Innumerable attractions beckon the Big Bend traveler to new adventures. The wide expanse of the plains, towering spires and monoliths of the mountains, erosive arroyos, canyons and valleys of the Rio Grande have classed Big Bend National Park as a land of rugged beauty, amazing contrasts and unique natural features. The shifting of the light and shadows paints a constantly changing picture of this scenic grandeur, which is accessible by automobile, horseback or hiking along the trails.
THE CHISOS MOUNTAINS—The plains gradually slope up into hills that end against the Chisos Mountains. Just left of center is Casa Grande and the profile of Chief Alsate is at the upper right.
Some of the most spectacular features are accessible only by trail trips, either horseback or on foot. Interesting short trips may be made to the “Window” or juniper Flat. The trail to the “Window” leads down into Oak Canyon, where towering cliffs of Vernon Bailey Peak and Ward Mountains rise like majestic sentinels above the picturesque canyon. From Juniper Flat, the entire Basin appears like a gigantic amphitheater, enclosed by mountains of the Chisos range. The Corral is conveniently located to the guest facilities in the Basin where saddle horses, under competent guides, are available for either short rides or for all-day trips to the South Rim of the Chisos Mountains. The South Rim Trail leads to the higher elevations of the Park. The Rim, itself, is 7,000 feet above sea level and is the climax of Big Bend’s scenic panoramas. The trail skirts the South Rim for a mile, then loops back along the West Rim. From this lofty vantage point the tremendous sweep of distance is spell-binding in its magnitude.
GREEN GULCH—Interesting lights and shadows are created by the rock outcroppings in Green Gulch. The road to the Basin winds through this gap in the mountains.
Scenic trips to many of the outstanding features of the park may be made by automobile. One of the most popular points of interest is the Santa Elena Canyon, about 40 miles from the Basin. The road to the canyon passes through a variety of terrain, skirting the Chisos Mountains on the north and west. Barren desert wasteland, colorful arroyos and buttresses dominate the landscape in this area. Gravel covered plains, once the bed of an ancient sea, are dotted with cactus and other typical species of southwest vegetation.
MOUNTAIN COTTAGES IN THE CHISOS BASIN—The Cottages and other accommodations, located at an elevation of 5,400 feet, are completely surrounded by towering mountains. Emory Peak, at the upper right, is the highest in the park.
