Visit
BIG
BEND T E X A S
WELCOME to the
BIG BEND
W
e’re so glad you’re here in the Big Bend, whether you’re a visitor, a newcomer, or a long-time resident, and we’ve aimed our Visit Big Bend Welcome Guide at all of you. If you’re a visitor, you’ll want to make the most of your time here. Newcomers can learn all about the area before venturing out. And long-time residents might find new places to explore. Everything from hikes, to scenic drives, to bird and wildlife watching, to stargazing, to just plain relaxing is offered, so you’re sure to find lots to add to your list of things to do in the Big Bend. And be sure to check out the Just Ahead app for iPhone and Android that will guide you through our area with maps and detailed directions – no wifi or phone connection needed.
Cover photo, “Mule Ears in Big Bend National Park,” by Kara Gerbert All photos by Gail Diane Yovanovich unless otherwise noted.
West Texas National Bank
TM
Welcomes You to Alpine!
Locally headquartered and owned, West Texas National Bank has been a trusted advisor helping our West Texas communities to grow, thrive and have dreams as big as the Texas skies for more than 100 years. TM
WTNB finances the full cycle of our customer’s needs. We also have savings account options to help you realize your dreams. Even the big ones.
ALPINE BRANCH | 101 East Avenue E | Alpine, T X 79830 | 432.837.3375 Lobby Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Drive-Thru Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 am – 6:00 pm • Sat 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Banking West Texas Since 1904: Agribusiness | Business & Commercial Lending | Construction & Commercial Real Estate | Energy Development Home Mortgages | Land Acquisitions | Oil & Gas | Personal Banking | Real Estate Bridge Financing | Treasury Cash Management
MEMBER FDIC
2
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
2022 Visitors Guide
Bank By Phone 800.250.8880 | NMLS 410435 | 877.493.7862 | WTNB.com
YEARS
4
2022 Visitors Guide
Greetings
Panther Junction Visitor Center at Big Bend National Park.
FROM BREWSTER COUNTY TOURISM AND VISIT BIG BEND!
Here are just a few of the exciting things to do in Brewster County. MAR ATHON, TEX AS – The second largest town in Brewster County is located 26 miles southeast of Alpine. It plays host to the historic Gage Hotel. If you’re into birding and picnics, and longing for the sight of water, Post Park is the place for you. Located five miles south of town, it was the site of Fort Pena Colorado, an army outpost from 1879-1896.
Welcome to the
Big Bend Services Provided: • Wire Transfers • Money Orders • Phone Cards • ATM
2022 Visitors Guide
5
YOUR stop in the Big Bend
900 E. Avenue E Alpine Texas 6
2022 Visitors Guide
Marathon also offers a grocery store, as well as several art galleries and quaint shops for those needing their shopping fix. BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK – The crown jewel of Brewster County, the park boasts mountain woodlands, desert lowlands, and a riparian habitat that stretches 118 miles along the Rio Grande. Hosting the only mountain range located completely within a national park, the Chisos Basin offers lodging at the Chisos Mountain Lodge, dining, souvenirs, and some of the most outstanding hikes in the country. The Window Trail is something to behold at sunset. If you’re up and about before sunrise, the 1,500-foot cliffs carved out of the desert landscape at Santa Elena Canyon are a sight to behold. Big Bend National Park is also home to the largest diversity of species in the country, both plants and animals. The park also offers two stores with fuel, water, and snacks - one at Rio Grande Village and the other just beyond the visitor’s center at Panther Junction. STUDY BUTTE – At the junction of Texas Highway 118 and FM 170, Study Butte offers everything essential to trekking through the desert. If you’re looking for adventure, several outfitters offer jeep tours, river trips, or horseback riding. TERLINGUA – Best known for the International Chili Cook-Off held every year in November, the Terlingua Ghost Town is nowhere near a ghost town! The town was founded as a quicksilver mining establishment in 1903, but now boasts lodging, dining, shopping, and the best kept secret in the Big Bend - the view from the porch. The high desert is the place for mountain biking and other activities, including guided hikes and bike and river tours. LAJITAS – Situated between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas is home to the Lajitas Golf Resort. Boasting one of the top five championship golf courses according to the Dallas Morning News, these links offer breathtaking vistas seen nowhere else. Lajitas also has a general store with snacks, drinks, and fuel.
