Big Bend National Park - April 25-26, 2009

Rio Grande River - TX/Mexico Border

Santa Elena Canyon

Fort Davis

No matter where you come from, Big Bend National Park is not easy to get to. In my case, I flew from Dallas-Fort Worth to Midland-Odessa and drove 95 miles to Fort Stockton for the night. The next morning, I continued the drive through Marathon to finally reach the entrance to the park after another 58 miles.

The landscape leading to the park was fairly flat and desert hot. As I got closer, hills and geologic formations began to appear on the horizon. Big Bend gets its name from the bend in the Rio Grande river that creates its southern border. Beyond river terrain, the park is a mix of desert and mountain habitat. Surprisingly, black bears have migrated north from Mexico and make their home in the Chisos Mountains along with the mountain lions. Luckily, I didn't encounter either face-to-face.

This park visit was one of my most solitary trips. I rarely saw someone on the road as I drove and never saw someone else at the pullouts and trailheads. With the temperatures in the high '90's I was less venturesome than usual.

In terms of accommodations, options are few and far between. Since the Chisos Mountains Lodge was sold out, I found a room at the Gage Hotel in Marathan - very quaint with a local feel. Not your typical Best Western and definitely a step up from the Chisos Mountains Lodge which appeared to be a glorified motor inn. The Gage restaurant was a wonderful find.

In addition to Big Bend, I managed a quick side trip to visit Fort Davis. All in all, a worthwhile getaway weekend.