National Park Travel : Big Bend

Traveling through the wide open space of west Texas, the impression of feeling small slowly settles into your psyche. That impression changes little upon entering the Big Bend country. Anchored in the mighty Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend National Park is a magnet for outdoor adventurers in search of a solitary feeling that is absolute.

With over 800,000 acres to photograph and explore, one could easily think of Big Bend as being one of the largest of all national parks. However, it ranks 15th on the list of national park sizes. Still, those wide open spaces allow a feeling that is hard to compare.

Those who have been afforded the luxury of staying in one of the park’s lodging accommodations devoted strictly to research enjoy the added benefit of being alone in a civilized world. Isolated from the park’s campers and visitors, you are afforded the luxury of a roof with four walls in a seemingly hostile environment. Words cannot describe the feeling of seclusion deep within the desert, miles from the park’s campgrounds. Or listening to the sounds of music at night, drifting up and across the river from the tiny village of Boquillas. You sit there, high above the river, on some long-forgotten stone patio, in utter darkness, drinking in the simple pleasures of life.

One of the centers of attraction within the park are the Chisos Mountains. Dominating the skyline, they are a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. At almost 8,000’ elevation, their climate can be one of typical mountain weather. Cool days and brisk nights are the norm, with weather events occurring unexpectedly.  Travelers should do their homework before visiting this region.

One of the more popular hikes in the park is the Lost Mine Trail. The trailhead is located in the basin and is great hike for morning photography. Several views on this trail are some of the finest in the park. Almost five miles in length, round trip, it is considered moderate in difficulty and many consider it the quintessential day hike in the park.

The opportunity for beautiful photography abounds in Big Bend. Whether it be backcountry hiking (200 miles of trails await those so inclined), traveling over unpaved and remote 4WD roads (over 175 miles of them), or enjoying the comforts of the park’s paved road system, great photography composition can be easily found. This is dependent upon several factors.

Hard work should be expected for those images. There is a reason miles and miles of park trails exist here. They tend to lead to points of interest that your vehicle cannot get you to. Successful early morning or evening photography requires spending much of your time hiking in the dark. You may, in turn, be rewarded with those first-light and last-light moments that make the difference between average and great photography.

As with all types of nature photography, weather plays a vital role in image capture. This is especially true in the Big Bend. Over the years, air quality has deteriorated, thanks to unchecked pollution coming from the border maquiladoras, and more specifically from Mexico’s heavy mining industry.

Opportunities for clear skies are improved with those autumn through spring fronts that frequent the area, pushing the pollution back toward its origination. Schedule a trip here during periods of weather activity to increase your chances for best nature photography.

As in many parts of the southwest, rattlesnakes can be a frequent sighting. Common sense is essential in dealing with them and can be the difference between a successful outing or a disaster. When encountered, do not crowd them, instead offering them space. They dislike human encounters and will most likely crawl away if you give them that opportunity.

For those pre-dawn and after dusk hikes back to the car, a quality headlamp or flashlight is essential and vital to your safety. Unfortunately, this schedule coincides with the times of greatest activity for those snakes. Exercise caution and maintain a personal awareness about you.

Consider keeping a basic first aid kit with you. It may not be necessary, but can provide temporary relief for certain discomforts. This is a desert environment and it’s essential to have an ample supply of potable water with you at all times. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, it’s imperative to drink plenty of water.

There are numerous designated campsites within the park as well as remote backcountry locations. Big Bend National Park lodging consists of the Chisos Mountain Lodge. Reservations are essential and in many instances must be made a year or more in advance. There are options available outside the park, but you must factor in the great travel distances involved to ensure being in the right place at the right time for those special photographic moments.