felt confident in my ability to complete the route alone.

Due to the distance of the route and the dry nature of the desert, staying hydrated was the biggest challenge to tackle. There are 2 water caches located on either end of the desert stretch, one at Homer Wilson Ranch, and the other off of the remote Juniper Canyon rd. I couldn’t get to this one before my hike because the road conditions require a high clearance vehicle, and y’all better believe I’m still rocking that busted Altima. “I been through the desert in a Nissan with no Bumper” (or whatever America said) So my only option was to pack the extra water, and cache at Homer Wilson, a good 24 miles from my starting point. I carried 7L of water and 2 coconut electroLit beverages. 2.5 lbs per liter. My pack was heavy! But I did what I had to do. Attaching soon a list of what I packed.

1/10/23 Day 1

I woke up around 5 am, without an alarm, and realized I had forgotten my headlamp at the hot springs the night before. This added 46 miles to my morning commute, some of which was on a rocky dirt road. I got the shit scared out of me by some horses that I actually spooked first. Lucky for me, my headlamp was there, right where I left it. I ran back to my car under the last of the moonlight and hauled 30 miles to the basin. I worked a breakfast shift at the lodge and got out around 10:30am. I had to leave this day because I only have 2 days off at a time. My first day of hiking was only 6 miles so I had a little time to kill. I decided to drive back to my trailer and look over all my camp stuff to see if there was anything else I should take. I ended up figuring out how to pack my tent, as I was originally planning not to. So glad I did!! Being solo can be spooky in the dark. It’s nice to have a little barrier. I meditated in my room for a bit after securing my final pack. I felt many things. Excited, nervous, happy, sad, lonely, empowered. I let every part of me be channeled into what I was about to do. Heading back up to the basin, I grabbed a Red Bull and some stoke from Sarah at the gas station. Shout out to the homie. I got back up in the mountains just before noon. I stretched, used the bathroom, and texted parents as well as some friends at the park about where I was going and when I should be back. The last thing I needed before heading out was a tool to loosen the bolt on my hiking pole, so I ran to the maintenance room and got what I needed. Finally, in all my nervous energy, I was ready to start!!! The basin was pretty slow and not many people were around, but still, I felt super awkward putting on my giant pack while a group of teenagers gaped at me from across the parking lot like, “what the hell is that chick about to go do?” I hurried off onto the trail.

Mile 1, 2 and 3 in order.

Like I said before, my pack was heavy, and the pinnacles trail is the steeper route to take up into the mountains. I had a good starting pace but I had to take many breaks. A pair of 2 other girls on the trail helped keep me going, we passed each other on alternating breaks. We agreed it was nice to share the suffering. Hiking isn’t easy for anyone, it’s always a challenge, and that’s why we do it.

I made it to pinnacles pass around 2pm and made a sandwich. I talked with some older folks about my route, different parks, hikes they’ve done, and other general oldhead hiker things. After lunch, they headed down, and I headed up to the Northeast rim. I filtered some water in boot canyon on the way.

I dropped my Patagonia fleece and backtracked a quarter mile to go get it. (This is the second time I’ve done this on trail, different occasions too, smdh. Feels like the universe is trying to teach me a lesson about attachment, I love that thing too damn much.) I got to my site, ER7, around 5pm and made dinner on the rim while bathing in the colorful sunset.

Back at my site, it was the moment I had looked forward to all day, Spliff:30. I enjoyed 1, did some writing and reading from Last of The Mohicans, smoked another, and pretty much passed out as soon as it was dark. The weather was very mild, I didn’t use any cold gear. I slept 12 hours on the hard ground with the wind and stars all around me.

Day 2

I woke with the rise of the sun and packed up in time to see it come up over the horizon, lighting up the desert and cliff walls below me. I started hiking from my campsite at 8:15am.

Tumblr won’t let me add anymore photos so continue on part 2 (next post)

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travelonourown · 20 days

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Thu 4/4

Had an exciting start to the day! We got on the road to Big Bend NP but forgot to turn off our security system for Edith to enter our house this morning to clean. No cell coverage at 11am Texas time, so we searched frantically for a place in the boondocks with WiFi. Luckily we came upon the Jackass Country Store along the way, which had usable WiFi. By the time we turned off the house alarm, Edith had already set it off. We narrowly avoided a call to the San Ramon PD by calling the security service, but poor Edith was scared. Not a complete disaster but close! We bought some Lone Star beer and snacks to thank the store owner. Continuing on to the park, we passed by a cattle drive in progress, complete with cowboys on horseback! Entering Big Bend Park, we drove south on Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead, stopping several time to take photos (spectacular rock formations like Mule Ears, Sotol Vista, etc). Took a short but spectacular hike up the canyon and above the Rio Grande River, and saw some goats on the cliffs on the Mexican side of the River. After this we drove back north on the Scenic drive and then east to the cutoff for Chisos Basin Road. Drove to the dead end of this road past gorgeous rock formations, and into forested areas where bears and mountain lions roam (we didn’t see any). Edward got some caffeine for the long drive back to Alpine. Passing by some longhorn cattle (and 1 longhorn bull with extra long horns!), we arrived back at the Antelope Lodge as darkness fell. A very long but worthwhile day!

#travel #roadtrip #cross country #texas #big bend national park

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bigbend21 · 2 years

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Mary has a new friend - Zoey the bulldog at the Chisos Mountain Lodge.

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weinsteins · 5 years

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We packed up our campsite on Christmas morning and moved into the somewhat cramped, but much warmer Chisos Mountain Lodge.

From there we were planning to check out the Santa Elena Canyon along the Rio Grande. Unfortunately we couldn’t do that because Trump had decided to shut down the govt. There were still park rangers, but there was limited support staff in the campgrounds. We later found out that they closed the campgrounds entirely on Dec 26th - the day after we checked out.

So intead we found a different hike, and it was another fantastic adventure. Similar to the Window, but a much longer and tighter a lot canyon. The Bouro Mesa Pour off ended in a magical rock grotto that dropped off two hundred feet to the valley below. There was no stream running through this one, but we had it all to ourselves and we all had fun climbing on the rocks. We even got some great family pics!