Welcome to the FOOD OF FAR WEST TEXAS BY KARA GERBERT
Head over Meals
S
o, you’ve hiked that hike and visited that village. Now it’s time to vanquish your hunger, and where better to do that than in the Big Bend. Our cuisine is as unique as our people and places, and doesn’t disappoint. Beef is a big part of dining in the Big Bend, and finding that perfectperfect ly crusted chicken fried steak, or that juicy burger topped with bacon and a fried egg, if it contains beef it’s going to be a winner. We certainly don’t want to leave out our barbecue folks. There is some brisket in the Big Coun Bend that will give those Hill Country folks a run for their money. These pit
masters don’t leave out the fowl either. Those folks can smoke a bird fast faster than they can migrate. Speaking of migrating, we offer wild game specialties on our menus that will tease your palate and bring you back for more. I’m talking about perfectly cooked bison, delicately prepared quail, and perfectly fried antelope just to name a few. Being neighbors with Mexico, their authentic food has migrated across the border to give us some of the best Mexican food to be found. Whether you’re looking for that perfectly seasoned bowl of beans, that cheesy fried chile relleno, or
that perfect bowl of chile macho or pico de gallo, we have it. Our enchila enchiladas, picadillo, and asado are on point as well, and never forget we celebrate taco Tuesdays with the best of them here in the Big Bend. Now that you’ve sampled that Mexican combination plate, savored that chef-pre chef-prepared steak, and even relished that made to order sandwich, you are asking yourself what took you so long to visit this mecca of West Texas dining. The Big Bend is small on population, but we are big on flavor, and have something to suit even the finickiest palate. So, do yourself a favor and enjoy some of the best dining West of the Pecos. Y’all come back now!
WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS
• State of the Art Fitness • Hot Breakfast Bar Center • Business Center & • Indoor Pools & Spa Meeting Room • Free High- Speed Internet • Wheelchair Accessible
• On - site guest self laundry facilities • Free breakfast - kids eat free!
• Business center • Health/fitness center on-site • Indoor pool and Spa • Free internet
2607 West Us Hwy.90 | Alpine, Texas
2004 East Hwy 90 | Alpine, Texas
www.alpine.hamtoninn.com
www.holidayinnexpress.com
432-837-7344
432-837-9597
2022 Visitors Guide
7
Big Bend Artist
SEE A FLYING DINOSAUR AT BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
B BREATHING SPACE 19” X 27” PASTEL, BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
LindyCSeverns.com Lindy@LindyCSeverns.com | 806.789.6513
Old Spanish Trail Gallery outside Fort Davis (by appointment) THE GAGE V6 COLLECTION, MARATHON
ig Bend National Park’s new Fossil Discovery Exhibit opened last year, and showcases the park’s nearly complete fossil record spanning 130 million years. The exhibit is housed in a stand-alone facility located at the site of the older fossil bone exhibit, 18 miles south of Persimmon Gap Visitor Center on U.S Highway 385. It has a covered picnic area and restrooms. The unique architecture helps the structure blend into the landscape, and the structure is solar powered and self-sustaining. The displays represent four time periods of the park’s geologic history. One section includes fossils from the oldest period when the area was covered by a sea.
COME SEE US ★ Daily Drink Specials ★ Darts ★ Pool ★ Full Bar ★ Large selection of ★ Shuffle Board domestic and import beers
8
2022 Visitors Guide
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park shows how dinosaurs lived and interacted.
