Photo By: Jacob Lips
In other parts of the world, a park is a relaxing field of grassy land interspersed with colorful flowers. In the United States, a park can be anything from a grassy field, to a land of geological marvel, or an archeological and ecological protected area, like the Big Bend National Park in West Texas. The 801,163-acre park gets over 400,000 visitors a year.
History
The Big Bend National Park is rich in history—both geologically and archeologically. Geological studies point to various tectonic activities, which dates back to millions of years ago, responsible for the unique landscape that makes the Big Bend a national treasure. As far as humans go, there is enough evidence to point to the Paleo-Indian community calling the area home, as far back as 10,500 years ago.
Following the Native Americans, Spanish colonizers inhabited the area in the early 1800s. When Mexico became independent from Spain, it gained control over the Big Bend, which serves as part of the border between the U.S. and Mexico. After the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848, the U.S. took control over the territory.
On June 12, 1944, the Big Bend National Park was born.
Photo By: Jacob Lips
Places to visit
Santa Elena Canyon – Rio Grande River slices through one of the best-looking canyons in North America. The canyons stand tall at 1,500 feet on both sides of the river. It is also the perfect division between the U.S. and Mexico, as the left wall is located in Mexico and the other wall is in Texas.
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – There are several places to see—and visit if that’s what the guests want—through this beautiful scenic drive. Here are some of the tourist spots to see during the land cruise:
Sam Nail Ranch. This is what remains of one of the homesteads in the Big Bend. There is a windmill that continues to pump water attracting many birds in the area. The Big Bend is known to be home to dozens of species of birds.
Blue Creek Ranch Overlook. This place will give visitors a glimpse of the Homer Wilson Ranch.
Sotol Vista Overlook. This provides an unparalleled view of the western side of the park, including the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon.
Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff. Visitors can see a high but dry waterfall, as well as various desert plants in this scenic location.
Mule Ears Viewpoint
Tuff Canyon
Castolon Historic District. For those craving a walk through the past, this is a good stop. The district was a cavalry camp in the early 20th century.
Old Maverick Road. There are several historic sites along this road that are worth checking out.
Hot Springs – On the edge of the Rio Grande River, sits the natural hot springs with water that runs at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. If the spring gets too hot, one can cool down in the river.
Photo By: Jacob Lips
Things to do
Aside from sightseeing at the beautiful vistas provided by the national park, here are some activities visitors can do at the Big Bend:
Step into Mexican territory – As long as visitors bring their passports, they can make a side trip to a Mexican village called Boquillas. There will be a boat that will take the tourists to the Mexican side of the river. At the Mexico side, visitors can then take a donkey for an immersive Mexican experience.
Watch the sunset and capture the moment – The Window is a V-shaped cleft in the mountainside, located near the Chisos Basin Visitors Center. This is a popular spot to view the sunset. This is also the perfect spot to immortalize the moment through one’s camera.
Hiking – There are trails for every level of hikers, who wish to enjoy the beautiful Big Bend. The moderate trails are the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, Lost Mine Trail and Windows Trails. The more experienced hikers will prefer the Emory Peak or South Rim.
Camping – Designated as a National Dark Sky Park, the Big Bend is an ideal spot for stargazing.
Flora and fauna
The Big Bend houses diverse wildlife that includes over 56 species of reptiles, and around 75 species of mammals. There are also around 450 species of birds found in the national park. At night, visitors are lucky enough to see cougars, coyotes, kangaroo rats, greater roadrunners, and gray foxes.
Since the park is a desert, it is also home to several species of cactus, like the more common prickly pear, as well as claret cup and pitaya. Providing vibrant colors in the desert are the yucca, bluebonnets, desert marigold, among others. There are 1,200 known plant species in the Big Bend.
Photo By: Jacob Lips