Big Bend National Park, Texas

It has 800,000 acres of desert, mountains, and river canyons. It contains an entire mountain range within it's borders - the Chisos. The elevations differences are from the lowest point at 1,850 feet to a towering 7,825 feet. I could go on and on but have you guessed yet. Yup you guessed it's Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas.

We decided to make the trek to Big Bend because it was another beautiful day and I had heard so much about it. From Fort Stockton it's 125 miles due south to the Park gates on the 385. The road was fantastic with lots of scenery but no Texas longhorns.

When we arrived at the park boundaries at the north end it's another 25 miles to the ranger station.

Park boundaries

On the way to the park it was one continuous OMG, that is sooooooo beautiful. I couldn't imagine it getting any better but it did and more. From the desert vegetation to the mountainous rock formation, here is our day.

Desert floor with an Ocotilla

We asked at the ranger station the best places to see because of the time frame involved. We brought the dogs with us but were informed they are not allowed on any of the trails within the park. Our first adventure is to Balanced Rock. Many off roads require a four wheel drive vehicle. I just happen to be driving one. However, this one not so much.

Entrance to the trail

Susan was a real trooper she opted to stay with the dogs while I walked the 2 mile trail round trip. Equipped with my camera away I go.

Rock formations were beautiful

The trail follows an old river wash so it was pretty easy until you got to the rocks you had to climb over. I'm glad Susan stayed back.

Half way there Susan is out of sight

It was worth the trip as the view was amazing in all directions. Now I wish I had brought some water, it got pretty hot. Yes, stupid me.

The Balanced Rock

It's pretty cool how these rocks ended up in such precarious positions when the glaciers retreated.

Another balancing rock

Beautiful rock formations

Desert vegetation

What a great experience. I showed Susan the pictures. She was happy she didn't go. Leaving the desert behind we climbed to Chisos Basin at 5400 feet stopping to take breathtaking pictures along the way.

I see trees

As we climbed in elevation there was a distinctive change in vegetation from desert cactus to trees. Ascending the lower mountainous slopes we entered woodlands of junipers, oaks, and Mexican pinons. At the higher elevations are forests of tall Arizona pines and Douglas fir.


Well now for the excitement of the day. As I was getting out of the truck to take another picture something jumped off my shoulder onto the ground. OMG a picture says it all.

A Tarantula

I put the penny down to show the size. It was in the truck with us, when it crawled in I do not know. The unfortunate part is it lost a leg as it hit the ground.

Before leaving I wanted to check out the campgrounds. I so badly want to come back even with the tarantula experience. There is only one area that will accommodate our rig and that is at the Rio Grande Village. The National Park campground has no hookups but the Village Campground has full hookups (W/50amp/S). Can't beat that all for $35 p/n.

On our trip home it was non stop chatter about all the sights we saw (too many to but in the blog), the trails, and of course the tarantula. We also experienced our first border patrol inspection station with a drug sniffing dog. Luckily our good friends Marilyn and Dave told us to carry our passport. We did, the patrol police were friendly.

Border Patrol

Getting closer to home we stopped at the Sierra Madera Crater site. The site spans 13 km and occurred over 100 million years ago. The rebound effect of the meteorite hitting earth is 793 feet above the surrounding land. Unfortunately it's on private land so we couldn't get any closer.

Sierra Madera Meteor Crater