Al Braden Photographer

Colorado Bend State Park features many springs, seeps, waterfalls as the Colorado River cuts through a big ridge of karst limestone near Bend, Texas. Here are ten photos from Colorado Bend and the springs and seeps that contribute to the Colorado River.

Monahans Sandhills State Park protect 3,840 acres of active sand dunes and habitat while providing recreational opportunities for families, hikers and equestrians.

Mt. Franklin State Park in El Paso, Texas is the state's largest urban park, providing hiking and biking trails across the rugged terrain of the mountain. It is also host to the only population of Arizona Barrel Cactus in Texas as well as a stunning spring bloom of California Poppies.

At 120 miles long and 20 miles wide, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States - covering a big portion of the Texas Panhandle below Amarillo. It offers hiking, camping, biking and horseback trails for all levels of challenge.

Seminole Canyon State Park features and attempts to preserve Native American rock art spanning as far back as 12,000 years. It is the center of many historic sites in the Rio Grande / Rio Bravo del Norte region and offers an introduction and jumping off points for many hikes to additional sites. Tent and RV camping is available for guests.

Photos picture South Padre Island - Texas' party capital and also a beautiful natural area for birds and fishing - take your pick. Pelicans and shore birds are everywhere as are sunrise and sunset views. The Port Isabel light offers views of the bay and South Padre Island, Texas.

Photos from the top of Mt. Franklin make the best pictures of the valley of El Paso del Norte. The best views in El Paso, Texas are just $7.00! Just take the smooth ride up on Wyler Tramway, now a Texas State Park. The views cover all of El Paso, cd. Juarez, Mexico, and New Mexico as long as the broad sweep of the Rio Grande / Rio Bravo River as is moves through El Paso del Norte. The transition from day to night is most striking from the top of Ranger Peak. The state park is now closed due to the age of the tram equipment. Repair and reopening is uncertain although leading El Pasoans are supporting the remodeling of the tramway with civic pride.