In the depths of far West Texas lies a place so magical that you will swear you are experiencing heaven. The night skies are as dark as the deepest caverns and the stars as bright as a thousand suns. So far removed from the light pollution from bigger cities allows for stars to be seen you never knew existed. The mountainous terrain is vast and seems to go on forever as it disappears into the horizon. As the desert turns into mountains it provides homes to hundreds of species of birds, deer, antelope, elk, bear and more. Some have described this place as splendid isolation, I couldn’t agree more. It is known as Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend is nationally recognized as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. The park provides protection and shelter to more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. There are several geological features in the park as well that include sea fossils, dinosaur bones, volcanic dikes, and more.
The park consists of over 800,000 acres of mountains, rivers, and desert and is visited by an average of 400,000 visitors each year. When driving through the park you never know what to expect to see. Dirt roads leading through valleys, scenic vistas, diverse wildlife, historical sites and buildings, and more. When arriving at the park be sure and stop by Panther Junction Visitor Center to get your maps (you absolutely need maps), brochures, books and information. From there you can make your way through the vast expanse and explore Big Bend for all it has to offer. Just don’t think you will be able to take everything in in just one day. You will need a minimum of 2-3 days to see the sites from the main park roads. I would recommend a full week, if possible, to really gain a true experience of what Big Bend is all about.
Even though we have visited the park several times, we still seem to find new sites and experiences each time we go. To really get the best experience I recommend loading up a pack and taking off of the several hiking trails. One of the favorite trails is the one leading to Santa Elena Canyon. It is usually to most popular destination inside the park for travels staying overnight. With its dramatic beauty and 1,500 foot cliffs forming the canyon wall, you will see why this area of the park receives the most visitors.
Another popular trail is the Window Trail. This trail begins near the Chisos Basin lodge. The famed trail is named for the view through the mountains as they meet one another high about the desert floor. The view appears as you are looking through a window out into the Chihuahuan Desert. It is a moderately difficult trail consisting of a 5.2 mile hike. Be sure to keep an eye of the weather as the pour off area of the trail is dangerous during flash-floods.
If hiking is not your thing and would rather enjoy the views through the windshield then the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is one not to miss. This thirty-mile drive leads to the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon. Throughout the scenic drive you can stop and enjoy the many showcases along the way. Some of these showcases are the famed Sam Nail Ranch, Blue Creek Ranch Overlook Sotol Vista Overlook, Mule Ears Viewpoint and Tuff Canyon. This breathtaking views are sure to fill your camera roll with memories that last a lifetime.
With so many options to choose from you can basically create a unique experience unlike any other you could recreate. Our last trip we decided to stay outside of the Park in the town of Alpine. Although being over 70 miles away, it allows visitors to experience coming in from the North entrance and exiting to the South. This allows you to stop in the famous ghost town of Terlingua. Try and plan your arrival in Terlingua about an hour or two before sunset. You will be able to see the famous cemeteries and sit on the porch of the gift shop and witness an amazing sunset. If you get a chance, jump over to the town of Marfa after dark and stop and look for the famous Marfa Lights. These lights are an unexplained phenomenon that will keep you mesmerized as you watch them dance. Look for an upcoming issue of Texas Life Magazine where we will feature the town of Marfa and the famous lights.
We hope you decide to take the journey and visit Big Bend National Park. It is truly a remarkable area and a must see for every Texan. It’s impossible to describe in words just how big and beautiful it really is. Just remember to make sure you bring plenty of water and emergency supplies in case a problem arises. Be safe and enjoy one of the most pristine National Parks in America.
