Big Bend National Park

---

After driving many many hours in a desolated area of Texas, we finally reached Big Bend National Park. Where large peaked mountains burst out of the low flat desert lands. We camped in Marathon, TX, so we could get an early start to the day at the park. Due to the late reservation, we were only able to obtain a campsite in the park for one night at the Cottonwood Campground. Fueled up, showered, and stocked up with food and water we took off bright and early with full mugs of instant coffee we made at camp. Because of my knee pain, we skipped the 10 mile hikes and kept with multiple short hikes instead. Our first and primary focus with the center of the park, Chisos Basin. We had a snack and enjoyed a short 2.2 mile hike around the basin in 91 degree temperatures. Afterwards, we took in the views of the Sotol Vista and another short 1.5 mile hike, Mule Ears viewpoint and 1.5 mile hike and finally the Santa Elena Canyon overlook and canyon trail. We were not impressed with this trail, going across the Rio Grande and straight up a hillside. In total we hiked about 6 miles and felt good with that. The skies open, blue, temperatures were hot, cactus were starting their spring bloom, it was wonderful!

The next morning we took off early again, stopping at Murrow Mesa Pouroff for a 1 mile hiking trail to get us warm and stretched before a day of driving. With only a 150 ft elevation change and 1 mile distance, almost anybody could handle this walk. We were lead to a beautiful rock canyon where it was easy to image water sliding down the hillside and filling the ravine. It was too early and chilly for much wildlife, we didn't even see people on this trail. Just the way we like it.

I wish travel therapy was covered by my health insurance.

Michelle

---

Photos

Santa Elena Canyon
With zero desire to actually cross the Rio Grande to hike the canyon trail, we still walked along the rivers edge. It was a cool relief from the hot temperatures of the day.

Chisos Basin hiking trail
A small 250 ft elevation and 2.2 miles, the basin provided a 360 degree view of the emerald sea. Greenery in every direction. Without taking the trail, we were blessed with views of "The Window" you can see in the background.

Say HELLO to my little friend
Not sure what type of lizard this is, but he was a pleasant surprise for us while hiking the Mule Ears hiking trail.

Santa Elena Canyon
Mexico on the left and US on the right. The Rio Grande didn't look so grand. Very narrow, shallow and mucky.

Comments

[Don]

Thanks!!
Thanks for capturing our travels, you're so much fun!!