We left the Rio Grande behind us and headed up state for the mountains. This part of Texas sat at the bottom of the ocean before the dinosaurs roamed. There are coral fossils everywhere. After the civil war, a group of African American calvary were sent to fight the Apache Indians here. The Indians said they fought fierce like a cornered buffalo, this is where the term “Buffalo Soldier” comes from.

El Capitan- The mountains are actually a giant coral reef that was lifted by shifting tectonic plates, including the main attraction, El Capitan.

Getting There- The drive to get here was amongst the best I ever had. There was not another vehicle for hours and blues skies were heavenly and accompanied me on the entire journey.

Vandalism and Graffiti- This has been an ever increasing issue at our national parks. Someone has chosen to paint this rock on an otherwise perfect overlook. Im not advocating for violence or wish harm on anyone. I would however, if stumbled upon the culprit during the offense, would grab them by the shirt color and make them scrub it off till it was shiny and brand new. there is no question folks, people can be real A-holes.

Hikes and Trails- There are many options here and zero bad decisions on selecting your path. Enjoy the surroundings but keep a careful eye out on the ground because again this place sat on the bottom of the ocean. Fossils are literally everywhere and each one is a piece of history. You are not allowed to take them home but do take a close look and examine because it is fascinating.