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Thoughts/reflections on Texas parks?

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 12:46 am
by Mike W.
Next summer is the south loop, we only do Yellowstone every 2 or 3 years. We've done most of the western parks, but not so far east as Guadalupe Mts or Big Bend NPs in Texas. Big Bend in particular looks interesting, but it's hard to say for sure from here and a big detour. Anyone done a trip or spent some time there? Good times, lots to look at or waste of time? Suggestions?

Re: Thoughts/reflections on Texas parks?

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:11 am
by Doubledub
I would say it depends on what your interest is. There is wildlife, bears and mountain lions as well as some of the usual desert subjects. That being said, they are hard to find and see. There are some interesting birds near the river. If you like to off road, there are numerous technical off-road routes that are challenging. Landscape photography may be a little dry. It is a very cool area.

Re: Thoughts/reflections on Texas parks?

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:51 pm
by Mike W.
Thanks for the feedback.

We are fond of some of the desert parks like Arches and Canyonlands, which IMO have much jawdropping beauty. Animals are of interest too, though not so much birding excepting some of the dramatic ones like Bald Eagles Landscape photography is something I do much of also. We are a bit jaded with many visits to Yellowstone along with typically annual ones to Arches and Canyonlands, not to mention frequent ones to Yosemite, Bryce and Zion, but always looking for new places too. I'd probably spend about a day or day and a half there next July.

Re: Thoughts/reflections on Texas parks?

Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 7:27 pm
by billandkaren
We lived in Texas for 4 years before moving to Colorado 3 years ago. I never made it to Big Bend although I did travel to some of the wildlife refuges further east along the border of Mexico. However, my son went to Big Bend on a school biology trip. There are some neat things to see in terms of desert scenery and you can take a float trip down the Rio Grande. There are exotic birds in some locations. But the park is very large and only a small portion is readily accessible. Also, July is brutally hot and there will be little to see during the day except for the scenery. Seeing any wildlife is rare especially at that time of year. Walking outside for more than a few minutes is a challenge with the heat regularly exceeding 100 degrees. From what I know, I would choose another time of year if I wanted to visit Big Bend. I made two trips to Yellowstone during my stay in Texas and would have never sacrificed even a day to visit Big Bend.

Bill

Re: Thoughts/reflections on Texas parks?

Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2018 11:42 pm
by Mike W.
Thanks Folks.

Looks like we might make a slight detour to briefly hit Guadalupe Mts, but pass on Big Bend. Doesn't sound like quite enough Wow factor for our always limited vacation time, and well out of the way.