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lowestflightfares · 2 years

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Texas Travel Guide - Best Places To Visit In Texas

About Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the South Central region of the United States, often referred to globally as the "Lone Star State". Texas shares its border with some parts of Mexico. The state is known for its architectural design, eye-catching natural marvels, scrumptious barbecue or Tex-Mex cuisine, and historical attractions that depict the core of United States’ history. If you're a backpacker and travelling to Texas within a confined budget, consider your visit during the off-season, which runs from May to August. You might even find the least expensive lodging and a great deal on cheap flights to Texas during this time.

The capital city Austin is recognized globally as the world's Live Music Capital, bragging over 200 venues for live entertainment throughout its many regions. Though without having a trip to cultural tourist attractions in Texas, your trip isn't considered complete. Undoubtedly, there's no shortage of tourist attractions to explore due to their size. Yet, travelling to Texas is something that every globetrotter dreams about, and Texas draws 255 million international visitors' attention across the globe annually.

Texas is a sprawling state in the South Central part of the United States, brimming with numerous concealed gems among its natural marvels and historical attractions. Besides its cowboy culture and savoury barbecue, many don't recognize just how many enchanting natural wonders the state has to show. Indeed, Texas is ideal for nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers with plenty of venturesome opportunities, such as Big Bend National Park perched on the Rio Grande in West Texas and Padre Island National SeaShore along the Gulf of Mexico.

How to Get to Texas

Travelling to Texas overland from the US via train is attainable with Amtrak and via rail's, but you have to be prepared for a long uncomfortable journey. If you're looking for the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Texas, then flight is a perfect way to travel. Texas's four airports are classified as international airports: Dallas−Fort Worth, George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, Austin-Bergstrom in Austin, and San Antonio. Several airlines operate direct flights from major cities within a reasonable budget. Furthermore, reserve your cheap flights to Texas with lowestflightfare.com.

Texan Cuisine

Texas is a remarkable land in the United States, pretty much known for its culinary scene, and nowadays, Texas has become an ideal spot for food enthusiasts. Besides its natural marvels and historical landmarks, the celestial city of Texas presents an abundance of scrumptious cuisine.

However, the second largest state of the USA’s south-central region, boasts an enviable food scene, and known for its barbecue and tex-mex. Further, Texas cities are overindulged with great dining options, bustling fresh food markets, and some of the world's best tapas bars.

Best Places To Visit In Texas

1. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is one of Texas's most underrated national parks, and is described as the hidden jewel of the city due to its location. However, the park draws fewer visitors than any other national park. Moreover, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, filled with plenty of things to do, such as hiking, camping, mountain biking, wildlife sightings, fossil discovery, and abundant sightseeing opportunities. Here you'll find three great camping sites, Chisos Basin Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. If you're looking for unpaved trails, then Chisos Basin Campground holds some of the most popular trails around the park.

2. Austin, Texas capital city

Austin, Texas’ capital city, lies at the Colorado River, often referred to among locals as "City of the Violet Crown." However, Austin is the second largest capital city in the United States and one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. The capital city of Texas is teeming with mouth-watering cuisine, great live music venues, vibrant nightlife, and renowned museums. Further, the town keeps its visitors accommodated during their trip day with plenty of historical landmarks to explore, such as Texas university, Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the Lyndon B. Johnson Library.

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Texas is brimmed with countless fascinating National Parks and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks among tourists. If you love hiking, trailing or wildlife watching, then you must add Guadalupe Mountains National Park to your bucket list. Further, the national park is home to Texas's highest peaks and a Permian fossil reef, and also known for its abundance of wildlife such as the golden eagle.

4. Galveston's

Galveston's is a vibrant island city perched on the Gulf Coast of Texas, and the wealthiest town, affectionately known among locals as the Oleander City. However, the city is known for its white coral sandy seashores with turquoise sea and historic downtown. Further, thousands of visitors annually flock here during summers to enjoy the sunny beach day, and the Oleander City is an ideal spot for beachgoers. Indeed, Galveston's is much more than a beach town. Besides its beaches, you can also explore the Strand Historic District downtown and stroll around the National Historic Landmark District.

Overall

There's no doubt that Texas is teeming with numerous natural and historical landmarks to explore. Further, this Texas travel guide provides information about getting there, Texan cuisine and the Best Places To Visit in Texas. Still, the landmarks mentioned above are some of the major sites you must add to your bucket list. So plan a trip to the second-largest state of the United States and explore the eye-catching natural landmarks and cultural attractions around this fascinating country.

#LFF #lowestflightfare #travel #texas #US #tour #cheap flights

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theyearbeforeyou · 5 years

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11/12/18

Hello, beautiful,

We don’t know each other yet, but someday, I will be your mom. You’re only a thought at this point, not yet conceived. I’m still taking birth control. As far as I know, I haven’t been pregnant before. But the strangest thing happened this August. Suddenly, I went from not ready to ready. Folk wisdom suggests that it really can happen that quickly, but feeling the switch flip is really something else. Your grandmother tells me it was the same for her, the sudden shift to wanting. Perhaps this transition can be traced back to hormone fluctuations, but biologically-speaking, my body has been ready to carry a child for years. It was I, the woman who inhabits this frame, who wasn’t. And then the shift: when I held your cousin Harrison for the first time, all I could imagine was what it would feel like to hold you. That is truly how quickly it happened. Your father and I were at your grandparents house in Michigan, and your Aunt Annie came with Harrison in tow. I can’t quantify how perfect he was. I could see your dad in him, and with that realization came the life-changing one. Later that night, your dad and I squirreled ourselves away in the guest bedroom and giggled quietly to ourselves like teenagers. A giddy, nervous thought lodged in my throat. I felt like I was about to ask your dad to marry me, but looking back on it, the question that came next was so much more profound.

“What if…” I began, my thoughts interrupted by a smile, “I stopped taking birth control in January?”

“I think that’s a good idea,” your dad responded. When we kissed, I could feel the electricity between us at the idea of you.

Yesterday, your dad and I got back from a camping weekend in Big Bend National Park. By the time you are born, we hope to have left Texas behind, but someday we will take you to visit this special place, where the sky is so dark that you can make a circle with your forefinger and thumb and hold it to the heavens and see a hundred stars inside the aperture. It was here that your father and I fell, to use his words, "ass backwards" into the deep love we feel for each other now. The first time we visited, we were twenty-three years old and had lived in Austin together for a year. Those first twelve months away from our families was a whirlwind of new jobs, new friends, new experiences, and retreating to the wilderness for a short weekend was supposed to be an adventure, but it became something more than that. It was there, tucked away in the Chisos Mountain Lodge underneath a canopy of shooting stars that something stirred within us that we hadn't felt before: a new appreciation for nature, for ourselves, for each other. We left the park utterly changed, in a molecular way, one not easy to quantify with words. It was more of a feeling that blossomed between the two of us, and the string that had previously connected us strengthened to steel. Going back this past weekend rekindled those emotions, although now when we think of our future together, the first thing that comes to mind is you.

