Big Bend National Park

Day 1 - Jan. 14, 2026

This was not the easiest park to get to, but the scenery got better the closer I got. The mountains were a nice change from the boring flatness that is the rest of Texas. I stopped at the Fossil exhibit first and was amazed by all the cool animals that have been found including huge dinosaurs, the largest flying reptile, ancient horses, oysters and swamp gators. Next up was Dugout Wells for a nature trail in the Chihuahuan desert. This area has a unique species of prickly pear cactus and a different yucca. East end of the Rio Grande river was right after that. I did not see anybody trying to cross the river although, I could have easily swam across it. It was kind of murky. The border crossing on the bridge was closed so the Mexicans in the village nearby take their horses across the river to sell their handicrafts, tamales and empanadas, returning at night. I ended the day with a nice high elevation hike in the Chisos Mtns Basin. The mountains surround a basin that has numerous trails in a more forested setting. I even saw some pine trees.

Day 2

I spent the night at the Chisos Basin campground where it was barely above freezing and super windy. The tent was flapping so much, it made it hard to sleep. When I got up for a bathroom break around midnight, I moved my sleeping bag to the rental car and slept the rest of the night in less comfort, but it was quieter. I drove to the far western end of the park to see Santa Elena canyon. The river canyon yesterday was made of sandstone cliffs, today it was limestone cliffs. Fossil seashells were visible along the trail. I also stopped at Mules Ears, but did not hike it as my trail shoes had decided they were ready for retirement with busted seams near the pinky toe. The trip was nice with temperatures in 50-60s perfect for hiking.