Al Braden Photographer

Visitors reach Big Bend National Park through the north entrance at Persimmon Gap from Marathon - or alternative from Terlingua in the West. Both roads lead to the Panther Junction Visitor Center. Selfies taken at the entrance signs are popular as visitors head in to the magic of Big Bend.

Balanced Rock is a 'must see' view in Big Bend National Park. Take the Grapevine Hills gravel road about six miles, then hike a mile in on a sandy wash. With a little climb at the end of the trail, you'll reach the dramatic view through the Balance Rock. Best light is sunrise or late in the afternoon. Fifteen photos show the dramatic Balanced Rock formation from several perspectives.

Giant Dagger Yucca only grown in one canyon in Big Bend National Park. They'll peak early to mid-April in those certain years when they've gotten enough early spring rain. They don't bloom in quantity every year, but when they do, Dagger Flats lights up. Over twenty photos highlight the beauty of the giant dagger yuccas in bloom.

Big Bend National Park's paleo past is well displayed in the newly finished Fossil Discovery Exhibit covering 130 million years - by far the largest geologic time span of any national park. Over 1,200 species of fossils have been discovered here - including the Quetzalcoatlus northropi, a flying reptile with a 35 foot wing span, and the ferocious Tyrannosaurus Rex. Here are photos of the newly built Fossil Discovery Exhibit. See more information at: https://fossildiscoveryexhibit.com/?q=geological-paleontological-points-interest/pride-big-bend

Grapevine Hills features the weathered remains of a laccolith - or large magma dome. As the dome cracked and weathered, the edges of the blocks eroded more quickly, leaving the rounded shapes we see in the formations. A mile long hike leads through the hills to the Balanced Rock at trail's end. Photos in this gallery highlight the dramatic rock formations along the trail to the Balanced Rock.

Big Bend's Paint Gap Road leads north from the main park road and provides access to four back country sites. The first three are on a easy to drive dirt road suitable for cars. The last, Paint Gap 4 is on a the rocky end of the road definitely requiring high clearance and good tires. Just under a mile beyond PG 4 lie the ruins of the 1900's Matthews Ranch.