Category: Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Hikes: Long Chisos Basin Loop

My last hike before ending my season at Big Bend had to be one more walk in the Chisos Basin. Since I’m in training for a long walk in France, I chose to do the long loop around the top of the basin –… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Long Chisos Basin Loop”

Big Bend Hikes – Blue Creek Trail

If you’re looking for something a little different and less travelled, the Blue Creek Trail has a lot to offer. The trail starts in the Blue Creek wash near the Homer Wilson Ranch ruins and climbs up into the Chisos Mountains – from desert… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes – Blue Creek Trail”

Big Bend Flowers

Towards the end of January, we drove to a small parking area along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to hike down the wash that leads to Horseshoe Canyon. I was so surprised to find some plants in bloom!! The above rock nettle was cascading… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flowers”

Big Bend Critters – Tarantulas

On our previous trips through Big Bend National Park, we never saw a single tarantula. This winter they are everywhere!!

Big Bend Hikes: Balanced Rock

It’s been a long time since I posted. My cell data speed took a beating last month when I was trying to watch some FIFA soccer matches! So, had to wait until it reset with the monthly turnover! 🙂 One of my favorite short… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Balanced Rock”

Big Bend Hikes: Pine Canyon Trail

Thanksgiving Day in Big Bend National Park started off crisp and clear, eventually warming up in time for a nice mid-day hike into Pine Canyon. The Pine Canyon Trail starts at the end of Pine Canyon Road and is reached via 6 miles of… Continue Reading “Big Bend Hikes: Pine Canyon Trail”

Big Bend Flora 11.9.22

Another beautiful red-flowered perennial blooming in the Chisos Mountains is the Ipomopsis aggregata. I found this little gem along the Lost Mine Trail – a popular 5-mile out and back trail near the Chisos Basin. It’s one of my favorite hikes in the park… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flora 11.9.22”

Big Bend Flora 11.2.2022

Hiking the upper part of the Lost Mine Trail in the Chisos Mountains last week, I came upon the showy, bright red, tubular flowers of Salvia regla or Mountain Sage. Often blooming in the spring and, again in the fall, the flowers are attractive… Continue Reading “Big Bend Flora 11.2.2022”

Capricious Captures 10.26.22

I’m back! Since my last post, we have made our way from Northern California to Southwest Texas via a circuitous route that allowed us to visit family along the way and a whole bunch of national parks! Much of the time, I’ve had little… Continue Reading “Capricious Captures 10.26.22”

Big Bend Revisited II

Day 3 On Day 3 of our brief visit, we decided to do a short hike into Tuff Canyon and then head into the town of Study Butte for fuel and groceries. Tuff Canyon Trail is a short walk down into the canyon formed… Continue Reading “Big Bend Revisited II”