Exploring Big Bend: Adventures in Texas' Vast Desert Landscape
Journey to Big Bend
Down to the southern tip of Texas we went! Texas is such a vast state, so long drives are required to get from one end to the other. Our sights were set on Big Bend National Park, and we made our way south to Terlingua, where we stayed at Road Runner RV Park. This well-kept campground, located right off the main highway, offered full-hookup sites, custom fire pits, and breathtaking views of nearby buttes. Therefore, it was a comfortable and convenient base for day trips into the western section of Big Bend NP.
Exploring Terlingua: A Glimpse into the Past
Terlingua is a small town that emerged in the early 1900s when the quicksilver mining industry established itself there. These days, it caters mainly to tourists and adventurers, with a relaxed vibe and a touch of gentrification in the form of minimalist coffee shops and cute cafes. One day, the boys and I ventured into town, eager to complete the self-guided walking tour of the ghost town. We learned about its fascinating history, peered inside an old jail, explored abandoned cars, and stumbled upon a local craft market where we even had the chance to cuddle baby goats! All in all, it was a delightful day.
Discovering Big Bend National Park
During our stay, we spent two days exploring Big Bend National Park. The park's landscape is so unique that it almost feels otherworldly and isolated. One of our favorite memories was when a lone wild horse decided to race us, galloping alongside the road as we drove through the park. But with the extensive driving, the kids grew restless. Therefore, by the time we reached our planned hiking destination, they were less than enthusiastic—two days in a row. This required us to be flexible and pivot our plans. Instead of challenging hikes, we opted for short, easy points of interest, ideally with picnic areas to enjoy some snacks.
One such stop was the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, which turned out to be a major hit. The exhibit features state-of-the-art displays and life-sized fossil replicas, showcasing how much of Texas was once covered by a vast sea. As the waters receded, the coastline moved eastward, creating swampy habitats for land-roaming dinosaurs and giant pterosaurs soaring overhead. Big Bend is even home to the largest known flying creature of all time, the Quetzalcoatlus northropi, a flying reptile with a 35-foot wingspan. A replica of this massive skeleton hangs in the exhibit, along with others like a Dienosuchus skull (a 35-foot-long giant alligator), a Tyrannosaurus skull, and the femur of an Alamosaurus. The boys loved getting up close to these touch-friendly fossils, and I considered it a major win for our worldschooling efforts. Don’t miss the short walk to the viewpoint nearby, where you can truly appreciate just how vast the park is.
A Fun Slot Canyon Hike at Big Bend Ranch State Park
Not to be discouraged by the lack of hiking enthusiasm from the kids, I managed to convince everyone to try a short but amazing slot canyon hike at Big Bend Ranch State Park. This park is incredibly scenic and home to one of the most beautiful drives in America. As you enter, you head along scenic Route 170 toward the Closed Canyon Trail. The best part was the way the towering cliffs shelter you from the harsh desert sun, making the hike much more comfortable. The trail was also short, taking us about an hour, though you could easily complete it in about 30 minutes without stops. The kids enjoyed the small rock scrambles and natural rock slides along the way, which kept them engaged. Even our 15-year-old dog, Manny, was able to join in on the hike! This satisfied my hiking itch, and everyone ended the day happy and comfortable after such a fun and accessible adventure.
