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Don't Mess with (National Parks in) Texas

January 25, 2007 at 11:35 AM | by | Comments (3)


We always thought of Big Bend National Park as a place that didn't get the r-e-s-p-e-c-t it deserved. Way down south, in out-of-the-way Texas, it gets only a handful of the visitors that other parks do. And it has room for more people, too: It's bigger than even Yosemite and Joshua Tree National Parks. We're surprised folks aren't flocking, especially given the treatment National Geographic is giving it.

Maybe it's because the park isn't exactly convenient. You'll find it after a five-hour drive from the nearest airport in Midland-Odessa. (It's served by Continental, American Eagle and Southwest.) Once you get driving, make sure to keep that rental car gas tank full. Gas stations don't come easy in West Texas, pardner.

What to do once you arrive at Park HQ in Panther Junction? Well, you've got your standard option of hiking around the marked trails. But why stop there? Big Bend is known for its fall Monarch migration, but there are plenty of other types of butterflies around right now. You'll also be able to spot other wildlife and plants from south of the border--things you won't see anywhere else in the States. Floating down the Rio Grande and biking are also on tap. What's that? You're even up for camping in the backcountry? Respek!

[Photo: DanielJames]

Related Stories:
· Big Bend National Park [Official Site]

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Suddenly...

...I find myself in the mood to put on "Rio Grande Mud" by ZZ Top.
djk on January 25, 2007 at 3:25 PM #Permalink

Ah, Big Bend...

Gotta love Big Bend Texas - that's right, don't mess with Big Bend and Don't Mess with Texas...

---------------------------------------------
NOTE:  I receive NO financial consideration,  
renumeration, or special consideration from
this shameless publicity!
-------------------------------------------
Become a Big Bend (BIBE) Supporter by
purchasing State of Texas Speciality plates
@ http://tinyurl.com/y4zow9 and for your
motorcycle @  http://tinyurl.com/yxmss9
Of the $30 fee, $22 goes directly to the
Friends of Big Bend in support of their
mission of BIBE.
---------------------------------------------
Please join the Friends of Big Bend by
direct membership @
http://www.bigbendfriends.org/membershipform.html
---------------------------------------------
Need books and maps of BIBE - then be sure and check out
http://www.bigbendbookstore.org/
and consider becoming a member of the BBNHA
Big Bend Natural History Association @
http://www.bigbendbookstore.org/members.html
--------------------------------------------
Want to take a virtual tour of Big Bend to
see what you are missing, then be sure and
visit www.virtualbigbend.com and also see
what everyone is having to say about the
West Texas Trans Pecos Big Bend Region @
www.bigbendchat.com
---------------------------------------------
How about a Big Bend coffee mug, t-shirt,
or hat.  They are all the rage now and can
be purchased on-line safely and securely @
http://www.cafepress.com/virtualbigbend
Your purchases help support
www.virtualbigbend and www.bigbendchat
and keep them "free" from membership dues.
---------------------------------------------
shanea@sfajacks.com
---------------------------------------------

kz5bw5 on February 2, 2007 at 7:07 PM #Permalink

Big Bend Photographs

Thanks for linking to my Big Bend photograph. There are more of them in my photoblog. I'm just now in the process of uploading the rest of the series. So there should be even more in a few days.
DanielJames on February 4, 2007 at 10:00 AM #Permalink

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