Big Bend National Park

 Big Bend National Park is big. As the park service points out, it's bigger than the state of Rhode Island, and the park isn't even close to the largest national park in size. Driving to one of the visitor centers is going to require somewhere around 30 to 45 minutes from your entry point. Of course, if you're pulling over to take some photos or just pausing to take in the view, it might take a bit longer. 

Oh, and one more tidbit of advice from the park service, keep your gas tank at least half full. The power grid isn't known for reliability in this remote area, and no power means the gas pumps won't be working. There is fuel available in the park and in Terlingua. We just made it a point to top off the tank frequently.

Lunch stop

Coyote just crossed the road...no road runner though

Old windmill at Sam Neil Ranch

Sam Neil Ranch homestead remains

Where Are We Going Next?

Closed Canyon

We arrived in Terlinqua, TX, in the early afternoon. We decided that we had enough time to drive TX 170, Camino Del Rio, into Big Bend Ranch State Park and hike the Closed Canyon Trail. 

TX 170 between Lajitas and Presidio is considered among the top 10 scenic drives in the USA. I'm not sure who makes that determination, but we'll just go with it. Motorcyclists would definitely enjoy it. The road follows along the Rio Grande, twisting and turning, going up, down, and around. As tempting as it was to stop more frequently than we did, we wanted to be sure to get in our hike.

We heard about the Closed Canyon trail from staff at the Sailwinds Marina. Around 1.4 mile round trip, Closed Canyon hike is a slot canyon trail that literally ends with a sign saying end of trail. While the Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon Trail in Utah is still our favorite, this one was a relatively easy trail. It was perfect for a little exercise on a travel day and a good excuse for pizza afterwards!

Start of the slot

Loving the shade

End of the trail

There is a trail there

A little sunshine

Hoodoos and the Rio Grande

The Big Hill (15% grade)

Mmm!

Where Are We Going Next?