
Big Bend National Park, Texas
According to timedictionary, Big Bend National Park is located on the Rio Grande in southwestern Texas, in the southern United States. Big Bend is further south and west than the rest of Texas, and as a result is affected by weather changes originating from the Pacific Ocean. There is a predominantly desert climate here, with large temperature differences. In the spring, severe spring storms sweep over Big Bend as the mercury slowly begins to rise. The hottest months during the summer are June, July and May. The worst heat is then regularly cooled down by afternoon rain. Fall and winter are seasons when Big Bend cools down quickly; temperatures well below freezing point are not uncommon. October through December are the wettest months.
Activities
The item above the Rio Grande
With a river like the imposing Rio Grande within its borders, boats and fishing rods are of course not far to find. Kayaking or rafting through one of the many river canyons in Big Bend National Park is therefore the number one popular sport. Everything is possible, from short day trips to ten days of paddling through the Lower Canyons.
Hiking
With a permit it is possible to camp wild within large areas. Big Bend National Park has three campgrounds: Chisos Basin, Cottonwood, and Rio Grande Village. The camper can also be parked at the latter. In addition, eight more primitive camp sites have been set up in the hinterland; the Chisos Mountains have fourteen such camp sites.
Scenic Drive
Adventure seekers grab the 4WD and head into the backcountry, where there are hundreds of miles of unpaved roads. A permit is required for this, which can be obtained from the park service.
Rio Grande in Texas
Texas has two National Parks, both of which are dominated by mighty mountains against a backdrop of jagged deserts and immense drought. Big Bend National Park is located in one of the most remote areas of the state, in the great bend of the Rio Grande. Formed from an ancient inland sea, the limestone mountains of Guadalupe Mountains National Park are chock-full of Permian fossils. The main reason to come to the Panhandle is the Palo Duro State Canyon Park. Out of nowhere, the ground splits open and reveals a large crack about 300 meters deep. The canyon is a visual spectacle, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the rocks seem to be ablaze by the sun.