Alpine Avalanche | 2018 Visitor's Guide Tab

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WELCOME GUIDE

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VISITBIGBEND.COM

WELCOME TO THE BIG BEND

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e’re so glad you’re here in the Big Bend, you’re sure to find lots to add to your list of things to do whether you’re a visitor, a newcomer, or in the Big Bend. a long-time resident, and we’ve aimed And be sure to check out the Just Ahead app for iPour VISIT Big Bend Welcome Guide at hone and Android that will guide you through our area all of you. with maps and detailed directions – no wifi or phone If you’re a visitor, you’ll want to make the most of your connection needed. 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 Cover photo of Santa Elena Canyon by Gail Diane Yovanovich wildlife watching, to just plain relaxing is offered, so Credits: All photos by Gail Diane Yovanovich unless otherwise noted.

Visitor’s Guide, 2018 — 3

4 — Visitors Guide, 2018

GREETINGS FROM BREWSTER COUNTY TOURISM AND VISIT BIG BEND!

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ere are just a few of the exciting things to do in Brewster County.

Marathon, Texas – 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.

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

Welcome Alpine, Stop in and check out the latest looks for spring.

We have great syles for men, women and kids Serving the Big Bend Since 1979

2600 E. Hwy 90 | Alpine, TX 79830 | 432-837-5792

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.

Kim Azar, Realtor 210-834-1004 kim@msr-hp.com 117 N. 6th Street Alpine Texas

SPECIALIZING IN

residential and commercial properties in Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties.

Visitors Guide, 2018 — 5

More things to do while you’re here

ALPINE MURALS

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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 Reed in the Ki-

Whether 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.

owa Gallery parking lot. 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 Reed and volunteers in a weekend.

We Appreciate Your Business

We welcome you to the Big Bend!

• On - site guest self - laundry facilities • Business center • Indoor pool and Spa

• Watch the Alpine Cowboys play baseball at historic Kokernot Park.

• 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.

• See an outdoor Sul Ross Theatre production in the summer.

• 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 or Lucifer Hummingbird.

• Free breakfast - kids eat free!

• Health/fitness center on - site • Free internet

6 — Visitor’s Guide, 2018

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TAKE A HIKE

here’s no accurate count, The climate range in the area The suggestions here are all but there are dozens of – from desert floors to mountains day hikes, so they’re convenient popular hikes in the Big – can vary widely, so you can if you’re just looking for a quick Bend region. choose a hike to suit the weather. outing.

• Chihuahuan 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.

• Madera Canyon Trail – 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.

Welcome to the Big Bend!

• 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 1.8mile 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, 9-mile round trip inside Big Bend National Park.

OLD SPANISH TRAIL GALLERY & MUSEUM Fine Art Meets History on A Heritage Ranch SW of Fort Davis Original Southwest Art featuring:

Lindy Cook Severns | Wayne Baize David Loren Bass | Dina Gregory | Tim Oliver Ginger Lemons | Roxa Robison A Destination Davis Mts Gallery Open Daily by Appointment

2700 E Hwy 90 • Alpine 432-837-7456 • Fax: 432-837-7458

Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 7AM - 6PM • Saturday 7AM - 5PM

Let Us Know When You’d Like to Come

We’ll Make Your Visit Special !

432.249.1968 | art@OSTgallery.com | OSTGallery.com

Come see us ★ Daily Drink Specials ★ Pool ★ Shuffle Board ★ Darts ★ Full Bar ★ Large selection of domestic and import beers

Stay tuned for the great things coming like OUR OUTDOOR STAGE, FOOD AND EXPANDED PORCH

Visitors Guide, 2018 — 9

MARY BONES

WE TELL THE STORY!

Director, Museum of the Big Bend

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

511W. Holland • Alpine, Tx 432-837-9789 • www.thestablealpine.com DAVE DURANT

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 En-

SHELBY TERLINGUA MUSTANGS AND MANY MANY MORE

Visit our Terlingua Racing Retail Store | Car Care FOR MORE INFO CONTACT DAVE DURANT 432-837-9789

WWW.THESTABLEALPINE.COM

trance 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.

At Capital Farm Credit, we do things differently. We’re a cooperative—that means we’re owned by the same ranchers, farmers and agribusinesses we serve. Whether you’re looking for operating capital, a beginning rancher loan or need help navigating a rural land purchase, your goals are our goals.

Partnership that really pays.

ALPINE OFFICE 432.837.5948 108 West Avenue E

PROUD MEMBER OF THE FARM CREDIT SYSTEM

capitalfarmcredit.com NMLS493828

10 — Visitors Guide, 2018

SEE A FLYING DINOSAUR AT BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

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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. 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 Quetzalcoaltlus 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.

