J.O. Langford’s Hot Springs: A Very Brief History
Consider the recent history of the hot springs and the story of how they became national park property for only $10. Be sure to make your way down that pleasant path for a soak on your next visit!
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Visiting Big Bend Family Style!
by Tori Martin, Trippin Yogis When you’re looking for a place to get away, disconnect, escape into nature, there’s no better place than Big Bend! As we spend time here, I can’t help but notice the contrasts all around us. The landscape is harsh, yet breathtaking. The border between the US and Mexico is there, yet […]
A River Worthy Of Its Name
The Rio Grande is a diminutive creek compared to the world’s mightiest rivers. The Amazon, the Nile, the Mississippi make no claims to greatness in their name, but the Rio Grande does have a few attributes that allow it to justify its lofty moniker.
State Park Info
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.
National Park Info
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.
Rio Grande Canyons
The Rio Grande is a continental river which forms the border between Mexico and the US and gives the Big Bend and the state of Texas their distinct shapes. The Rio Grande begins in the high snowfields of the continental divide, in the San Juan range of central Colorado. After a sparkling plunge towards the east, the young Rio Grande bends south to water the fields of the San Luis Valley
Colorado Canyon
Colorado Canyon, in Big Bend Ranch State Park, is the most accessible of the area’s major river canyons, and offers vehicle accessible views of the river as well as a choice of short float trips.
Lower Canyons
Below Boquillas Canyon and the boundary of Big Bend National Park, lies the third longest wilderness river section in the continental US. River enthusiasts putting in at Heath Canyon Ranch, across the river from La Linda, Coahuila, must travel over 85 river miles before the next public access at Dryden Crossing.
River Trips
Five spectacular river canyons in Big Bend offer incredible opportunities to kayak, canoe or raft the Rio Grande. The river is not difficult for beginning and intermediate paddlers at normal river flows, and some sections are ideal for novices. Bring your own gear, rent equipment from local outfitters, or take a fully equipped guided trip from two hours to ten days.