I can’t wait for you to meet your dad. Earlier this September, we planted squash, both acorn and butternut, and Brussels sprouts in a hobbled-together, makeshift planter tucked against the side of our house in a ridiculously overgrown backyard. For me, it was just an experiment, to prove to myself that I could cultivate life, that I could nurture. Perhaps, in a way, it was to prove to myself that I can take of you. The garden is more important to your dad. When aphids threatened the first budding leaves that burst through the soil, he planted nasturtiums and marigolds to draw the insects’s attentions away. Tonight the temperatures are dipping below freezing, posing a threat to the squash. He is currently researching how to keep them warm, how to keep them safe. When I see the care he takes huddled over those plants, flicking away pests with his hands, delicately lacing the gracile vines of the squash through the metal squares of the trellis, I think of how he will be with you, and I can’t help but smile. You will be so lucky to have such a kind man raise you. At this time in the world, compassionate men feel nearly impossible to come by. I don't say that in the exasperated, "Good men are hard to find" way girls and women often sigh to each other after failed hookups and failed relationships, but rather as a real, profound truth: there are a lot of things about the world that are ugly right now, and much of the ugliness can be directly triangulated back to men in power. Your father is, blessedly, one of the good ones.

You should see the way he fiercely cares for Otis, our cat, and Howie, our dog. I hope you’ll get to meet both of them someday, these two great and mysterious animals. Even if you don’t, I imagine you will someday have similar memories of your dad with the animals we will raise with you. He is already paternal with them, sacrificing many a night to walk Howie through the yard when his stomach is upset, or reorganizing his day to make sure he has given enough attention to Otis. Sometimes I look at the way he loves them and worry that I'm not capable of loving something as much as he is. Bringing a new life into being is not a decision I take lightly, but when I see his exasperated smile when we can't get Howie to stop barking, I know we will all, you included, be enveloped and sheltered by the love he gives us.

Writing this is my way of showing you how much I already love you. I will not always be the perfect, or even a good, mother to you, but know that you have always been wanted and always been cherished. Right now I am curled up on our couch with my laptop straddled across my lap, and that rare Austin wind is howling outside. I’ve got my flannel nightdress on, which is entirely unflattering, but I can’t help but smile as I imagine the possibility of us next November, you nestled on my chest as I wear this same nightgown, my head buried in your crown. I can already imagine how you’ll smell, so clean and so perfect, and how you’ll feel, your tiny body warm and soft. Who will you be? I can’t wait to find out. In the mean time, I’ll tell you more about us.

Love,

Your Mom

#loveletter

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bax16 · 6 years

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Describe your ideal wedding party, using only your Tumblr buddies. (no tag backs and yes, I'm that mature about it).

HMMMM. Well it’ll either be in Alpine or Big Bend, in early spring. If it’s in Alpine, it’ll be at the Antelope Lodge, and if it’s in Big Bend, then the Chisos Mountain Lodge. Everyone’ll be there. @pmm-71 @advanced-procrastination @tx-tornado @aloneinwonder @texan-outlaw @wolfbeat @offthebeatenpathtexas @paintedcowboy @theblogofmystery @cjbrounder @crocketingsolly @the-wandering-grunt @timothymcvainlives @fujifojo @sdseraph @woody112704 @muffystopheles @mist-in-the-mire @cactguy @clinicalherbalist @bournellexpire-blog @djk915 @gennaiv @tortugajoe AND @momentspause (HA). It’d be a casual affair. No black tie unless you wanna. There’d be barbecue and horse divorces (because even though everybody makes fun of em as fru fru rich people food, they are actually tasty and fun to eat) and pies and a range of adult and non-alcoholic beverages. And puppies. Everybody’d have a grand time and Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen would be the singers.

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pandemicperipatetics · 3 years

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Big Bend National Park

The Verdict: We loved our trip to Big Bend! The scenery is stunning and otherworldly; we were just waiting for the dinosaurs to show up and reclaim their epic territory. We definitely recommend visiting.

WHAT TO DO (2 DAYS):

Ranked starting with our most favorite (though all were amazing):

Lost Mine Trail (5 miles out and back, moderate)

Santa Elena Canyon (2 miles out and back, easy/moderate)

Emory Peak (10 miles out and back, strenuous)

Windows Trail (5 miles out and back, moderate) & Window View (0.4 mile loop, easy)

Russ Maxwell Scenic Drive (22 miles each way)

Note: We did all of these in one (long-ish) day except Emory Peak, which we did on a second half-day.

Lost Mine Trail (5 miles out and back, moderate)

This is a pretty steep walk up a mountain with incredible panoramic views at the top. It really reminded us of Kauai. It was tiring, but absolutely worth it. Take a windbreaker – the summit is windy! There wasn’t much shade and it was very sunny on the way down; we drank about 2 liters of water each on this hike. It took us just over 2 hours.

Logistics:

Parking: Extremely constrained. Get here early or be prepared to wait for one of the 15-20 spots (when we were there the park had blocked off about 5 spots with traffic cones). The wait wasn’t terrible, though; we ate our lunch in the car while waiting about 25 minutes, during which time 4 cars left the parking lot. The upside of the constrained parking is the trail wasn’t very crowded.

Bathroom: None

Location: Trailhead very close to Chisos Basin Visitor Center, the central area of the park. Closest lodging is Chisos Basin Campground or Chisos Basin Mountain Lodge.

Other: There is a sign at the trailhead that picnicking is not allowed on the trail.

Santa Elena Canyon (2 miles out and back, easy/moderate)

A few miles past the end of Russ Maxwell Scenic Drive, this is one of the park’s most popular attractions. You’ll walk through a stunning high-walled canyon filled with water (at least it was when we went!). Some people even waded in. It’s absolutely worth visiting, but there is a surprising amount of stairs/elevation for a hike marked easy. It was unpleasantly hot (low 80s), sunny, and crowded when we went around 3:30 p.m. It’s worth noting the crowds here were different than the other hikes we did – largely unmasked tourists with poor trail etiquette -- perhaps a cost that comes with doing an “easy” hike. We spent around an hour here.

