Things to Do

Visit ‘The Other Side of Nowhere’ at the Biggest State Park in Texas

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

A remote park in far West Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers plenty of space for outdoor recreation for those feeling particularly adventurous. Covering 486 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert adjacent to the Rio Grande, this remote park boasts rugged mountains, night skies that are tough to beat, steep canyons, and some of the most amazing views from southeast of Presidio to near Lajitas. For solitude in a high desert setting, Big Bend Ranch State Park ranks highest.

7702298800_eacde71999_b

Photo: Flickr/Dave Hensley

Stretching along the U.S.-Mexico border, visitors to the park have a multitude of outdoor options before them when they come to this Rio Grande/Rio Bravo area. Hiking, backpacking, mountain-biking, horseback riding, paddling, and exploring the park by vehicle (for which the park has both two- and four-wheel-drive roadways) are all fantastic ways to truly experience Texas’ biggest state park!

3559166379_49f84104ea_b

Photo: Flickr/Angi English

Featuring 238 miles of multiuse trails, 70 miles of dirt roads (unmaintained) built for high-clearance four-wheel-drives, floating, fishing, and camping opportunities, the park is supportive of getting Texans and out-of-state visitors every available chance to soak up some sun in the great outdoors. Campers are given the option of vehicle-accessible, backcountry, and equestrian sites, many offering incomparable vistas. There’s also lodging available at the Sauceda Bunkhouse, with accommodations for 30 people. A former hunting lodge, the Bunkhouse was constructed in the 1960s is located directly across from the Historic Sauceda Ranch House (Big House).

20433614372_fa35a6c2d3_k
Photo: Flickr/John Chandler

Getting out to Big Bend Ranch State Park has its perks as well! With a 5,500-foot paved airstrip, you and your friends or family can fly in, pick up your park permits, and be off to camp, hike, and tour in the Chihuahuan Desert wilderness. Pick up your backpack, take the essentials, and make sure you bring along a camera because you won’t want to get out to the Big Bend region and miss the opportunity to capture each moment at this wonderful Texas state park on “the other side of nowhere!”

Page 1 of 2:12