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Don't Mess with (National Parks in) Texas

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


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]

3 Comments

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  1. djk

    Jaunted Member

    Suddenly...

    ...I find myself in the mood to put on "Rio Grande Mud" by ZZ Top.
    January 25, 2007 at 3:25 PM
  1. kz5bw5

    Jaunted Member

    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
    ---------------------------------------------

    February 2, 2007 at 7:07 PM
  1. DanielJames

    Jaunted Member

    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.
    February 4, 2007 at 10:00 AM

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