4 week's exploring Texas by auto

A November 2003 trip to Big Bend National Park by grantravler

We drove into the Park from the town of Alpine, which we used as a base to come and go from the Park. We traveled through beautiful and flowering desert basins, over 7,000 ft. high canyons. The scenery was breathtaking, and wildlife was all around

  • 4 reviews
The time of year we visited the park was after a heavy rainstorm/flood three weeks before, thus we saw this remote scenic area covered in green and flowering wild shrubs not normally seen that time of year.

We haven't ever enjoyed having the thrill of two javalinas trotting along beside the car as they were crossing the road. Didn't have my camera ready for the many bird sightings. Butterflies everywhere. We hiked down a trail leading us right up to the Rio Grande just across from MX. There waiting for us was a Mexican wanting to sell us a 'walking stick' for . He would walk it accross the river to us! We declined.

Quick Tips:

Plan on at least three days to begin to really see this natural beauty. . .and follow the Rio Grande as it winds it way between the western border of TX and MX. You will experience views from high above the Rio Grande, and then there's times you can wade into the river and gaze above to the surrounding cliffs rising out of the water.

Best Way To Get Around:

To really enjoy this beautiful park, allow yourself plenty of time to feel free to park in a parking place and walk the many trails marked on the map you recieve at the entrance from the ranger. There all types of trails, from easy to difficult, take your pick. Wear comfortable shoes and always take water and some kind of insect spray, you may need some.

Chisos Mountains LodgeBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Chisos Mountains Lodge (Basin Station)"

Two story/with stairs. Nice, clean and quiet. Trails around the lodge. Small store for last minute supplies. Restaurant within walking distance. Excellent food, service, and view.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by grantravler on January 15, 2004

Chisos Mountains Lodge
Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park, Texas
(432) 477-2291

Large room with comfortable furniture. Clean, and I was very satisfied. Also a good laundry room down the hall. The breakfast they serve was pretty good. Had enough so they didn't run out like some other motels we've been at.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by grantravler on January 15, 2004

Best Western Alpine Classic Inn
2401 East Highway 90 Big Bend National Park, Texas

Chisos Mountain RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Chisos Mountain Restarant"

We had to wait a bit but worth the dinner. Servers were very polite and attentive. The whole atmosphere is so beautiful and the walls are windows, allowing you to view the mountains rising above you all around and watch the sun set. If we had eaten breakfastn there we could have sat out on the decks and watched the sunrise.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by grantravler on January 15, 2004

Chisos Mountain Restaurant
Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834
(432) 477-2291

About the Writer

grantravler
grantravler
Methow, Washington

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