The Big Bend Area
Hiking in Big Bend National Park
Located in far west Texas, the Big Bend is home to some of the best desert scenery in the world. Here are the highlights from a trip we made recently. On the trip we made a loop through the area with stops in Fort Davis, Lajitas, Big Bend National Park and Marathon.
Fort Davis - Located in the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis is a quaint town that's perfect for a one or two day visit. All of the town's main attractions are within a few miles. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at P. O. Box 378, Fort Davis, TX 79734, phone 800-524-3015 or 915-426-3015. |
Hiking in Big Bend National Park |
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Attractions
Operated by the University of Texas at Austin, the observatory houses many large telescopes including one that is arguably the world's largest. During the day you can go for solar observing with a rare chance to safely observe the sun. The guided tour of the larger telescopes is also recommended and provides access to areas you won't see on the self-guided tour. On some evenings the facility has star parties where you can view selected stars and planets through several telescopes with the help of observatory personnel. Fifteen miles north of Fort Davis on Highway 118, call 915-426-3640.
Fort Davis National Historical Site
Fort Davis was a key post in the defense system of West Texas from 1854 to 1891. Many buildings are now restored to 1880s conditions and are decorated with items of the period. The fort has a visitor center, museum, audio programs, slide shows and sef-guided tours. Throughout the day bugle calls are sounded just as when the post was active.
Fort Davis State Park
A small state park with a lodge, camping area and a few hiking trails. The top of the scenic drive provides a great view of the entire Fort Davis area. Call 915-426-3254.
Lodging
The Limpia Hotel
A historic hotel located on the town square. A beautiful property with a large sunroom, a living room with fireplace and a resident cat - 'Cinco'. Antiques fill the guest rooms and common areas. The staff is very friendly and can answer all area questions. The 'Sutler's Club' bar is the only bar in this dry county and is actually a club. As a hotel guest you're automatically a member, others pay $3. Call 800-662-5517.
Prude Ranch
A guest ranch with guest lodges, family bunk rooms and a large bunkhouse, plus RV hookups. The ranch also offers horseback riding, hayrides and group activities. Call 800-458-6232.
The Lodge at Fort Davis State Park
Located in the state park, this 39-room Pueblo style hotel also has a swimming pool and restaurant. Call 915-426-3254.
Restaurants
The Limpia Hotel Dining Room
A very good full service restaurant with a complete menu and the only bar in town.
Pop's Grill
A good 'hamburger joint' with big old-fashioned burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches. Located across from the Fort Davis Historical Site. Call 915-426-3195
The Blue Mountain Gourmet Diner
One block from the Limpia in an old tin-sided building. We were sent for cinnamon rolls for breakfas - they were great! The lunch menu also included a few sandwiches and salads. The pizza oven had just been installed, so we can't speak to the quality. Call 915-426-2479.
Located on the Rio Grande, Lajitas is a small town that can serve as a gateway to Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area. 'One' is the operative number in Lajitas - as in one hotel, one restaurant. Many of the river rafting trips leave from here. Our recommendation is to drive through and visit, but if possible, stay overnight in Big Bend National Park. Call 800-944-9907.
Terlingua
This old ghost town has become famous for its annual chili cookoff. A few hardy souls have moved back into some of the old stone houses. The town is worth a stop - the main building houses a nice store, the offices of one of the area outfitters, and a good restaurant - the Starlight Cafe. The Hungry Javelina, a trailer transformed into a colorful roadside kitchen on the edge of town, serves great burritos and burgers. The egg burrito was named the 'gut buster' by the owner, Kate Davis, and the customers named the bean burrito the 'butt guster'!
Desert Sports in Terlingua can arrange river trips and mountain bike rentals, call 888-989-6900. |
The Hungry Javelina
Terlingua, Texas | |
Headquarters
Chisos Mountains Basin - Big Bend National Park
Whether you live in a desert or have never seen one before, the scenery at Big Bend National Park will take your breath away. The park encompasses over 800,000 acres and ranges in elevation from 1,850 to 7,825 feet above sea level. Visitors can see spectacular canyons, high mountains and a huge assortment of wildlife. Animals that inhabit the park include deer, coyotes, javelinas, gray foxes, skunks, raccoons, jack rabbits, black bears and mountain lions. There are over 100 miles of paved and 170 miles of unpaved roads within the park. The lodge in Chisos Mountains Basin is the only hotel in the park. Rooms are limited, so book early or you'll have to stay in one of the outlying towns (over 50 miles away).
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Headquarters
Chisos Mountains Basin
Big Bend National Park |
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Here are some of the most popular excursions in the park. The Window Trail from the basin through Oak Canyon ends with a spectacular view ofthe desert floor below. The Lost Mine Trail leads up the northern slope of Casa Grande to a promontory high on the ridge separating pine and juniper canyons.
Run for the border - from the east end of the park you can even cross the river into Mexico. For a fee, Mexican rowboats take you across the Rio Grande where you can ride a burro or walk the mile dirt road into the sleepy village of Boquillas. A couple of small stores, a cafe and a liquor store await. Negotiate a crossing price and remember who you paid so you won't be charged again when you are ready to go back. Go soon, there's talk that the Border Patrol may soon close the crossing. |
The famous explorer "Blain" mounting a mule in Boquillas, Mexico | |
Call 915-477-2291 for park information. |
The Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas |
Marathon
Friends recommended an overnight stop in Marathon on the way out of Big Bend and we'll thank them for a long time. The Gage Hotel is the perfect place to relax, clean up and have a great meal after days in the desert. Originally built in 1878, the hotel has 37 rooms decorated with artifacts representing the area's heritage. Request a room with a fireplace on colder nights. The restaurant is world-class. The town also has a few shops and galleries to browse when you find the energy to get out of the comfortable chairs in the lobby of the hotel. Call 800-884-4243.
Other web sources:
http://www.bigbend.com
http://www.traveltex.com