Big Bend National Park
4 galleries
Big Bend is where I take my spirit for a hike.
Over 800,000 acres and hundreds of miles of trails give plenty of room to explore. And with an altitude range of 1,800 feet down at river level to 7,832 feet at the top of Emory Peak, there is plenty of variation in temperature and eco-systems to fit every season. Pine forests at 7,000 feet, varied deserts below, and riparian habitats at river level give a huge variety of landscapes for hiking, wildlife and flora.
I try and spend at least a week a year in Big Bend - avoiding the crowded Thanksgiving and Spring Break weeks. Every other time has plenty to do and photograph. In the heat of summer, stay comfortable with a base in the Chisos Mountains and use that time for great mountain hikes. Spring and fall are opportunities to camp and hike in the desert. Winter is still on my bucket list.
In these galleries, I've tried to present my favorite photos at Big Bend National Park - over 1,600 organized by location and subject. I've got lots of favorites and I'm sure you will too as you explore this vast park.
For all the details and park information, head to: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
Over 800,000 acres and hundreds of miles of trails give plenty of room to explore. And with an altitude range of 1,800 feet down at river level to 7,832 feet at the top of Emory Peak, there is plenty of variation in temperature and eco-systems to fit every season. Pine forests at 7,000 feet, varied deserts below, and riparian habitats at river level give a huge variety of landscapes for hiking, wildlife and flora.
I try and spend at least a week a year in Big Bend - avoiding the crowded Thanksgiving and Spring Break weeks. Every other time has plenty to do and photograph. In the heat of summer, stay comfortable with a base in the Chisos Mountains and use that time for great mountain hikes. Spring and fall are opportunities to camp and hike in the desert. Winter is still on my bucket list.
In these galleries, I've tried to present my favorite photos at Big Bend National Park - over 1,600 organized by location and subject. I've got lots of favorites and I'm sure you will too as you explore this vast park.
For all the details and park information, head to: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
Loading ()...
-
9 galleriesWhere to start? Big Bend National Park is simply too big to see in one visit - no matter how long you can stay. Grab the park map and break it into regions. Visitors either reach the park from Marathon in the north or Terlingua on the west side. Both roads lead to Panther Junction, the park headquarters reasonably in the center of the vast park. Get your bearings there - and gas and an ice cream bar at the nearby gas station - and head for the Chisos Mountains, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or down east to Rio Grande Village where the big campground is. Find a base that fits the season as well as your schedule and ambition. Here are some suggestions from the rangers to get started: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/suggested-itineraries.htm -
6 galleriesAn amazing 1,200 species of plants are found within the many habitats of Big Bend National Park which span from the riparian Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte below 2,300 feet to the high mountain pine forests over 7,000 feet in elevation. Many species exclusive to the Chihuahuan Desert are found in the park. Here are six photo galleries that cover the most prominent plants in Big Bend National Park. -
6 galleriesAccording to published park information: "Big Bend National Park's varied habitats support an amazing variety of wildlife, including 11 species of amphibians, 56 species of reptiles, 40 species of fish, 75 species of mammals, more than 450 species of birds, and about 3,600 species of insects." That gives us an unlimited potential for wildlife and bird photography. I've only scratched the surface. -
28 imagesFor me, nothing beats camping in the wide open spaces of Big Bend. There are three established campgrounds at Big Bend National Park, but when possible, I head for the back country campsites. No amenities other than a bear box - just peace and quiet and views that go on forever. Yes!!! Here are some of my favorites.