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Big Bend National Park
Does your family have a “been there,
done that” attitude when it comes to many national parks? Then Big
Bend may just be the answer. This remote park is a real place to get away
from it all and enjoy nature along the banks of the Rio Grande.
That massive river, the border between Texas
and Mexico, marks the location of Big Bend. Picture a map of Texas and
where the river (and thus the boundary) makes a big bend, well, you guessed
it. This remote region is home of this little-visited park where you can
get away from the crowds. With truly Texas-size proportions, the park
spans over 800,000 acres–plenty of space for even those families
looking for lots of elbow room.
Location: Big Bend National Park is
located in far west Texas. To get here, travel from Marathon (70 miles)
on US 385 to the north entrance of the park or on TX 118 from Alpine (108
miles) to the west entrance. The west entrance can be reached by taking
RR 170 from Presidio to Study Butte then TX 118 to the west entrance.
Want to fly in? The closest air service is Midland (230 miles) or El Paso
(325 miles).
Activities: This isn’t a park
for families looking for a lot of organized fun but if you are ready to
make your own adventure it can be a great getaway. Enjoy a scenic drive
through the huge park for an overall look at the park; the best vistas
are found on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the road to the Chisos
Mountain Basin. (Don’t try these two while towing a trailer, though.)
You’ll also see plenty of dirt roads crisscrossing the park, but
these are only recommended for those with high-clearance vehicles.
Hiking is definitely the number one activity;
hikers can choose all grades of trails that span over 150 miles
of the park. Guided nature walks led by naturalists are offered
year around (several a day in the peak months from November through
April). Check with the visitors centers for current offerings. The
park also offers wildlife viewing and birdwatching trips.Several
outfitters located just outside the park can offer one of the most
exciting ways to view this region aboard a float trip.
Four visitors centers are located at Persimmon
Gap, Panther Junction, Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village, each can provide
more information about the rich archaeological history of the region as
well as ecotourism activities. Hiking is definitely the number one activity;
hikers can choose all grades of trails that span over 150 miles of the
park.
Guided nature walks led by naturalists are
offered year around (several per day in the peak months from November
through April). Several outfitters located just outside the park offer
Rio Grande float trip through the rugged canyons.
Much of the interest in the park includes
its historic sites; the park is believed to contain an estimated 10,000
archaeological sites, although few are open to the public. The Hot Springs
Historic District includes pictographs on limestone cliffs, several preserved
historic buildings, and a 105 degree hot spring enjoyed by many hikers.
The history of the park also includes events
during the past century. After a raid on Juárez by Pancho Villa,
the US Army began an aerial border patrol with a temporary landing field
at Glenn Spring. Later an airfield was established at Johnson's Ranch,
a remote ranch and trading post on the Rio Grande. Another historic stop
for visitors is the ghost town of Glenn Spring, which, in the early 20th
century, was home of a factory that produced wax using candelilla, a perennial
desert plant. Following several bloody raids, the community eventually
became a ghost town and today all that remains of the community, acessible
only by four wheel drive vehicle, is a cemetery and corral.
When to Go: Remember, this park is
perched in the southernmost area of the US and parts of the park are right
on the desert floor. Here temperatures can be griddle-like in the summer
months, but in the mountains you’ll find more temperate conditions.
The hottest months here are May and June, with cooling rains starting
in July and continuing through October.
Winter temperatures are usually pretty comfortable
but light snow can occur.
The best packing tips for this park are to
come prepared (you’re not going to run out to the Wal-Mart and grab
and extra layer if it does turn chilly). Be sure to bring a hat for everyone
in the family, plenty of sunscreen, at least a gallon of water per person
for every day you’ll be in the park, comfortable walking shoes, and
any must-have items.
What to Bring: Come prepared with layers
of clothing, even during summer months when evening temperatures can be
cool. Rain gear is also important in case of afternoon thunderstorms.
Insect repellent is a must during summer months.
Where to Stay: You’ve got several
choices when it comes to accommodations in the park. Lodging is limited,
though, so at peak times (Easter weekend, spring break, Thanksgiving weekend,
Christmas week) be sure to book early if you are planning to stay at the
lodge (and come early if you’re hoping to get a campsite). The months
of August and September are usually the quietest as kids head back to
school and vacationers avoid the end of summer heat.
The park is home to the Chisos Mountain Lodge,
which is operated by the National Park Concessions, Inc. For information,
call 915/477-2291.
Campers have several options. Developed
campsites are found at Rio Grande Village (100 sites), Chisos Basin
(63 sites), and Cottonwood (31 sites). Each of these sites have
water and restrooms. No hookups are available. Each campsite is
limited to eight campers and two vehicles. There is no advance reservation
system on these sites so it’s first-come, first-served.
At Rio Grande Village, you’ll find a
full service RV park with hookups. For information, call Tel. 915/477-2251.
Families who are ready to do some backcountry
hiking will find primitive camping opportunities. You’ll need a backcountry
permit.
For More Information:
Photo courtesy TX Dept of Economic Development, Tourism
Division
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Corpus Christi