Logistics

Parking: Somewhat limited; we snagged the last available spot when we got there.

Bathroom: Disgusting. Two unisex hole-in-the-ground type structures that stank morbidly.

Location: Trailhead close to Castolon Visitor Center. Closest lodging is Cottonwood Campground. It was about an hour’s drive from Chisos Basin, the central area of the park.

Emory Peak (10.6 miles out and back, strenuous)

This hike is a seemingly unending uphill climb that ends in phenomenal 360 degree views. It starts out on the fairly well-shaded Pinnacles Trail (4 miles each way), which is like a forest of low trees and shrubs with increasingly impressive views of mountain canyons. Once you feel you can no longer move your legs, you take the Emory Peak Trail (1.5 miles each way), which starts out deceptively flat, becomes very steep and rocky, and ends as a rock-climbing-for-novices adventure.

I had read on earthtrekkers that the last 25 feet of the hike are a “rock scramble”, which evoked images of something harmlessly diverting, like a breakfast burrito. In reality, getting to the peak is a seemingly impossible straight-uphill climb; we saw an extremely fit-looking young couple do it with obvious trepidation, and a few people rock-scrambled onto a peak a few feet away that looked a couple of feet shorter. Having braved the insane stairmaster of a trail to get there, we couldn’t just leave; we found ourselves in the latter group, and the rock scramble wasn’t as difficult as it looked. The views were, indeed, epic – but if you’re not into rock scrambling, the Lost Mine Trail is a good substitute.

This took us 5 hours, 10 minutes. We were fortunate to have a relatively cloudy day, with some but not a lot of sun exposure. Between the two of us, we drank 7 liters of water.

Logistics:

Parking: Parking is at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and is decently plentiful, though it does get crowded as it is shared with several other trails.

Bathroom: The bathroom at the parking lot had normal toilets and was pretty clean. There is also a compost toilet at the top of the Pinnacles Trail, but we didn’t check it out. There is a sign up there recommending peeing outdoors and saving the compost toilet for other uses :)

Location: Right by the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, a couple minute drive from the Lost Mine Trail trailhead.

Other: A lot of people brought walking sticks, which may be useful especially for the steep, rocky descent. The trail warns of bears and mountain lions, but all we saw were a few tiny cute mice at the peak.

Note: The South Rim is another popular hike, known for spectacular views of the Chihuahuan desert, and is also accessed via the Pinnacles Trail. Some people hike the South Rim trail instead of Emory Peak (approx. 12 miles roundtrip) or do both (approx. 15 miles total). We didn’t have enough water, time, or confidence to take on both of these strenuous hikes in one day, but this sounds like an interesting option if you are less into rock scrambling or want to do both.

Windows Trail & Window View

The Window View is a 0.4 mile loop to a scenic overlook. It’s very nice and there is a bench right at the overlook that is a nice place to enjoy a snack, if it’s not too crowded.

The Windows Trail is a descent into a canyon where you’ll get closer to “the window.” The scenery along the trail was mostly cacti and desert-looking shrubs, and since you start with a descent, you then have a pretty steep ascent on the way back up. The hike is decent until the last ~10 minutes, which is awesome. We found ourselves in a gorgeous canyon that was stunning to walk through. Finding your foothold can require some dexterity in certain areas, but it wasn’t too tough. The window is a really cool view and has some boulders that look perfect to sit on for a snack with a view, if it isn’t too crowded.

Logistics:

Parking: Same as Emory Peak, parking is at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center and is decently plentiful, though it does get crowded as it is shared with several other trails.

Bathroom: The bathroom at the parking lot had normal toilets and was pretty clean. I’m pretty sure there was also a bathroom just off the trail not long into the hike.

Location: Right by the Chisos Basin Visitor Center, a couple minute drive from the Lost Mine Trail trailhead. The trailhead starts right next to the Pinnacles trailhead for Emory Peak.

Russ Maxwell Scenic Drive (22 miles each way)

This is a breathtaking drive through a winding canyon that starts around 10 miles from Chisos Basin and extends south to Santa Elena Canyon. There are several hikes along the way; most look flat and unprotected from the sun, so we didn’t try them. This is on the way to Santa Elena Canyon, so if you go there you’ll drive it anyways.

WHERE TO STAY

Having gotten to know the park a bit, we’d recommend (in ranked order):

Chisos Mountain Lodge – the only non-camping accommodations available inside the park. We didn’t stay here because it was booked out, so can’t comment on how good it is. The location is great because it’s so central and right by several of the hikes that start at Chisos Basin. There is also a visitor center, convenience store, and gas station very closeby.

Chisos Basin Campground – the most centrally located camping accommodations. If you want to hit the trails early, this seems ideal. We weren’t able to get a spot here and can’t comment on how nice or not the campground is. We read that it can get pretty cold here at night because it’s in the mountains.

Cottonwood Campground – located by Santa Elena Canyon. If you can’t get a spot at Chisos Basin, this is conveniently closeby to another of the park’s major attractions. Again, we didn’t visit the campground ourselves.

Rio Grande Village Campground – the only other campground inside the park. We got lucky and managed to snag a spot here about 6 weeks before our trip, likely due to a cancellation. This is located at the remote east side of the park and isn’t close to any of the hikes we did; it was about a 45 minute drive one-way to Chisos Basin, and further to Russ Maxwell Scenic Drive/Santa Elena Canyon. There are some attractions here, such as the Boquillas Crossing to Mexico and the Hot Springs, but these were closed when we visited due to COVID-19. There is a gas station, convenience store, and RV campground with electrical hookups. The campground is flat, and part of it has campsites located in clear view of one another. There are other campsites that are more secluded and border what looks like a forest. We had one of the latter, which was lovely due to the privacy from humans, but apparently was VERY well-trafficked by animals. Throughout the night we heard animals walking around, panting, and eating nearby, which we corroborated in the daylight when we found javelina droppings within a few feet of our tent and coyote or fox droppings right by our car! Our neighbors encountered a bobcat by the bathroom in the evening, and we encountered a javelina (which ran off immediately) when we took a late-night bathroom trip. It was quite an experience. Luckily, the bathroom was clean and had drinking water closeby (though it tasted weird).

