In the southwest corner of Texas, nestled on the border with Mexico, lies Big Bend. It is desert, it is mountains but mostly, it is magnificent! The park gets its name form the large bend in the Rio Grande or if you are the Mexico side of the line, Río Bravo.

The Chisos Mountains are located in the park along with sea fossils, dinosaur bones and some of the best star gazing anywhere! Big Bend is massive at 801,163 acres and completely underrated. This ranks in the top 10 as far as I’m concerned and worth the drive, do not miss this one.

The moment the sunlight raises above the mountain tops is simply magnificent.

To the Hike

This where you get your moneys worth. We chose a hike that was challenging and the path wondered thru the steep mountains and ended with a picturesque view of the was named after

Picture Window

5 miles in on the hike you are no longer walking on the sandy gravel path, you are in the gorge of the mountains. Climbing up and down rock and your pace slows just a bit. After an hour or so further we made it atop one of the bigger rocks and a bright light shined at us like a flashlight in the dark. The footing was unsteady because the rock was slippery and shiny. As we inched ever so closely it revealed a view that was more than marvelous and it was clear why this hime was named picture window. To add to the fun of the slippery fun it slopped right off the cliff like a water slide and the wind was howling in at a menacing rate. It was saying enjoy the beauty but don’t get to close.

Rio Grande

As we reached the climax of the journey we sat down next to the river. Caiti put her hand on mine to enjoy the moment. False! A giant tarantula was brushing my fingertips.

The sun goes down

Map of Big Bend

Map of Texas

Distance from Home

*1116 miles

Side Notes

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