Oh now you’re talking about one of my favorite places on the planet, BBNP! It’s one of the few places that I go back to again and again; when I’m leaving, I’m always in my mind planning my next trip. I’ve been through Alpine (yeah I sort of laugh at the name too, but for Texas, it’s pretty high up) and have eaten at the Spicewood. The Davis Mountains are worth some time, and if you make it back to Texas, be sure to visit the highest part of Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is on the Texas/NM border. But my heart is in the Big Bend. 🤠💙
The first time we went there, we got there really late, like around 11 pm. We departed the Dallas Fort Worth area and instead of going directly, we had to head south to pick up a buddy who lived north of Austin. After that, we stopped off at a fairly famous BBQ place in Llano, and then headed out. We then dawdled too long in Fort Stockton getting food for the trip. By the time we got there, there were no campsites available in the developed campgrounds, so we went to find a back country site. We took a road called Old Ore Road, and it was a little scary because it was completely dark without a moon. The road started out on the desert floor but gradually rose up and at one point the road was just a bit narrower than the ridge we were riding along. We finally gave up and camped at a large turn-out. When I woke up with the light in the morning, I found that we were at the edge of a cliff overlooking these amazing badlands, deep gullies then went on for miles. My immediate thought was what Buzz Aldrin said when he was on the Moon: “Magnificent desolation.” The truly unique aspect of BBNP is that there are three distinct environments: desert, mountains (the Chisos, which you visited), and riverine, along the Rio Grande. There’s so much to see; I’ve been there a half dozen times and I’ve not seen half of the park. I visited in April this year and I can’t wait to get back there.
I spent 2 1/2 months in Alpine, Texas before my Oregon adventure began. Alpine has w wonderful 'health fois' store where I saw a one gallon jug of El Dorado Springs water for sale for $5.00 and some cents. I laughed out loud. $1.25 in Colorado at the same time. I also wondered WHO was living in Alpine and requested this particular item for purchase??? I was there summer of 2022 and the desert was so green with lots of wild flowers and flowering cactus. I was told very unusual to be so green that time of year. Rain storms were happening more frequently. I had a rattlesnake encounter, hissing and mad, while hiking. My car broke down and had to be towed to El Paso. I cried but it all turned out OK. Adventure!!
Julia, I love the photos. Bugs in general creep me out, but I don't kill them if I can help it. I once babysat kids who had a pet tarantula. Totally creeped me out, but I acted cool.
Western Texas looks like it has so much biodiversity. It is stunning.
What a fascinating place!! I've never been to Texas, but I'd love to see it. I'll pass on the giant spiders, though. I have a gut reaction when I see them and here in the Southeast we have become covered up with invasive Joro spiders for the last 3 or 4 years!
They are actually pretty docile, but they are huge, their 3d webs are super strong, and they make my skin crawl! They didn’t exist here until about 5 years ago and now they are everywhere.
Never been to West Texas; lived in East Texas for over 4 years (5 summers). Except for the sweltering, humid summers I loved Fort Worth- a very cosmopolitan city.
Being a native Texan, I have been to Big Bend a number of times in my life. I love the desert. Of particular interest I enjoy roaming through the dry ravines. There are always surprises there of one sort or another. I mean the things that turn into a roaring gush when there’s the rare rainfall, The erosion it creates exposes all kinds of interesting stuff.
Get off 10 and drive thru Marfa, Alpine and Marathon and on. ValentineTexas on that route too. Artist who drew one of the Eagles album covers lived in Valentine although he died last year or so. Interesting people all thru out these little towns!
Marfa is tiny but has hotels. Google for price points. Yes, you can access 10 from just outside Alpine (just 30 minutes from Marfa) if you camp, there is a fun place El Cosmico in Marfa. They have older airstreams and teepee and a tent thing I've stayed in. Also camped in my car in parking lot one time. I've stayed there 3 times on other travels thru area. It's so cool. Go to their website. Dog friendly too.
Oh now you’re talking about one of my favorite places on the planet, BBNP! It’s one of the few places that I go back to again and again; when I’m leaving, I’m always in my mind planning my next trip. I’ve been through Alpine (yeah I sort of laugh at the name too, but for Texas, it’s pretty high up) and have eaten at the Spicewood. The Davis Mountains are worth some time, and if you make it back to Texas, be sure to visit the highest part of Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is on the Texas/NM border. But my heart is in the Big Bend. 🤠💙
I can see why you love it, Jeff. It's gorgeous out there.
