Boquillas Canyon
Boquillas Canyon is the longest and deepest canyon in Big Bend National Park. The vertical relief from nearby Pico del Carmen, to river level is over 7,000 feet, somewhat deeper than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
Boquillas Canyon is the longest and deepest canyon in Big Bend National Park. The vertical relief from nearby Pico del Carmen, to river level is over 7,000 feet, somewhat deeper than the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
Big Bend National Park encompasses the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River forms its southern boundary, and it's the only park in the United States that contains a complete mountain range - the Chisos.
Camino del Rio, or River Road is state highway 170 between Lajitas and Presidio. For over 30 miles, El Camino twists and winds with the Rio Grande, crossing arroyos, climbing mountains, and hugging canyon walls.
Big Bend State Park is a 275,000-acre preserve managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in Brewster and Presidio Counties. Much of The Park is high desert uplands and peaks that average over average over 4000 feet. The predominantly igneous rock tells the tale of violent volcanic activity between 15 and 30 million years ago.
There are three major routes to drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Big Bend, take the fast way, or choose a more round about, scenic route.
There are several routes to the Big Bend from El Paso. Take the direct route, or take some time and see the sights of West Texas on the way.
There are several scenic routes through the Hill Country going from Austin to Big Bend, but fastest is to take US 290 west through Fredericksburg and Harper, which intersects with I-10 just east of Junction.
There are a couple of ways to drive to Big Bend from Odessa and Midland, depending on your local destination.
There are two main routes to come into Big Bend from San Antonio. I-10 takes a northerly route to Fort Stockton. You may also take US 90 through Uvalde and Del Rio, which is a little shorter distance wise, but takes a bit longer.
If you come by public transport, you may want to rent a vehicle.
West Texas grew up around the train, and the train still delivers visitors to Big Bend. Your vacation begins as soon as you take a seat in the city of origin. Please double check with AMTRAK as times may change and schedules sometimes run behind.
Nature knows no bounds, and the beauty of mountains, plains, dessert, and prairies don't stop at the limit of a national or state park. This collection contains photos from the entire Big Bend area. Join this group and add your own photos!