Big Sky, Big Land, Big Adventure: Visiting Big Bend National Park

Big Sky, Big Land, Big Adventure:

Visiting Big Bend National Park- One of the most isolated and least visited National Parks in the United States, Big Bend is a treat both for the adventurous and those looking to get away from it all. Located in southern Texas along the Mexican border and far from any major cities, the park is named for the great tum the Rio Grande makes along the park's southern flank. But this park is about so much more than the river for which it is named. With stunning sunsets unique wildlife, and vast landscapes, Big Bend is a hidden gem of the National Park System and one that amply rewards those who go out of their way to seek it out.

What to do? Nearby, the winding drive up to the Chisos Basin (not recommended for long trailers and RVs) provides some spectacular views of the Chisos Mountain. The view through The Window-an aptly-named gap in the mountains looking out onto the desert-is especially beautiful at sunset. The area also includes many of the park's best hiking trails, which range in difficulty from easy to backbreaking. Rafting and canoeing on the Rio Grande is also an incredible experience. The soaring cliffs of the Santa Elena Canyon in the southwestern corner of the park is, for example, an awe-inspiring sight for anybody on the water. River use does require a float permit, which can be obtained at any ranger station or at the park headquarters in Panther Junction. Note, also, that the Rio Grande is a fast and unpredictable river and swimming in it is dangerous.

Finally, no visit to Big Bend is complete without experiencing some of the area's wildlife. With nearly 500 species of birds, Big Bend is a premier birding destination. Roadrunners are abundant and golden eagles, some with a wingspan of up to eight feet, can also be spotted. Other animals, such as javelinas, snakes, jackrabbits, and coyotes, also call the park home and are Panthers and black bears, although a rarer sight, are also found in the Chisos Mountains.

When to visit? Choosing the right time to visit is vital to enjoying a trip to Big Bend. Most visitors choose to come during the winter months when temperatures are cooler and more services are open. For birders, the spring migration is an especially big draw. While a visit during the summer can be Luncomfortable due to the soaring temperatures-heat stroke and dehydration being very real risks here visitors will have the park almost entirely to themselves and will truly be able to experience the solitude and vastness that make Big Bend so special.

Where to stay? The Chisos Mountains Lodge, in the center of the park, is the only hotel in Big Bend and offers all the amenities one would expect from a modem facility. For people who want to get a bit closer to nature, the park has campgrounds at Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and Cottonwood.