Terlingua: This seems to be the closest town outside the park and when we checked Airbnb, had the most available accommodations. You can camp, glamp in a teepee, stay in an RV, and I think there were also possibly some homes and hotel accommodations. We drove by and it definitely didn’t look fancy.

Alpine: This was the next big town after Terlingua and was about 90 minutes outside of the park. There are lots of hotels here and we stayed at The Antelope Lodge on the night after we left the park. It was basically a one-room motel room with a fridge and microwave: spare, clean, and met our basic needs. There are plenty of chain restaurants – Pizza Hut, Subway, etc. It seems inconveniently far from Big Bend, so less than ideal to stay here unless on your way out. Alpine also happens to be about a 25 minute drive from the infamous Marfa, TX.

GETTING THERE

If you’re road-tripping, the closest major cities are El Paso or San Antonio/Austin, which are a couple hours away. We took I-20 through Dallas to Abilene and then Midland, which was extremely long, no real views, and the “textured pavement” on I-20 after Abilene was very loud and unpleasant to drive on. We turned south at Midland and the views became gorgeous. When we hit Marathon, TX, we stopped for dinner at Big Bend Pizza. We had about a 20 minute wait and the vegetarian pizza was loaded with veggies and tasted pretty good. We were surprised by how barren Marathon is – we didn’t even realize we were driving through it until we had passed it and had to turn back for pizza – and from there we had a (stunning) 2-hour drive to get to our campsite. We entered the park through Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and barely encountered any hikes until we hit the center of the park, Panther Junction Visitor Center, which is just 3 miles from Chisos Basin.

OTHER LOGISTICS

Wifi/cellular connectivity: We barely had any connectivity in the park. We got cell reception in the Chisos Basin parking lot, Marathon, and Alpine. In Terlingua, we couldn’t get any reception and had to stop and ask someone to direct us to the closest gas station.

Gas: Fortunately, there were two gas stations inside the park. It is a vast park, so helpful to have such easy access. We never filled up in the park, but assume the gas prices were pretty high, as they were when we filled up on our way out in Terlingua.

Food: The Chisos Basin Mountain Lodge sells food, but when we visited their cafeteria was only open until 4PM. The convenience stores also seemed to close early, and we never checked out the groceries available there. We carried all the food we ate; given the very long drive from our campsite to Terlingua, we never left the park to pick up a meal.

Animals: This seemed like a park where it might be beneficial to pick up bear spray. We didn’t have any, but our campground and many of the hikes warned of bears.

Getting oriented: We stopped by the central Panther Junction Visitor Center on our first morning in Big Bend and picked up a park map, which was perfect for navigating through the park.

#bigbend

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kokis-blog1 · 6 years

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"Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love." Charles Talleyrand (3/23) Arabica espresso beans, harvested on the sun-kissed soils of brazil. Masterfully roasted, ground, and pressurized with inert gas as it’s packaged into steel container containers. Six cups of water, three table spoons of espresso carefully placed in a Bialetti. An unconventional use of an Optimus mini burner, but espresso on a cool, crisp morning framed by the sunrise on Chisos Basin is a moment to be relished and enjoyed to the fullest. Photocred 📸 @madisonestelle13 . . . . #BigBend #ChisosBasin #Camping #Optimus #Propane #Bialetti #Espresso #Illy #CoffeeTime #Black #EarlyMorning #CupofJoe #Sunrise #CampingGear #Essentials #VscoTravel #InstaTravel #VscoFilter #M5 #Mountains #NationalPark #ItalianCoffee #TexasMade #Nature #Landscape #NatureLover #KokiStudio #Concentration #ItsLit (at Chisos Mountains Lodge - Big Bend National Park)

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traveltolivelivetotravel-blog1 · 4 years

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I never understood how amazing Texas is until I moved down here. It's truly beautiful with scenery I never thought I would see. Big Bend National Park is one of Texas' most impressive natural wonders. From mountains to deserts to rivers, they combine to make this area an outstanding outdoor playground for nature lovers.

There's plenty to do from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive where you can take a stop at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit to soaking in the hot springs. Don't forget your passport for a short boat ride to Mexico to the city of Boquillas. The boat will pick you up and take you to the Mexican shore of the Rio Grande River, from where you can hop a ride on a horse, donkey, or vehicle for lunch.

Dine with a view out to the Window from the Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant and Patio or begin one of several hikes at the Chisos Basin Trailheads( Emory Peak, South Rim, Chisos Basin Loop, Window View, and Window Trail hikes)

The town of Marathon offers an authentic experience, with art galleries and the historical Gage Hotel. Built in 1927, the Gage Hotel is a wonderful place to gather around a fire pit at night with other guests, relax in front of a fireplace, jump in thr pool to escape the heat or enjoy some of the finest dining at the hotel's 12 Gage Restaurant.

Big Bend National Park has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state of Texas, visited by an average of 400,000 visitors each year.

#adventure #wanderlust #tourism #landscape #road trip

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thorsenmark · 1 year

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Under the Night Skies of Big Bend National Park by Mark Stevens

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svetlanawagner-blog · 5 years

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It only took a few hours of driving with no radio for our group to bond over inappropriate jokes. In the midst of one our laughing fits, we saw a blur of a building, when we yelled “PRADA!” in unison.

We spent five days exploring the best things to do in West Texas. It was enough to touch on the hot spots, but like most of our trips, it helped us feel out what we want to do when we revisit. Since we love our parks, we were most excited to explore Big Bend National Park. What we didn’t know was how much we would fall in love with the other areas of West Texas.

A big thank you to Travel Texas for hosting our trip and sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: Jun 24, 2019

All the Best Stops on the Ultimate West Texas Road Trip

Whether you’re into the great , art scene, food, or history & culture, there’s something for everyone.

El Paso

We started and ended our trip on the very west tip of Texas in El Paso. El Paso is located in one of the largest deserts in North America, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the city sits right along the border with its neighboring international city, Juarez. There are so many Spanish speaking folks in El Paso that you might want to brush up on your Spanish. We had one cab driver that only spoke Spanish, which made for a fun and scenic ride.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 days

one of the sunniest cities in the US (and the world) with roughly 300 sunny days a year.

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Franklin Mountains State Park – This is the largest urban park in the US. There are some great hikes, and you can also do guided hiking tour of old mines (make a reservation via their website).

