Big Bend rewards patient travelers. “Patient” because not only does it take a long time to get here from most everywhere in the state, but also because it can take some time to fully relax into Big Bend’s transformative pleasures.
“I love Big Bend National Park. We’ve been coming since the 1980s. We love the fact that you can hike anywhere in the desert and not see a single person. The park is wild and beautiful.”
—Marilyn Schmidt, Wichita, Kansas
Big Bend is like taking a big breath: Vistas as far as the eye can see, dusky-painted mountaintops juxtaposed against coppery-brown expanses of desert, jagged spikes of agave and ocotillo bearing blood-red blooms. Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer all manner of hikes and outdoors adventures, and the nearby towns of Terlingua and Study Butte provide additional lodging, restaurants, and even nightlife. Whatever you do, don’t rush it.
For more information about Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, natural history of the area, dining, lodging, Rio Grande trips and other active adventures, flora and fauna, and all manner of trip-planning tips at www.visitbigbend.com.