Another section includes the fossil record from when the sea receded, leaving a coastline environment in its place. Later, that same area morphed into a swampy, inland floodplain. And later still, it transitioned into an extinction period that led to the rise of mammals. All these time periods are represented by fossils found at the site and in other areas of the park, including a full-size replica of a flying pterosaur, a species of Quetzalcoatlus found in the park. The exhibit includes fossil replicas of a Crocodilia skull from 83.5 million years ago, and several other large skulls that are kid-friendly—touching and playing on some of the exhibits is allowed. The more fragile displays are behind thick glass, such as a replica of Bravoceratops, a specimen discovered four years ago in the park. The exhibit is the biggest addition to the park in over 50 years, and is a destination in itself.
2022 Visitors Guide
9
POPULAR BIRDING SPOTS IN THE
BIG
BEND BY GAIL DIANE YOVANOVICH
Managing Editor
Lots of folks come to the Big Bend to find local resident birds, interesting migrants, and perhaps a rarity or two. Here are some popular and easy-to-access sites where you can raise binoculars and perhaps add some species to your checklists. An internet search on any one of these will provide directions, access details, and in most cases, bird lists. • Davis Mountains State Park in Jeff Davis County • Lawrence E. Wood picnic area in Jeff Davis County • Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park
• Kokernot Park in Alpine • Post Park in Marathon • Boot Springs in Big Bend National Park • Sam Nail Ranch in Big Bend National Park
• Dugout Wells in Big Bend National Park • Gage Gardens in Marathon • Fort Leaton State Historical Site in Presidio County
When it comes to insuring Fine Art or the Ranch and anything in between, we are your partner to call on. GSM has been insuring Texans since 1923. Bethany Ahern Agent
432-837-7419 10 2022 Visitors Guide
209 W. Holland Ave. • Alpine, TX 79830 432-837-1922 • thehollandhoteltexas.com
NATURE WALKS at CDRI The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center offers twice-monthly Saturday bird walks. The walks are open to all birders, and to those who are interested in learning about birding. The 2.5-3 hour hikes explore along various Nature Center hiking trails, the botanical garden, the new bird blind and water feature, and around the visitor center. Mindful Monday Morning Walks are offered weekly at 9:30 a.m., and all are welcomed. Contact the Nature Center at 432-364-2499 ext. 2 for dates and more information.
Alpine Veterinary Clinic Small & Large Animals Medicine • Surgery
Ray Allen, DVM 2201 W. Hwy. 90 Alpine, TX 79830
432-837-3888
Your shopping headquarters for the Big Bend. BEHIND EVERY PROJECT IS A
MORRISON HARDWARE SERVING ALPINE & THE BIG BEND SINCE 1928
301 N. 5th ST • ALPINE, TEXAS 79830
432-837-206
www.morrisonhardware.com
2022 Visitors Guide 11
The Chinati Foundation
The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. His intent was to preserve and present to the public largescale installations by a limited number of artists. The foundation is located on 340 acres in Marfa.
It’s normally open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and various tours are available, but you should call ahead as hours may change. Call 432-729-4362 for more information, or visit chinati.org.
There is only one provider that can meet all your needs when moving. BBT, fiber provider in the Big Bend bringing you speeds up to 1G, keeping you connected.
Fiber • VOIP • Whole Home • WiFi
GET THE FREE BREWSTER COUNTY
MOBILE APP!
800-592-4781 Toll Free 808 N. 5th St., Alpine, TX 79830 www.bigbend.com
12 2022 Visitors Guide
The Brewster County Tourism Council and Visit Big Bend want you to enjoy your time in Big Bend, and to facilitate this, we ask that you take advantage of our mobile app put out by Just Ahead. This app is free in the Apple Store or Google Play. Just go to Just Ahead, find Big Bend National Park, and download the app. No wifi, internet, or mobile phone service is needed for this guided tour through Brewster County. For more information on lodging, dining, activities, or the free mobile app, visit our website at visitbigbend.com.