El Paso Museum of Art – This is a free museum that carries a collection from the surrounding area featuring artists from both El Paso and Juarez. They have special exhibitions and a permanent collection.

Street Art – Even if you don’t stop by the museum, you should walk the area to see all the street art and murals.

Hueco Tanks State Park – Located about 45 minutes outside of El Paso is a giant playground for climbers. Even if you don’t climb, it’s a unique and beautiful landscape to hike through.

L&J Cafe – This local landmark has been around since 1927. Most visitors and locals in El Paso will point you to L&J for delicious Tex-Mex fare.

Salt + Honey Bakery & Cafe – Cute shop with delicious food and drink. Be sure to try the Salt + Honey everything, but especially the fries.

Taft & Diaz – Located in the Stanton House hotel, this upscale restaurant has a rotating menu. Don’t forget to look up, as there’s an art installation above you that dances from time to time.

Stanton House is a brand new, chic hotel. They have a great rooftop that gives you a view across the border, an art gallery inside, and beautiful rooms to make you feel at home. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Fort Davis

Fort Davis is set amongst the Davis Mountains, which is a sky island. The term refers to the fact that it’s an isolated mountain range surrounded by desert. With the highest elevation above sea level and cooler weather in Texas, it’s a favorite getaway amongst locals.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Davis Mountains State Park – Don’t miss the views from Skyline Drive. There are a few spots to check out – the peak is ideal for sunset and the end of the road is a great spot for sunrise.

McDonald Observatory – Gaze up at the stars from one of the darkest skies in the US. They have daily tours and hold Star Parties too.

Fort Davis National Historic Site – One of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars’ frontier military post. Keep an eye out for the resident horses and goat that freely roam in the area.

Davis Mountain Scenic Loop – This 75-mile drive takes you through some of the best scenery in west Texas. It takes roughly two hours.

Fort Davis Drug Store & Hotel – serves food, drinks, and sells small supplies.

Stone Village Market – A local market frequented by the residents and tourists. They also serve sandwiches made to order.

Herbert’s Caboose Ice Cream Shop – An ice cream shop built into an old caboose.

Indian Lodge – This picturesque hotel is tucked right into the mountains of Davis Mountains State Park. The white buildings beautifully contrast against the backdrop. There is a lot of history in this hotel and makes for a great home base. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Big Bend

Big Bend is made up of small communities, like Terlingua Ghost Town, Lajitas, and Study Butte, and is known for Big Bend National Park and State Park. It’s named after the huge curve/bend in the Rio Grande and sits at the southern border of the state.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 days

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Big Bend National Park – This is the obvious highlight of the region, and there are three distinct landscapes: river, desert, and mountains.

Grapevine Hills Trail / Balanced Rock – This 2.2 mi round trip hike takes you to our favorite landscape in the park. Besides Balanced Rock, it has lots of other boulders to hop around on. Keep in mind that you have to drive 6 miles on a dirt road to the trailhead. We were able to take a huge van and small sedan but had to take it slow. Also, watch out for the greater earless s, they are rainbow colored s and there were a lot of them on the trail.

Langford Hot Springs – A short 0.5 mile round trip hike takes you to a historic hot springs located at the Rio Grande.

Santa Elena Canyon – See one of the most iconic spots in the park. You can even get a backcountry use permit to paddle upstream and back.

Chisos Basin Loop – Gives you a great mini-tour of the Chisos Mountains. Do the loop counter-clockwise to get the best views.

Big Bend Ranch State Park – The rugged volcanic landscape sits just west of Big Bend National Park.

Terlingua Ghost Town – Home to the world’s first Chili Cook Off, and they still hold the event every year. You can explore a historic church, a beautiful cemetery, and meet the locals (and ghosts) that frequent the area.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding at the Lajitas Golf Resort – This resort has an 18-hole golf course and 4-star hotel, but it’s also where the local guides can take you SUPing along the Rio Grande.

Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon – One of the liveliest spots in town, they have live music and a wide selection of food. Get yourself a marg and thank me later.

Taqueria el Milagro – We stumbled across this spot on a night when everything else was closed. They graciously stayed open a little later for us and had AMAZING tacos.

Expresso Y Poco Mas – Local coffee and breakfast spot. Everyone seemed to know each other.

La Kiva Restaurant & Bar – We were supposed to eat here, but they happened to close early. It’s the nicer spot to eat in town.

Perry Mansion. We all got extremely excited when we pulled up to Perry Mansion. It just recently ropened after a renovation and only has 7 rooms. Great for a big group if you want the place all to yourself. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Marfa

We didn’t know much about Marfa besides the Prada art installation, which we learned isn’t actually in the town of Marfa. When we heard it was an artsy community we pictured desert art, like Salvation Mountain, but instead we found a slice of NYC in West Texas.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Things to Do, See, & Eat

Ballroom Marfa – Their current show features contemporary artists we first saw at MoMa PS1 in NYC.

Presidio County Courthouse & The Central Fire Station – Beautiful and picturesque buildings right next to each other.

Chinati Foundation – We didn’t make it here on this trip, but you can see amazing contemporary art pieces here. From what we can gather from photos, it looks like a combination of Noguchi Museum and Storm King.

The Marfa Lights – At night you can spot mysterious lights that dance in the darkness south of US 90 between Alpine & Marfa. No one knows what they really are, and there are plenty of theories out there. Ask the locals to see what you can find out.

Prada Marfa – This is the most popular photo of Marfa on Instagram. This art installation is about 30 minutes from the city.

Pizza Foundation – Yummy pizza with indoor and outdoor seating. It gets busy on the weekends so call in early to put your order in.

Planet Marfa – Amazing local bar with a teepee and school bus on the property. Great place to meet locals and end the night.

Hotel Paisano – This historic hotel is centrally located and has GIANT memorabilia all over the place. Click here to see more reviews and best prices for all hotels in the area.

Map of West Texas

More Things to Do ___

To Do

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Essential Tips

Once you drive out to the smaller towns and regions, keep in mind that restaurants and shops close early and don’t necessarily keep their hours. If you plan on being out after sunset shooting, have a plan for your meals.

West Texas varies in temperatures since the elevation changes so much. During our May trip, we saw highs in the 90s and lows in the 40-50s, so always pack layers.

