We all got an early start out of Presidio and thanks to our traveling partners they arrived a good 40 minutes before us and were able to snag a couple of campsites for all of us. This park is primarily on a “First Come” basis and it’s a very popular destination.
Big Bend is named for the big U-turn the Rio Grands river makes at this location. The river defines the park boundary for 118 miles. The headwaters of the Rio Grande begin in Colorado and by the time it winds its way through dams, agriculture land and other water-hungry areas it arrives in this area as a thin river of green. The park road ends at the river which is the border of Mexico and the United States.
We have to thank Bill and Sue for encouraging us to venture further south in Texas instead of up to Fredericksburg as we originally had planned. We have been wanting to visit this part of the park for a long time. The rest of the West and Southwest is Cold, and Snowy. Big Bend was the warmest spot on the map outside of Florida. It was a good decision.
We arrived at the beginning of the bloom season and the landscape was beautiful.
You’ll find some great trails to hike and jeep roads to explore About the only thing you can do with your cell phone is use the camera, flashlight or any offline apps in most of the park. The exceptions are at the Rio Grande park store where you will pick up Internet off their WIFI and a few miles from the Panther Junction Visitor Center. (that was 20 miles from us)
Many bird species make their home in the campground. Vermillion Flycatchers are beautiful but don’t like to stay perched very long.
With 4 days to explore we calculated the hours of each hike and jeep road and made our choices where to spend our time. Our first outing took us on a rough but beautiful ride on River Road East (just outside the Village) continuing on a loop to Glenn Springs Road and out at the Pine Canyon Road. With numerous stops for picture taking it took around 2.5 hours. Maximum speed averaged 15 MPH as it was rough most of the route. Quite a few of the wildflowers were in full bloom on that road. The mountains were spectacular.
As you travel the River Road you get glimpses of the river from the La Clocha primitive campsite. Then just when you think you are in dry desert you make a turn into a field of flowers.
We had time for 3 Hikes, a visit to the Chiso Basin and Panther Junction Visitor Centers. As with most National Park Visitor Centers, the video of the park is worth seeing.
The hike to Balance Rock begins near the end of Grapevine Hills Road. This was a worthwhile hike in a narrow wash between towering mountains and boulders and many blooming wildflowers.
The last part of the trail to the rock requires some rock climbing if you have short legs like me.
The hike to Pine Canyon used up a few calories as it was about a 1000 foot elevation gain ending at a sheer rock wall with a trickling stream of water winding its way to the bottom. I’d say the wall was about 300 to 400 feet tall. Not much wildlife was spotted. Friends in the park told us they saw Mexican Black bear when they took the hike. It was about a Seven mile hike.
We saw one doe, and since we had the “Doe Whisperer” along with us we had quite a visit with this yearling. Thanks Sue!
We finally made it to the end of the trail. It’s downhill most of the way back.
Don’t miss the 1.4 miles hike into Boquillas Canyon
You could be fined $5000.00 for crossing the river here. It’s shallow and oh so close, but use Boquillas Crossing through the Customs station.
Along this trail you may encounter a very official looking Mexican man on horseback. He may be visible on the trail or appear from the bushes.
No fear tho, he’s just trying to sell you souvenirs.The park says it is illegal to purchase them. You will find the same hand made items in Boquillas del Carmen if you take that trip.
We noticed several of these blinds here and there along this trail. They were arranged with a good view point from the Mexico side to keep an eye on the displays of trinkets for sale on the US side. Many of the displays had a container for the money (on the honor system)
Our next to last hike was to the Hot Springs. A short 3/4 mile hike past a couple historic buildings many fossils, pictographs and petroglyphs.
In the early 1900’s this was a store and post Office. The land was acquired under the Homestead Act. J. O. Langford, with his wife, Bessie, an 18 month old daughter, and a baby on the way began an eleven day journey to reach their new home. Today, the trop from Alpine takes about 2 hours.
Today, you can take a walk back in time with a visit the Hot Springs Historic District. Pictographs are visible along the cliff wall, and several of the buildings have been preserved. You can also soak in the 105°F water that bubbles up from a hole in the old foundation of the old bathhouse.
The Rio grande Village Campground turned out to be a good base for all of our activities. I would definitely stay here again.
Tomorrow we are planning to take the trip to Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico. It is sure to be a highlight of this part of our journey. Stay tuned for a report as we cruise over the border.
Fabulous as always!!
Any sign of Miss Tracy’s lunch in Study Butte??
Bill, Miss Tracy remains incognito
LOVE following your journey! The pictures are absolutely amazing and have me dreaming of going back!