Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site. Photo by Erich Schlegel
When the walk from the living room to the kitchen fridge seems like a long walk, dig into the stories that transport you to the far reaches of the state without ever having to leave the warmth of your armchair. Curl up with a good read about rock climbing in West Texas or kayaking river rapids.
Find Out Why This Region in Texas is Called the Big Empty
By Wes Ferguson
A corner of the Panhandle is home to a whole lot of nothing, and it is quite majestic to behold. From the land’s red dirt to the long stretches of ranches, the Big Empty is filled with sights only the locals seem to know about.
Paddling the Devils River in Southwest Texas Offers High Risks and High Rewards
By Matt Joyce
The Devils River is not for the faint of heart. Its rapids could mean anything from soaked gear to broken bones, but for anyone who dares to kayak the river, a thrill is always guaranteed.
An Unplugged Travel Challenge Through the Rio Grande Valley Leads to Unexpected Detours and Rewards
By Clayton Maxwell
Trading in the GPS for a paper map in the Rio Grande Valley can lead to new destinations you never expected.
Against All Odds, Caddo Lake Prevails
By S.C. Gwynne
Caddo Lake has faced many battles in its day—invasive species, drilling—but nevertheless, its mystical sweet tea-colored waters persist.
An Indoor Enthusiast Breaks out of Her Comfort Zone at Hueco Tanks State Park
By Sarah Hepola
To get away from her laptop, Sarah Hepola figured the best remedy would be climbing rocks in West Texas. No harness. No grips. Just a woman attempting to get to higher ground.
Explore the Most Remote Reaches of the Big Bend’s Mighty Rio Grande
By Matt Joyce
The Rio Grande’s Lower Canyons are practically cut off from civilization. It’s pure wilderness that offers picturesque views of curved rocks towering overhead.
Scale Five Peaks in One Week on This Epic West Texas Road Trip
By Matt Joyce
Trekking to where land meets the sky is a feat of its own. Trying to scale as many mountain trails as possible within a week is something else entirely.
Hiking the Permian Reef Trail to the Texas-New Mexico line. Photo by Michael Deyoung
Inspired by John Graves’ “Goodbye to a River,” a Writer Returns to Her Roots on the Guadalupe
By Clayton Maxwell
Victoria-native and writer Clayton Maxwell journeyed back to the river she grew up playing in with her sister. As she canoed the waters, the words of John Graves ruminated in her mind.
Hike from Texas to New Mexico on This 100-Mile-Long Trail
By Wes Ferguson
On rare occasions do people decide to hike from Texas to New Mexico instead of travelling by car or plane, but the Guadalupe Ridge Trail makes the long walk worth it. The remote path links the Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains national parks. What the parks lack in water, they make up for with desert beauty.
For Quiet on the Coast, Escape to the Mother Lagoon
By Joe Nick Patoski
Mother Lagoon, also known as Laguna Madre, acts as a barrier between the Wild Horse Desert and Padre Island. The stretch of water is excellent for a boating getaway, just as long as you can navigate its shallow, rocky depths.