The first time we went there, we got there really late, like around 11 pm. We departed the Dallas Fort Worth area and instead of going directly, we had to head south to pick up a buddy who lived north of Austin. After that, we stopped off at a fairly famous BBQ place in Llano, and then headed out. We then dawdled too long in Fort Stockton getting food for the trip. By the time we got there, there were no campsites available in the developed campgrounds, so we went to find a back country site. We took a road called Old Ore Road, and it was a little scary because it was completely dark without a moon. The road started out on the desert floor but gradually rose up and at one point the road was just a bit narrower than the ridge we were riding along. We finally gave up and camped at a large turn-out. When I woke up with the light in the morning, I found that we were at the edge of a cliff overlooking these amazing badlands, deep gullies then went on for miles. My immediate thought was what Buzz Aldrin said when he was on the Moon: “Magnificent desolation.” The truly unique aspect of BBNP is that there are three distinct environments: desert, mountains (the Chisos, which you visited), and riverine, along the Rio Grande. There’s so much to see; I’ve been there a half dozen times and I’ve not seen half of the park. I visited in April this year and I can’t wait to get back there.
I spent 2 1/2 months in Alpine, Texas before my Oregon adventure began. Alpine has w wonderful 'health fois' store where I saw a one gallon jug of El Dorado Springs water for sale for $5.00 and some cents. I laughed out loud. $1.25 in Colorado at the same time. I also wondered WHO was living in Alpine and requested this particular item for purchase??? I was there summer of 2022 and the desert was so green with lots of wild flowers and flowering cactus. I was told very unusual to be so green that time of year. Rain storms were happening more frequently. I had a rattlesnake encounter, hissing and mad, while hiking. My car broke down and had to be towed to El Paso. I cried but it all turned out OK. Adventure!!
Julia, I love the photos. Bugs in general creep me out, but I don't kill them if I can help it. I once babysat kids who had a pet tarantula. Totally creeped me out, but I acted cool.
Western Texas looks like it has so much biodiversity. It is stunning.
I was so wonderfully surprised and pleased.
What a fascinating place!! I've never been to Texas, but I'd love to see it. I'll pass on the giant spiders, though. I have a gut reaction when I see them and here in the Southeast we have become covered up with invasive Joro spiders for the last 3 or 4 years!
Just looked them up, we had something similar in Florida growing up.
They are actually pretty docile, but they are huge, their 3d webs are super strong, and they make my skin crawl! They didn’t exist here until about 5 years ago and now they are everywhere.
Never been to West Texas; lived in East Texas for over 4 years (5 summers). Except for the sweltering, humid summers I loved Fort Worth- a very cosmopolitan city.
Being a native Texan, I have been to Big Bend a number of times in my life. I love the desert. Of particular interest I enjoy roaming through the dry ravines. There are always surprises there of one sort or another. I mean the things that turn into a roaring gush when there’s the rare rainfall, The erosion it creates exposes all kinds of interesting stuff.
It's quite a place especially when there's enough shade from that sun!
Love this! We are taking a road trip from Tucson to Katy Texas and will be driving the 10 all the way. Any tips.
Get off 10 and drive thru Marfa, Alpine and Marathon and on. ValentineTexas on that route too. Artist who drew one of the Eagles album covers lived in Valentine although he died last year or so. Interesting people all thru out these little towns!
We did. Loved that Prada store in the middle of agricultural land. More to follow.
Thanks! How far off the path is Marfa?
Will that route take us to Katy?
You get back on interstate 10 in San Antonio
Yes. Thru San Antonio. I think it's hwy 90. It's south of interstate 10.
Marathon has a good BBQ place. Google Marfa/Alpine/Marathon
Curious if you can recommend a place to stay in Marfa? Maybe since we need to get to Katy in two days, we detour to Marfa then back up to the ten?
Marfa is tiny but has hotels. Google for price points. Yes, you can access 10 from just outside Alpine (just 30 minutes from Marfa) if you camp, there is a fun place El Cosmico in Marfa. They have older airstreams and teepee and a tent thing I've stayed in. Also camped in my car in parking lot one time. I've stayed there 3 times on other travels thru area. It's so cool. Go to their website. Dog friendly too.
Thanks!
Hi, Kelly! I just saw your post. When are you coming through Tucson?
this weekend! Visiting daughter and her wife!
Oh wow, I live in Tucson!
Cool! Our trip this time short and brief but good to know for next time!