Lobby Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9AM - 4PM Friday 9AM - 5PM Drive-Thru Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30AM - 5PM Saturday 9AM - 12PM 402 W Holland Ave., Alpine, TX 79830 432-837-0094|www.transpecosbanks.com
2022 Visitors Guide 13
Marfa Lights
The Mar fa Lights are a must-see on any visit to the Big Bend. Accounts of strange phenomena just outside Marfa began during the 19th century and continue to this day. Some say they are UFOs or ghosts, but despite much research, they still remain unexplained. The dancing lights on the horizon might appear as
blue, or red, or white, and usually appear randomly throughout the night during any season or weather condition. The source of the mystery lights is a point of contention, but you should see them for yourself. The official Marfa Lights Viewing Area is located nine miles east of town on Highway 90 towards Alpine.
Specializing in Ranch & Rural Properties in the Big Bend & Highlands of West Texas
Welcome to the Big Bend!
(888)729-4424 (432)249-0401 P.O. Box 726, Marfa, TX 79843
Cleat L. Stephens, Broker
cleat@findaranch.com FindARanchOutWest.com 14 2022 Visitors Guide
2700 E Hwy 90 • Alpine 432-837-7456 • Fax: 432-837-7458
Store Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 7AM - 6PM • Sat. 7AM - 5PM
TAKE A HIKE
There’s no accurate count, but there are dozens of popular hikes in the Big Bend region. The climate range in the area – from desert f loors to mountains –
can vary widely, so you can choose a hike to suit the weather. The suggestions here are all day hikes, so they’re convenient if you’re just looking for a quick outing.
Day hikes CHIH UA H UA N DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE – Easy to moderate, 0.33 to 2.25 miles. To get there, drive four miles southeast of Fort Davis to the gate at 43869 Texas Highway 118. MADER A CANYON TR AIL – A moderate 2.4-mile round trip near the Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve. It’s about 25 miles northwest of Fort Davis on Highway 118, about 10 miles past McDonald Observatory. Look for the Lawrence E. Wood picnic area. HANCOCK HILL – An easy, 20-30 minutes one way uphill at Sul Ross State University. Be sure to cross over to the desk to the east and sign the notebook.
THE WINDOW TRAIL – Moderate, and uphill most of the way back, 4.4 or 5.6 miles round trip at Big Bend National Park. CHISOS BASIN LOOP TRAIL – A moderate 1.8-mile round trip through pine and oak with outstanding views. Begins at the Chisos Basin Trailhead at Big Bend National Park. SANTA ELENA CANYON – An easy 1.8-mile round trip at Big Bend National Park, but crosses Terlingua Creek and starts with a moderate uphill climb. EMORY PEAK TRAIL – A strenuous, nine-mile round trip inside Big Bend National Park.
Photo by Shawna Graves
Honoring the Memory of Your Loved One
clear All lanes
As a local cooperative, we share our profits with the Texans we serve. Since 2006, we’ve returned almost $2 billion. So, when you’re ready to secure lending for that perfect piece of land, try a partnership that really pays. Together we’re better.
ALPINE 432.837.5948 NMLS493828 | capitalfarmcredit.com
We value your trust in us, and it is our honor to help you through your time of sorrow with compassionate service, professional guidance and a dignified tribute to your dear departed loved one.
Honor The Memories
Each service, unique and perfect in every way.
209 West Sul Ross, Alpine Texas | 432-837-2222 www.AlpineMemorialFuneralHome.com 2022 Visitors Guide 15
Expansion is in progress at Museum of the Big Bend.