It’s okay for kids to touch some of the interactive features at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park, such as this full-size replica of a Crocodilia skull.

Photo by Shawna Graves

KING

LAND & WATER

Protecting Clients. Conserving the Land.

Offices in Fort Davis and Austin www.KingLandWater.com info@KingLandWater.com 432-426-2024

Assisting buyers and sellers of ranches and unique properties throughout the State of Texas

Visitor’s Guide, 2018 — 11

STARGAZE AT MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

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cDonald 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 observatory welcomes the public at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center. Around 60,000 visitors per year attend star parties and exhibits, and weather permitting, guided star parties are held weekly.

Phone 432-426-3640 for more information.

Photo courtesy McDonald Observatory

301 W. Holland Ave. Alpine Tx, 79830

Office: 432-837-7009 | Fax: 432-837-7439 | Toll Free: 877-263-3306

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e are BBB accredited with an A+ rating, and have been providing roofing and gutter services to Texas and the surrounding states for nearly 30 years.

We feel honored to be active members of the Alpine Chamber of Commerce, Big Bend Chamber of Commerce, Marfa Chamber of Commerce as well as the National Roofing Contractors Association, North Texas Roofing Contractor’s Association, and several other highly reputed organizations.

12 — Visitors Guide, 2018

TEN BIRDING SPOTS IN THE BIG BEND GAIL D. YOVANOVICH

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ots of folks come to the Big Bend to find local resident birds, interesting migrants, and perhaps a rarity or two.

Here are 10 popular and easy-to-access sites where you can raise binoculars and perhaps add some species to your checklists.

ANNUAL EVENTS of the Big Bend March 23 Taste

April 21 Picnic in the Park Easter Egg Hunt

Chili Cook-off April 27 Christian May 5, 6 Motorcyclist Rally TX Fallen Heroes May 25-27 Coolest 4th of July July 4,5,6 Hummingbird Aug 22-25 Celebration

Sept 15, 16 Cyclefest Nov 11 Veterans Memorial Dec 8 Frontier Christmas

Rufous Hummingbird

Photo by Joe Waggoner

• 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 • 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

Western Scrub Jay

STARGAZE * BIRD WATCH * HIKE * BIKE * EXPLORE BOTANICAL GARDENS * HORSEBACK RIDE * CAMP * GLAMP * LEARN HISTORY * NAVIGATE ASTRONOMY * RIDE A GLIDER * DANCE * RALLY THE SCENIC LOOP * FIND ART * UNWIND * PHOTOGRAPH * WATCH WILDLIFE * DISCOVER THE FRONTIER

Visitors Guide, 2018 — 13

BIRD WALKS AT CDRI

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he Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center offers twice-monthly Saturday bird walks. The walks open to all birders, and to who are interested in ing about birding.

The 2.5-3 hour hikes exalong various Nature Center hiking trails, the botanical garden, the new bird blind and water feature, and around the visitor center.

Contact the Nature Center at 432-364-2499 ext. 2 for dates and more information.

Rufous

Hummingbird are those learn-

plore

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 large-scale installations by a limited number of artists. The foun-

Get the free Brewster County mobile app!

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

Specializing in Ranch & Rural Properties in the Big Bend & Highlands of West Texas (888)729-4424 (432)249-0401

P.O. Box 726, Marfa, TX 79843

dation is located on 340 acres in Marfa.

It’s open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and various tours are available. Call 432-729-4362 for more information, or visit chinati.org.

Bend National Park, and download the app. No wif i, 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.

WTG FUELS INC. GAS • DIESEL • PROPANE

PROUDLY SERVING THE TRI COUNTY AREA.

Cleat L. Stephens, Broker

cleat@findaranch.com

FindARanchOutWest.com

Alpine 432.837.2518 | Marathon 432-386-4422 | Fax 432-386-4411 Marathon, Texas 79842

14 — Visitors Guide, 2018

HUNTIN’ GRUB IN THE BIG BEND KRYSTA JOHNS

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elcome to far West Texas, where everything is better.

W het her you’re a first-timer, a seasoned-visitor or fortunate enough to be a local, you’re going to find that our food out here is a little different from what you experience elsewhere - it’s better.

With cattle-ranching being one of our largest local industries, it’s no surprise that the beef is going to taste better. If you get a chance to have a bowl of Terlingua chili, a big ol’ chicken fried steak, barbecued brisket, or a fine steak cooked to your liking, don’t miss it.

And, if you can eat it out in the fresh air and soak up some beautiful West Texas sunshine, by all means, do it.

Our close proximity to Mexico

means that our Mexican food is authentic, and authenticity takes longer.

So order some guacamole, sit back and enjoy.