Regardless of where you are, you’ll be doing some walking so bring comfortable walking shoes. Here are our suggestions for best sandals for .

Water & sunscreen are a must. Sunglasses and a hat help too.

Outside of El Paso, WIFI and cell service are limited. Even places that have wifi are really spotty. Prepare to unplug.

If you’re in an older car, bring an aux cable so you can listen to music in the car. You’re going to have trouble finding it on the road. Also, if you need some tunes, check out our ultimate cross country road trip playlist.

What to Pack for Your West Texas Road Trip

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Best Places to Stay in West Texas

El Paso: Stanton House

Fort Davis: Indian Lodge

Terlingua / Big Bend: Perry Mansion

Marfa: Hotel Paisano or El Cosmico if you want to glamp in a teepee, yurt or RV. I personally would save glamping for fall / spring weather.

More Resources

Rand McNally Road Atlas – when you’re out of service, it’s always good to have a map. We’ve been using the Road Atlas ever since we were kids and still use them today on our road trips.

Matt Wilder’s Hueco Tanks Bouldering Guidebook

Lonely Planet: Texas Travel Guide

Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites

Have you been to any of these destinations in West Texas? Are we missing any must-visit spots?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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humblynomadic · 5 years

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Big Bend Visit Affected By Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown Affected Our Visit To Big Bend National Park

Challenges Thanks To Our Not So Competent Government Our visit to Big Bend National Park was challenged by the government shutdown to say the least. We had planned to stay at the Rio Grande Village Campground, however, the campgrounds were closed due to the shutdown. Santa Elena Canyon Access Closed We were still able to access the park, however, most services were not available. The access to Santa Elena Canyon was blocked off. Santa Elena Canyon is one of the most popular features of Big Bend National Park, so that was a bummer for sure. See what we missed via the photos below. Boquillas Mexico Port Of Entry Closed We wanted to go into Boquillas, Mexico. Nope, that official port of entry was closed because of the government shutdown as well. We were able to get to Boquillas Canyon, but unable to cross into Mexico there. At least not legally anyway...

Boquillas Canyon - Big Bend National Park

Gorgeous Canyon Separates Mexico & USA This is a beautiful canyon with the Rio Grande River flowing through the middle. The river separates Mexico from the United States. Sorry, but It is just too pretty to build a wall here. Our photography skills do not give the justice deserved. Even though the official port of entry was closed, people were crossing illegally at will. The river is tranquil and not very deep.

Open Border? Even before there was an official port of entry here, people would cross unofficially at will. As I understand it, international relations have always been friendly at the border here. In fact, some of the people from Mexico had a little display setup to sell handmade goods on the USA side. The display was self-serve with a 2 liter bottle to deposit your money if you wished to make a purchase. Every so often the guys would come over the river by canoe or horse in order to collect their money from the bottle. The honor system seems to be alive and well here.

Visiting Boquillas Mexico When you cross officially, you have the option to walk through the river when low enough, or pay $5 to be rowed across in a boat. Once on the other side you can either walk a 1/2 mile to the village, or you can pay for a ride by horse, burro, or vehicle. There are a couple of restaurants and some shops in the village. You can visit boquillas.org for more information on food, lodging & activities. This official crossing is only open for specific hours dependent on season. Note that this port of entry is always closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Chisos Mountain Range

The Chisos Mountain range is the southern most range in the USA, and is the only range entirely contained in a national park. Emory Peak is the highest peak at 7,825 feet. These mountains have an abundance of wildlife including black bear, peregrine falcons, javelina, mountain lion, and more. Chisos Mountains Lodge

Forever Resorts operates the Chisos Mountains Lodge. The lodge was still open despite the shutdown, as was the gas station inside Big Bend National Park. Basically, the few private enterprises within the park remained open.

Castolon Historic District

Castolon is a stop off point on the way to Santa Elena Canyon. It is said to be a step back in time. The buildings here are made of authentic adobe. There are some old wagons, boilers, and other machinery of the early 1900's on display as well. A Little History It is a town with some history. During the Mexican Revolution refugees would flee here. The war prompted the U.S. Army to build an encampment called Campo Santa Helena. However, by the time the camp was built the war ended and so the army ever really used the buildings. The army barracks were converted into what is now The Castolon Store.

Dinner At The Starlight Theater & Drinks At La Kiva Underground Bar In Terlingua Ghost Town

Starlight Theater We ended up back in the ghost town of Terlingua for something to eat. The Starlight Theater was packed even on a late Wednesday night. The live music performed by Sarah Burton was excellent. A fun restaurant atmosphere for sure. We started with a sausage plate that was venison and wild boar with jalapeno & cheese; it was good but very rich. For entrées, we had an antelope burger & brisket plate. The antelope burger was top-notch, while the brisket plate was middle of the road. La Kiva Bar & Restaurant After that we had to check out one of the coolest bars you will find. La Kiva Restaurant & Bar is underground and has an amazing atmosphere inside and out. If you are in the area you should check this place out. A True Ghost Town Be careful though, this little ghost town was rocked by a murder a few years ago that took place at this bar. That makes it bit more ghostly I think. Maybe that is why their signature drink is the Mind Eraser (vodka, Kahlua, club soda).

Associated YouTube Video

https://youtu.be/icSvs5EAFxU

Government Shutdown & Weather Forces Us To Move On

We ended up camping at Stillwell RV Park just outside the national park for the remainder of our stay. The weather in Texas has been cold. Our travel trailer does not have the arctic package, so we have to be careful to avoid freezing tanks and lines. Looks like we will be moving more south and east in search of warmer weather. If you like this type of content, please follow our blog for travel tips, food reviews, photos & videos from around the world, and information on how we make money following our passion. Read the full article

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nationalparkposters · 3 years

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Best Things To Do in Big Bend National Park