We tell the story! BEGIN YOUR LAST FRONTIER ADVENTURE AT THE MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND BY MARY BONES Director
The MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND, located on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, presents a variety of high quality exhibits each year and tells the compelling story of the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico in our permanent display Big Bend Legacy. HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed major holidays ADMISSION: $5.00/person Free to Museum members, children 12 and under, and current SRSU students, faculty, and staff. Free Parking For more information, call 432·837·8730 or visit our website: museumofthebigbend.com
16 2022 Visitors Guide
The Museum of the Big Bend, located on the campus of Sul Ross State University, is your first stop as you begin your journey into Big Bend country. Housed in a 1936 Texas Centennial Memorial Museum building, the Museum of the Big Bend tells the unique story of Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties that make up the Big Bend region. Exhibits and videos explore the history of the Big Bend, starting with the world’s largest flying reptile, the Texas Pterosaur, to the creation of the Rio Grande River as an international border, the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, the history of Sul Ross State University and much more. The Museum also hosts revolving temporary exhibits that all reflect the Big Bend area and the American West. For those with an interest in
cartography, the Map Room Hallway features exhibits from one of the most historically significant map groupings in Texas - the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection. It’s housed in a special maps study room at the Museum, and will enlighten and educate visitors about Texas. While at the Museum, check out Big Bend Trading Company, the Museum’s gift shop featuring a wonderful selection of unique gifts, jewelry, pottery, books, cards and other items. The Museum of the Big Bend is reached at Entrance 4 on the Sul Ross campus. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Monday and major holidays. Admission and parking is free, and donations are accepted. For more information, call 432-837-8143, or visit museumofthebigbend.com.
Stargaze at
MCDONALD OBSERVATORY
McDonald Observatory is located in the Davis Mountains under some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S., around 450 miles west of its research and administrative home at the University of Texas at Austin. The obser vator y welcomes the public at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center with advance reservations, and advance reservations are required for all programs as well, including star parties. All reservations must be made online at mcdonaldobservatory. org. For more information, call 432-426-3640.
Photo courtesy McDonald Observatory
LARGEST SELECTION OF RENTAL PROPERTY IN THE DAVIS MOUNTAIN BIG BEND REGION. 432-837-4200 or www.pocoreatapropertiesllc.com 2022 Visitors Guide 17
Hitting the road in the
Big Bend
410 N 5�� S����� A�����, T���� 79830 Kristin Cavness, Owner Bevin Maxam, Escrow Officer Sabrina Engh, Escrow Officer Gerry Ellis, Receptionist
432-837-5801
���.���������������.���
SAFE TRAVELS SAFE TRAVELS START HERE START HERE
us of maintenance and See us forSee all ofall vehicle maintenance and See us for for allyour of your your vehicle vehicle maintenance and repair needs needs to to ensure ensure your your car car is is operating operating repair repair needs to safely ensure your car is operating and effi efficiently. ciently. safely and safely and efficiently. FREE Tire & Brake Inspections
FREE Tire & Brake Inspections
Call & or visit visitBrake us online online to to book book your your fast, or us fast, FREE TireCall Inspections free inspection inspection service. service. free
Call or do: visit us online to book your fast, We also also do: We Lube Exhaust Service freeService inspection service. •• Lube •• Exhaust
•• Brakes Front End Alignments Alignments Brakes We also•••• Front do: End Welding •• Shocks Welding Shocks Exhaust Service•Brakes•Shocks•Struts•Lube•Front End Alignments•Welding•& more! & more! more! Struts •• & •• Struts
& &&MORE! MORE! more!
2601 E. Hwy 90 Alpine 432-837-5030
2601 E. Hwy 90 | Alpine | 432-837-5030
GIVE ME A CALL TODAY, I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU! GIVE ME ME A A CALL CALL TODAY, TODAY, I’D I’D LOVE LOVE TO TO HELP HELP YOU! YOU! GIVE ERICERIC WELCH eric@oasistireco.com WELCH|• eric@oasistireco.com
18 2022 Visitors Guide
Sometimes you just want to take a drive and enjoy the amazing West Texas vistas, and that’s easy to do. Roads are good on all these routes, so you won’t need four-wheel drive – a passenger car will do. Keep in mind that these f ive drives could get lots longer depending upon your starting point. Only one is a true loop, so allow time to get back where you started or to drive to your ultimate destination. Bring plenty of snacks and water, and make sure your gas tank is full since most of these routes will take you far from your starting point, and offer no accommodations along the way. Oh, and don’t forget your camera.