Try one of our local beers since they are bound to be the freshest you will ever sip. If it’s on the menu, enjoy a Prickly Pear Margarita. Prickly pear are the cactus you see all over the landscape with purple fruit on them, called tunas. When juiced, they make the bright fuchsia color of your new favorite adult beverage, and they’re local favorites.

There’s a good chance that after your visit, you’ll still be thinking of those stacked enchiladas you had at one of our many Mexican food restaurants.

Or those made-to-order deli sandwiches you picked up before your hike.

Or that food truck that served you your new favorite meal.

Or the chef-prepared dinner that makes your mouth water just thinking about it.

Whatever you’re hungry for, we’ve got it out here in far West Texas! So eat it up, and then you’d better hurry back for more.

All photos by Krysta Johns

Come see us while you are in town!

CARPENTER REAL ESTATE

Best Mexican Food in Alpine!

Proudly Serving the Big Bend area since 1947 John Carpenter, Broker/Owner Office: 432-837-3325 708 East Avenue E | Alpine, Texas http://jwcarpenter.com | jw3@jwcarpenter.com

ALPINE, TX 79830

YOUR “PEOPLE TO PEOPLE” BANK SINCE 1911 FORT DAVIS (432) 426-3211 • ALPINE (432) 837-1888 PRESIDIO (432) 229-5000

www.fdsb.com

1104 E. AVE. H

837-2842

MUSEUM OF THE BIG BEND ALPINE, TEXAS

432.837.8143 www.museumofthebigbend.com Sul Ross State University

MEMBER THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Visitors Guide, 2018 — 15

MARFA LIGHTS

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he Marfa 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.

ORIGINAL ART S PHOTOGRAPHY CERAMICS S JEWELRY S BOUTIQUE

Alpine Veterinary Clinic Small & Large Animals Medicine • Surgery

Ray Allen, DVM

2201 W. Hwy. 90 • Alpine, TX 79830

432-837-3888

Premier Art Gallery of the Big Bend since 1994 Tues–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

R 105

E. Holland, Alpine, TX

R (432)

837-3067

900 E. Avenue E Alpine Texas

16 — Visitors Guide, 2018

FINDING WATER

IN THE DESERT

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lthough 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 – In the summer, Alpine opens its swimming pool and charges a modest admission fee. Head over to Kokernot Park for a cool dip.

Cuisine inspired by cowboy cooking

Legendary . Texas . Cuisine 203 N 5th Street | Alpine, TX 79830 432-837-9232 www.Reata.net

Historic accommodations in downtown Marfa hotelpaisano.com

Trost & Trost design • Historic architecture with modern convenience Beautiful outdoor courtyards • Fine dining and full bar Historic accommodations in downtown Van Horn thehotelelcapitan.com

866-729-3669

Trost & Trost design Historic architecture with modern convenience Beautiful outdoor courtyards Fine dining and full bar

Hotel El Capitan

877-283-1220

STAY. PLAY. IN THE BIG BEND. Playing begins and ends with Big Bend Overland Tours in Terlingua, just outside the Park’s west entrance. And, staying is accommodated at either Chisos Mountains Lodge in the Park or Big Bend Resort and Adventures in Terlingua.

Forever Resorts has been your host in Big Bend National Park for decades. Our lodging accommodations include a variety of rooms plus on-site dining and shopping. Many guests enjoy our full-service RV parks and campground facilities as well.

Overland Tours provide unparalleled off-road exploration in the Park’s varied natural environments. Enjoy our standardized tours or create your own excursion.

Big Bend Overland Tours Standard or customized heritage tours in and around Big Bend National Park.

Chisos Mountains Lodge The only lodging in Big Bend National Park.

STAY and PLAY! MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW: Chisos Mountains Lodge Big Bend Resort and Adventures Big Bend Overland Tours Big Bend Resort & Adventure RV Park Rio Grande RV Park & Campground

/TravelForeverResorts

800.255.5561 800.848.2363 432.294.1113 432.371.2218 432.477.2293

Big Bend Resort & Adventures / RV Park adjacent.

BigBendResort.com ChisosMountainsLodge.com

Travel-Forever.com/14btm Forever Resorts is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and an Equal Opportunity Service Provider

18 — Visitors Guide, 2018

HITTING THE ROAD IN THE BIG BEND

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ometimes 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 five 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

Big Hill

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.

Mt. Livermore

Welcome to the

Big Bend Services Provided:

• Wire Transfers • Money Orders • Phone Cards • ATM

Visitors Guide, 2018 — 19

Sawtooth Mountains

Chisos Mountains

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 432-837-2061• www.morrisonhardware.com

209 W. Holland Ave., Alpine, TX 79830 • 432-837-2800 • 800-535-8040 • thehollandhoteltexas.com

1200 E. Holland Avenue • Alpine, Texas 79830 • (432) 837-0628 • www.TheMaverickInn.com