Big Bend National Park, Texas:

The stark visual poetry of Big Bend arouses a sense of awe and wonder. This is the Wild West at its wildest. Big Bend encompasses a vast tract of Chihuahuan desert that allows vistors to experience exotic and at times dangerous wildlife, fascinating geology, prickly desert vegetation, glorious sunsets, and mile upon mile of sprawling desert.

The spectacular Chisos mountains rise solemnly from the desert floor, forming a sanctuary for plants and animals unique to this ecosystem. They were conceived by volcanic activity eons ago and stand as mute testament to the convulsive forces of nature. The Rio Grande river forms the southern boundary of the park which seperates Texas from Mexico. This long ribbon of water has created an oasis in the middle of an otherwise parched southwestern landscape.

The park shares certain mountain ranges with Mexico like the Sierra Del Carmen. Large parts of Mexico are visible from various locations inside Big Bend. The profuse wildlife that has adapted to this harsh environment includes large, pig-like creatures called javelinas, mountain lions, roadrunners, coyotes, tarantulas and over 400 species of birds.

There are other national parks perhaps more beautiful and spectacular than Big Bend. But for a raw, primitive wilderness experience largely devoid of human influence, this isolated park is hard to beat.

Recommended Day Hikes:
South Rim/Emory Peak trail
Round Trip Length: 14.1 miles
Trailhead location: Chisos Basin trailhead (not far from the Chisos Mountain Lodge parking lot)
Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
Attractions: Emory Peak trail can be combined with the South Rim trail for a 14.1 mile circuit; unparalelled vistas that extend far and wide; lush vegetation

Lost Mine trail
Round Trip Length: 4.8 miles
Trailhead location: Mile marker 5 along the Chisos Basin road
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Attractions: This hike leads to a high ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and desert

Santa Elena Canyon trail
Round Trip Length: 1.7 miles
Trailhead location: Terminus of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Up-close view of the Rio Grande river and Santa Elena Canyon

Mule Ears Peaks/Smoky Creek trail
Round Trip Length: 4 miles
Trailhead location: Mule Ears Overlook parking area at milepost 15 on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions: Exotic Chihuahuan desert vegetation; solitude; wide-open views of surrounding desert country; striking views of the rock formation known as Mule Ears Peaks; the trail ends at the normally dry Smoky Creek bed

Rio Grande Village Nature Trail
Round Trip Length: 3/4 mile
Trailhead location: Across from RGV campsite 18 in the Rio Grande Village campground
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Excellent bird watching; spring-fed wetland; fine views of the Sierra Del Carmen, Rio Grande river floodplain, and Boquillas Canyon

Recommended Points of Interest:
The Green Gulch located along Chisos Basin road; Santa Elena Canyon; Boquillas Canyon; Sotol Vista Overlook; Rio Grande Overlook; Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

Helpful travel tips and observations
Watch for snakes, scorpions, and spiders (tarantulas), especially at night when they are most active; sunscreen and a hat are essential to protect your skin from the scorching effects of the sun; visit during spring for lovely desert wildflower displays if sufficient rain has fallen, or during winter for solitude and cool temperatures

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