RIVER ROAD (EL CAMINO DEL RIO) 62 miles on Ranch Road 170 from Study Butte/Terlingua to Presidio. FORT DAVIS LOOP a true, 75-mile loop starting and ending in Fort Davis on Texas Highways 118 and 166. DAVIS MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL 37 miles on Texas Highway 17 from Fort Davis to Balmorhea. ROSS MAXWELL SCENIC DRIVE a 30-mile drive within Big Bend National Park. U.S. HIGHWAY 385 68 miles from Marathon to Panther Junction in Big Bend National Park.
25% off with this ad
At Out West Feed & Supply, we are more than just a feed store!! Only in Alpine Freakin’ Texas we carry hundreds of pieces from new brands that support the wide range of lifestyles across the nation from the working cowboy and the avid outdoorsman to the western fashion enthusiast. Come see us for the best boots, hats, and apparel for men, women and kids. We are putting the WEST back in WESTERN.
2600 EAST US 90 ALPINE 432-837-5792 DOWNTOWN CLOTHING STORE 117 HOLLAND AVE MON.-FRI. 8-6 SAT. 8-3
Excludes sale items, Limit one per customer.
2022 Visitors Guide 19
ALPINE MURALS
S
troll through the breezeway alongside the Reata Restaurant (between the street and their patio), and marvel at the colorful mural depicting scenes from which the restaurant takes its name, “Giant.” Walk down the street two blocks south, and you’ll see two more fabulous murals by Stylle Read on the side of Kiowa Gallery. One mural displays many mages of West Texas and Alpine, including one of Sul Ross’s most famous alumni, Dan Blocker of “Bonanza.” The other mural is based on “Poco a Poquito” calendar artwork by Jesus Helguera, and was a gift to Alpine from ArtWalk, painted by Stylle Read and volunteers in a weekend. Alpine’s newest murals honor the Tex-
as Rangers and the Alpine Volunteer Fire Department. You’ll see the Texas Ranger mural, also by Stylle Read, on the side of the Prescription Shop on Holland Avenue, and a stroll down Holland Avenue
past Kishmish Plaza will take you right to the Volunteer Fire Department mural. And be sure to see the Sixth Street alley murals rendered by Stylle Read and local artists.
Trost & Trost design Historic architecture with modern convenience
Family owned for 30 years.
509 W. Holland Ave. Alpine Tx. mitchellsfurniture@gmail.com
432-837-0070
20 2022 Visitors Guide
Beautiful outdoor courtyards • Fine dining and full bar Historic accommodations in downtown Van Horn thehotelelcapitan.com
877-283-1220
A river runs I through
BY GAIL DIANE YOVANOVICH
Managing Editor
it
A dry Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park in late May stands as evidence of extended drought in the Southwest. Photo by J.T. Maroney
n April and May visitors to Big Bend National Park found the Rio Grande dry in many places, but by late May, river trips through Santa Elena Canyon had resumed. That is not expected to continue, though. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the summer of 2021 exceeded all past droughts in the region since 2000, and a recent study found the period from 2000-2021 was the driest in 1,200 years in the Southwest U.S. That trend continues today. Greg Henington owns a river rafting company in south Brewster County, and he said the river “comes and goes all summer.” At the east end of the park, springs supplement the Rio Grande, but upstream the river is dependent upon reservoirs in northern Mexico. Those reservoirs feed into the Rio Conchos, and the Rio Conchos intersects into the Rio Grande around Presidio. The reservoirs exist to provide irrigation and water for human consumption. Only when the reservoirs are full is water released into the river. Tom VandenBerg, chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Big Bend National Park, said localized downpours in South County send water rushing into creeks and the river. Henington and VandenBerg agreed that the river would recede quickly, and both were hoping for good rains when the monsoon season starts in mid-July.
