We keep going back - the ultimate NP
Written: Dec 21 '01 (Updated Aug 13 '03)
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Pros: Wild, empty, beautiful, Texas' best kept secret
Cons: A long way from Houston!
The Bottom Line: Go there and see for yourself that this is a very special place quite unlike almost anywhere else in the USA
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| prashton's Full Review: Big Bend National Park |
UPDATE! Photo gallery at http://focalplane.com/portfolios7.html
We've been going to Big Bend NP for nearly ten years, making a total of seven trips from Houston. the shear distance involved is a big advantage and disadvantage. The advantage is that the number of visitors to Big bend is relatively low, but it also makes a long weekend virtually impossible to plan if you live at the other end of the State.
We have camped in Big Bend, but only at the primitive campsites which we love but understand that not everyone else would agree! In 1994 we were there when a lone male camper was shot dead in the next canyon. But to our mind the risk is minimal - we do live in Houston, after all. The primitive campsites are well designed and very remote. You need to take plenty of water and a shovel is your toilet! A high clearance vehicle is also a very good idea for most campsites.
Our other mode of accommodation is to stay outside the park at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, about one hour's drive north of Panther Junction. The Gage is a fine restored historic hotel which generally offers good food from the kitchen (chefs seem to come and go) and a wonderful atmosphere. The downside is of course the daily "commute" down Highway 386.
Within the park there are three main areas of interest. Number one is the mountains, in particular the Chisos Mountains. We have walked several of the trails in the Chisos and they can be ranked from easy (Lost Mine Trail) to difficult (Juniper Canyon to South Rim). One downside with hiking in the Chisos is that in winter, when the climate is at its best, the days are short, so you have to start real early to make the longer hikes. We have not backpacked overnight as we don't have the equipment but clearly this is a better option for those who want to do it.
The desert is what west Texas is all about and the barren-ness of Big Bend is spectacular, particularly earlier in the morning and at sunset. Ernst Tinaja is a magical place. The area around Costolon has some interesting rocks (white tuff and black obsidian). Black Gap Road is a challenge for 4 wheel drive vehicles and offers some great scenery along the way.
The Rio Grande is the third dimension. The easiest access is at St. Elena Canyon, but the most satisfaction is gained by driving the often difficult River Road and then pulling off onto the river's edge in the middle of nowhere. Mariscal Mountain is a great stopover on this road, if only to check out the ruins of the cinnabar mine.
This review only scratches the surface. Many books have been written about the area. It is worth reading as much as you can before and after going to Big Bend. Chances are you will want to return, many times!
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: September-November
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
prashton
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Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Geologist and Photographer - Interested in Nature, Travel, the Arts
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