Read more about the article Big Bend National Park, TX Itinerary
Between Alpine and Terlingua

Big Bend National Park, TX Itinerary

After reading Texas Monthly for years, I’ve always wanted to visit Big Bend National Park in Texas. But it is hard to get to – and that may be the appeal for many. In fact, its one of the least visited of the National Parks.

Big Bend is located far west Texas – the part that’s under New Mexico. The park offers a place to hike, bike, fish, camp, whatever you want and it’s absolutely beautiful. But it’s 653 miles from Houston where we go to visit family. We chose to add a few days after Christmas and make the drive from Houston.

We found a reasonable room at Terlingua Ranch Lodge. Although Terlingua sits three miles from one of the park entrances, the ranch was about 30 minutes north of the park.  That seems far, but in reality it was one of the closer places to stay as Alpine is an hour and a half (83 miles) and Marfa is 2 hours from the park. (more…)

Read more about the article Caverns of Sonora – Sonora, TX
Caverns of Sonora

Caverns of Sonora – Sonora, TX

Compared to our rustic accommodations in Big Bend NP, the Best Western Sure Stay in Sonora seemed luxurious. We had a TV, microwave, refrigerator, wi-fi and a hairdryer! The waffle maker at breakfast even boasted Texas-shaped waffles.

We arrived at Caverns of Sonora in time for the first tour that began at 9:45. Raphael, a college student from Texas Tech, led our group of 11 inside the cave. As we walked through the tunnels of rock walls, he explained that the cave was discovered in 1905 the owner’s dog followed a raccoon inside the entrance. However, it wasn’t until the 1950’s that several explorers traversed a previously blocked section and discovered another five miles of the cave system. Plans were soon undertaken to put in walkways and electric lighting and the caverns opened to the public in 1960. (more…)

Read more about the article Boquillas Canyon and Hot Springs – Bend Bend National Park
Overlooking the Rio Grande from the Boquillas Canyon Trail

Boquillas Canyon and Hot Springs – Bend Bend National Park

After completing the Balanced Rock Trail, we ventured to the eastern side of Big Bend National Park. We passed the Panther Junction visitor center – one of two places in the park to purchase gasoline. Then we drove about 20 miles to Boquillas Canyon.

Even though we had seen the Rio Grande at Santa Elena Canyon the previous day, this area was completely different. Instead of being surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs, this area was more open and the river seemed to flow faster.  Additionally, we could see people on the other side in Mexico riding horses. (more…)

Read more about the article Balanced Rock Trail – Big Bend National Park
On the trail

Balanced Rock Trail – Big Bend National Park

We started our last day at La Posata Milagro where my brother-in-law recommended. Not only did we have great breakfast outside (70 degrees) but we ordered meatloaf sandwiches for a picnic later.

La Posata Milagro

Once we entered the park, we took a side road to Balanced Rock trail. The 7-mile gravel road was primitive and we wondered if the rental car would make it. After a slow drive, we found the parking area. (more…)