Introduction to Big Bend National Park

Vast and wild, Big Bend National Park is a land of extremes -- and a few contradictions. Its rugged terrain harbors thousands of species of plants and animals -- some seen practically nowhere else on earth -- and a visit here can be a hike into the sun-baked desert, a float down a majestic river through the canyons, or a trek among high mountains where bears and mountain lions rule.

Millions of years ago, an inland sea covered this area. As it dried up, sediments of sand and mud turned to rock; mountains were created and volcanoes roared. The resultant canyons and rock formations that we marvel at today -- red-, orange-, yellow-, white-, and brown-hued -- make for one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southwest. This is not a fantasyland of delicate shapes and intricate carvings, like Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, but a powerful and dominating terrain. Although the greatest natural sculptures are in the park's three major river canyons -- the Santa Elena, Marsical, and Boquillas -- throughout Big Bend you'll find spectacular and majestic examples of what nature can do with this mighty yet malleable building material we call rock.

Visitors to Big Bend National Park will also discover a wild, rugged wilderness, populated by myriad desert and mountain plants and animals; box turtles, black-tailed jack rabbits, funny-looking javelina, powerful black bears, and mountain lions are all known to roam here. The park is considered a birder's paradise, with more bird species than at any other national park. It's also a wonderful spot to see wildflowers and the delightfully colorful display of cactus blooms.

For hikers, there are all kinds of trails, from easy walks to rugged backcountry routes that barely qualify as trails at all. There are also opportunities to let the Rio Grande do the work as it carries rafts, canoes, and kayaks among canyons carved through 1,500 feet of solid rock. Drivers of 4X4s enjoy exploring the backcountry roads, and history buffs find a number of historical attractions and cultural experiences. Because of the vastness of this park, you'll need to schedule at least 2 full days here, though 3 or 4 would be better.