Best Things To Do in Big Bend National Park: Big Bend National Park offers nearly limitless opportunities for scenic driving, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife observation, and stargazing. Additionally, the Rio Grande borders the park for 118 miles providing options for half-day floats to extended excursion by raft, canoe, or kayak. My name is Rob Decker and I'm a photographer and graphic artist with a single great passion for America's National Parks! I've been to 51 of our 61 National Parks — and Big Bend is one well worth the visit. I have explored many areas of the park — so I'm ready to help! So if this is your first time to the park, or your returning after many years, here are some of the best things to do in Big Bend National Park! Scenic Drives 100 miles of paved roads and 150 miles of dirt roads connect the desert to the mountains and the river and offer exceptional ways to explore the park by vehicle. Here are the top five scenic drives — on paved roads! Chisos Basin Road – 6 miles A drive to the Chisos Basin is an excellent way to experience the transition between arid desert and cooler mountain habitats. As this scenic, winding road rises over two thousand feet above the desert floor, it offers breath-taking vistas of the mountain peaks and the erosion-formed basin area. The Chisos Basin has a visitor center, campground, lodge, restaurant, camp store, and access to miles of hiking trails. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – 30 miles A trip along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive highlights the geologic splendor Big Bend is famous for, and offers many scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way. Sotol Vista, Mule Ears Overlook, and Tuff Canyon are all worthwhile stops. Continue the drive to the magnificent Santa Elena Canyon, where limestone cliffs rise 1,500′ above the Rio Grande. A short trail leads into the canyon Panther Junction to Rio Grande Village – 21 miles The drive to Rio Grande Village traverses ancient limestone and has marvelous vistas across the river to the magnificent Sierra del Carmen escarpment. In twenty miles, the road descends nearly two thousand feet. There are several worthwhile stops and highlights along the way. Dugout Wells includes a desert nature trail and a shady oasis, nice for picnicking and birding. A soak in the Historic Hot Springs is also a popular activity. Persimmon Gap to Panther Junction – 28 miles This road connects the north entrance to park headquarters at Panther Junction. From Persimmon Gap, the road descends a long, gentle, gravel slope to Tornillo creek and Tornillo Flat. The Rosillos Mountains rise to the west; to the east the Dead Horse Mountains dominate the skyline. Maverick Entrance Station to Panther Junction – 23 miles This drive, through striking desert scenery, has excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Several roadside exhibits describe wildlife that might be seen along the drive. Junctions for the Chisos Basin road and Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive are located along this route. Hiking Day Hikes Big Bend is a hiker's paradise containing the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas. More than 150 miles of trails offer opportunities for day hikes or backpacking trips. Desert Hikes The Chihuahuan Desert covers about 80% of the park and surrounds the Chisos Mountains. Bare, rocky ground and sparse vegetation are hallmarks of the desert, but there is plenty of life here. Look for termite nests along plant stems, exoskeletons of millipedes, animal scat, and rodent and reptile tunnels. Bird life is plentiful, especially in the morning; look for nests hidden in yuccas and cacti. In the spring, bluebonnets, paintbrush, bi-color mustard, desert marigold, yucca, ocotillo, and cacti blossoms add color to the desert landscape. Mountain Hikes The Chisos Mountains contain some of the most rewarding day hikes in Big Bend, especially during the summer months when it is too hot to hike at lower elevations in the park. It is not uncommon to see tracks and scat of black bear, mountain lions, and gray fox along Chisos Mountains trails. Carmen Mountain white-tailed deer, rock squirrels, whiptail lizards, spotted towhees, tufted titmice, and Mexican jays are also common in these mountains. River Hikes The Rio Grande creates a distinct environment in Big Bend National Park. Countless bird species can be found in the riverbank vegetation. The river provides water for many desert animals; look along the muddy shoreline for tracks, signs, and scat. Backpacking Backpacking in the Desert The most remote areas of Big Bend National Park are best left to experienced backpackers. Each year, park rangers respond to desert emergencies when hikers are not prepared for the heat and extreme conditions of the desert. Due to the complex topography and vague trails/routes, a topographic map and a compass/gps are necessary for some hikes. Not for novices, you will need to be fully equipped and physically prepared to pack your gear and water into the desert and camp primitively. River Trips Floating the Rio Grande Big Bend offers a variety of river adventures. Enjoy a day trip, or plan an extended float through spectacular limestone canyons. If you have the time and a spirit of adventure, you may want to consider a river trip. Seeing the park's canyons from the middle of the Rio Grande can be an incredible experience. There are many possibilities including half-day floats or multi-day excursions. Floating the Rio Grande can take you through miles of canyons up to 1,500 feet deep, where the sunlight may reach the bottom only briefly on winter days. As in other parts of the park, your ears may tell you more than your eyes. Listen for beavers crawling through the brush;you might catch a glimpse as one slides down the riverbank into the water. Turtles, especially red-eared sliders, often sun themselves on rocks and logs just above the waterline. Great blue herons and green kingfishers are just some of the many birds you may see flying along the river. Bicycling Lightly traveled roads and varied terrain make Big Bend a premier bicycling location. Over 100 miles of paved roads and 150 miles of backcountry dirt roads provide challenges for riders of all types and abilities. Bicyclists must be extremely cautious and well-prepared, but bicycling allows outstanding panoramic views unobstructed by a windshield. It also allows the bicyclist to see and hear some of the smaller wonders of Big Bend from a more intimate viewpoint. Bird Watching Big Bend's position near the 100th meridian in the middle of the continent and along a migration route makes the park ideal for bird diversity throughout the year. Northern species migrate here for the warm winter climate, while birds from the tropics range this far north to breed in the spring. One of Big Bend's highlights, the Colima warbler, is a predominantly Mexican species that only nests in the United States in the Chisos Mountains from April to September. Fishing Sometimes visiting a National Park can seem as though time is not on your side and the pace of “have to see everything” takes over. Perhaps fishing, which might seem unusual in a desert park, could be just what the “ranger” ordered. This activity is less harried, relaxing, and most of all, edible. Fishing the Rio Grande is something that is fun for visitors of all ages. And best of all it's free, and requires no Texas fishing license. All that is required is a fishing permit which may be obtained at any open visitor center. So if a lazy day by the Rio Grande is something you might enjoy, ask a ranger about fishing opportunities here in the park Stargazing On the clearest nights, more than 2,500 stars are visible to the naked eye! Big Bend is known as one of the outstanding places in North America for stargazing. In fact, it has the least light pollution of any other National Park unit in the lower 48 states. One factor that makes this possible is simply the sparse human occupation of this region. Click here to see the Big Bend National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist who had the rare privilege of studying under Ansel Adams in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. Now, Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph all of America's National Parks. He's creating WPA-style posters to help people celebrate their own national park adventures — as well as encourage others to get out and explore! Click here to learn more about Rob and The National Park Poster Project! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/best-things-to-do-in-big-bend-national-park?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS

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