Trails and Wildlife

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Details: Created on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 14:56; Published on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 14:56; Written by Abe Connally

There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!

When you visit Big Bend, you may prefer the comfort of a nearby hotel bed, but getting out and experiencing the natural beauties of your favorite National Park is an exicting activity. Why not go for a little run? 52bear

Running along a trail is different from running on a paved road, and you need to be prepared. As is brought out in this website, there are specific challenges to running in Big Bend region, and you'll want to take those into consideration. The above-linked site also has a list of trails, varying from easy to challenging, for you to go and try.

This winter weather promises to give perfect conditions for the beginning runner as well as the seasoned pro. It seems that conditions will remain mostly dry for the rest of the year, and that means no sleet or ice storms. That sounds good. And when we say cool or cold in Texas, we don't mean the same temperatures as in Michigan or Vermont. Our winters are usually very mild (daily high in the 70's), which means outdoors activities like jogging can be easily enjoyed year-round.

For the serious runners out there, don't forget about the Big Bend Ultra Run on January 15, 2012.

One great benefit to running the trails in Big Bend is all the wildlife you can see. Here is an article of one runner that was able to walk right up to a group of deer and even a black bear. This guy wasn't even hurt; the bear and deer moved on like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Wildlife is more abundant during the fall and winter months due to the cooler temperatures. Many visitors are able to catch a great peek at any number of animals this time of the year.

What adventures will you have while running the trails this winter?

Worth a Thousand Words

There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.

Birding in Big Bend

Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.

Your Big Year is Here

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend Video Collections

Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.