XPEL Paint Protection Film
OLD SPANISH TRAIL GALLERY & MUSEUM
At Crows Nest Ranch 16 miles SW of Fort Davis off Scenic Loop 166
Window Tinting
Fine Art Meets History on a Historic Davis Mountains Ranch
Auto Storage Auto Detailing Ceramic Coating
Call for Appointment
432-837-9789
511 W. Holland • Alpine
Nationally Recognized and Regional Artists
We’re open daily, but only By Appointment 432.249.1968 art@ostgallery.com 401 CROWS NEST ROAD | FORT DAVIS, TX 79734 WWW. OSTGALLERY.COM
2022 Visitors Guide 21
FINDING WATER IN THE DESERT
The pool at Balmorhea State Park. Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Although the Big Bend region is considered high desert, water isn’t that hard to find, and here are some places to get away from the desert dust. RIO GRANDE RIVER TRIPS – Five river canyons traverse the Big Bend for kayak, canoe or raft. Find an outfitter in Terlingua. POST PARK – Find an oasis in the desert south of Marathon, with big shade trees, picnic areas, and a fishing pond. HOT SPRINGS HISTORIC DISTRICT – There’s a hot spring for soaking on the north side of the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Take the two-mile gravel road that descends down a rough, narrow wash to the Hot Springs Historic District. From the trailhead, it’s a quarter-mile hike to the spring. ALPINE MUNICIPAL POOL – During the summer months, Alpine opens its swimming pool and charges a modest admission fee. Head over to Kokernot Park for a cool dip. BALMORHEA STATE PARK – The park’s main feature is a 1.3-acres freshwater pool built around San Solomon Springs. The water temperature stays at 72-76 degrees year round, and the park charges a modest admission fee.
“We live in the most beautiful region of West Texas. Let us share it with you.” Carol & Kerri
COMPLETE FAMILY CARE in the comfort of your own community.
Bigbendhealthcare.com bbrhc.com
Carol Morrow 432-386-3434
bigbendsurgery.com
2600 Hwy 118 Northh | Alpine l Texas 79830
432-837-3447
22 2022 Visitors Guide
R E A LT Y
KELLER WILLIAMS® Alpine 308 W Ave E Alpine, TX 79830 432-386-3434
Kerry Blackman 432-294-1071
MORE THINGS TO DO
WHILE YOU’RE HERE W
hether it’s your first visit to the Big Bend or you’ve lived here all your life, you probably have a list of things you love to do or a list of things you’ve always wanted to do. Here are a few more.
– Watch the Alpine Cowboys play baseball at historic Kokernot Park in the summer. – Cross the border to Mexico at Boquillas and ride a donkey to town for lunch. – Find out about local history at Museum of the Big Bend. – Float down the Rio Grande in a raft or canoe. – Wet a line or have a picnic at Post Park in Marathon. – Look for the Marfa Lights.
– Visit the historic cemetery at Terlingua Ghost Town. – Watch an historical re-enactment of 19th-century baseball at Fort Davis National Historic Site. – Look for pronghorn in the fields between Marfa and Alpine or Marfa and Fort Davis. – Go to a Star Party at McDonald Observatory. – Hike to Boot Springs at Big Bend National Park and look for Colima Warbler and Lucifer Hummingbird.
DO YOU KNOW WE OFFER THESE AMAZING SERVICES? Our newest instant issue debit card. We are offering debit cards with some of our local schools on them, Alpine, Marfa and Fort Davis, those schools will get a percentage of what is purchased with those cards when they use them as credit.
Here is some more of our amazing services: • CHANGE SAVER • CHRISTMAS CLUB • REMOTE DEPOSIT CAPTURE • GROOVECAR.COM • ON LINE BANKING/MOBILE APP • VISA CREDIT CARD
Community Credit Union • LOAN SKIP-A-PAY Your Key to Financial Success • STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS • BILL PAY • KIDS CLUB ACCOUNTS 432-837-9389 • INSTANT ISSUE DEBIT CARDS
www.wccu.net 608 W. Ave E Alpine, Texas
2022 Visitors Guide 23
BIG BEND T E X A S
VISITBIGBEND.COM
@lee @l emccm