To the Windows

Hikers Sara Meloncon and Ian Lewis enjoy a break in their hike on The Window Trail at Big Bend National Park. 

Fall in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Hiker Jason Merlo sent us this snap of a succulent set against the backdrop of traditional fall colors in McKittrick Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park.‎

Chinati Mountains State Natural Area

Did you hear? Texas' newest state park finally has public access! Chinati Mountains State Natural Area now must hold public meetings and lay out a public use plan but we're one step closer to 39,000 unspoiled acres that will remain a wilderness for intrepid campers!

Dog Day Afternoon

Anthony Whitt wrote about his hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park's Dog Canyon "in the remote northern corner" of the park. "This is a secluded region perfect for birding, hiking, horseback riding and good old solitude," he wrote.

Blue Skies

Mimms Ranch in Marfa is part of the Dixon Water Foundation, researching sustainable ranch management and water conservation across Texas. On Mimms there is a trail that is accessible to the public for walking and jogging. While they don't advertise this, you can ask around next time you're in Marfa and a local can tell you how find it. Expect spectacular vista views and precious solitude. Just what the doctor ordered! Photos by Mia Warren.

Hoodoo Hiking in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park has a great right-off-the-road trailhead on Hwy 170, the River Road that features hoodoos!  Wikipedia says this about hoodoos:  "A hoodoo (also called a tent rock, fairy chimney, and earth pyramid) is a tall, thin spire of rock that protrudes from the bottom of an arid drainage basin or badland. Hoodoos consist of soft sedimentary rock topped by harder, less easily-eroded stone that protects each column from the elements."

One of our favorite photos of Big Bend

At the end of the Window Trail!

Hey, where IS that!?!?

Ron Coleman Trail
Franklin Mountains State Park
photo: Adrianna Weickhardt

Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso recently organized a National Trails Day hike on the Ron Coleman Trail.  It is hard to believe--but you should--that adventure of this magnitude is possible in our largest city of the Texas Mountain Trail region.

Our friends at GeoBetty.com say this about the trail:
"This very difficult hike along the spine of the Franklin Mountains is not for the faint of heart. It starts in McKelligon Canyon and goes up to the ridge before following the ridgeline all the way to Transmountain Road. It is a difficult and dangerous hike that should only be attempted by prepared and experienced hikers who are ready to deal with heights. That said, have fun and take photos."

Ron Coleman Trail
National Trails Day hike, Franklin Mountains State Park
Photo: Adrianna Weickhardt

Photo from Franklin Mountains State Park
by Dan Baeza

 

photo: Texas Mountain Trail

Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park

photo courtesy Visit Big Bend

This great photo of Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park is courtesy of our friends at Visit Big Bend; provided to us for our recent National Trails Day social media project.

Want to know more about this trail?  Here's the trail description from the park's website:

Grapevine Hills Trail
Difficulty: Easy; Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Begin 6 miles down Grapevine Hills improved dirt road at the parking area
This trail leads to a group of balanced rocks in the heart of the Grapevine Hills. Initially, the trail follows a gravel wash, then climbs steeply for the last quarter mile into the boulders. Grapevine Hills is an exposed laccolith, with many giant, rounded boulders that are tempting to climb, but watch for snakes. 

For more information about visiting Big Bend National Park?  Try www.visitbigbend.com

More on desert hikes from the park's website:

"The Chihuahuan Desert covers about 80% of the park and surrounds the Chisos Mountains. Bare, rocky ground and sparse vegetation are hallmarks of the desert, but there is plenty of life here. Look for termite nests along plant stems, exoskeletons of millipedes, animal scat, and rodent and reptile tunnels. Bird life is plentiful, especially in the morning; look for nests hidden in yuccas and cacti. In the spring, bluebonnets, paintbrush, bi-color mustard, desert marigold, yucca, ocotillo, and cacti blossoms add color to the desert landscape."

Enjoy the Green of the Smith Spring Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park!

June is a great time to seek the cooling green of the Smith Spring Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! 

From the park's website:

"Smith Spring Trail
Begin this hike at the trailhead sign. Look for birds, mule deer, and elk as you walk this loop trail to the shady oasis of Smith Spring. Take a break here and enjoy the gurgling sounds of the tiny waterfall before continuing around to sunny Manzanita Spring. Scars from wildland fires of 1990 and 1993 are evident along the trail. The trail is rated moderate, with a round-trip distance of 2.3 miles. Allow one to two hours."

Celebrate National Trails Day with us!

If you post photos and stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr with the two hashtags, #txmountaintrail and #nationaltrailsday, we'll be able to find them online...and we'll select our favorites to include on stories and features about the Texas Mountains all summer long!  Join in the fun and hashtag to your heart's content!

View from Big Bend's South Rim

Looking for one of the pinnacle experiences in all of Texas?  Hike Big Bend National Park's South Rim!

From the park's website:

South Rim
Difficulty:Strenuous; Distance 12-14.5 miles round trip
Begin at Basin Trailhead
This challenging trail is well worth the 2,000 foot gain, as midway are the stunning vistas from the South Rim. Ascend either the steeper Pinnacles or more gradual Laguna Meadows Trail. During Peregrine Falcon nesting season, the Northeast and Southeast portions of this trail are closed.

Click HERE to read Backpacker magazine's online trail guide to the South Rim.

Window Hike at Big Bend National Park

This is one of our favorite hikes in the area...it has a big payoff at the turnaround point...this dramatic view from the Window! 

From Big Bend National Park's website:

Window Trail
Difficulty: Moderate; Distance:, 5.6 miles round trip
Begin at the Chisos Basin Trailhead
This trail descends through Oak Creek Canyon to the Window pour-off which frames panoramic desert vistas. During wetter periods Oak Creek may be flowing, and must be crossed several times. Use caution on this trail: the top of the Window pour-off is slickrock with no railings, and the return hike is uphill.

For information about the national park, state park and the communities around Big Bend, take a look at www.visitbigbend.com !

Dog Hike in Davis Mountains State Park

Join the Davis Mountains State Park as they host the Grand Companions Humane Society of Fort Davis and a few dogs to hike with visitors every Thursday at 9am! This hike is priceless for the dogs to get out and socialize, and allows visitors to get their puppy fix! Please check in at the front office for trail head information. Entrance fees apply. 

All the hikes, through September, are on our Texas Mountain Trail regional events calendar here.

For more information on the hikes, click HERE.

Join the Davis Mountains State Park as we host the Grand Companions Humane Society of Fort Davis and a few dogs to hike with visitors every Thursday at 9am! This hike is priceless for the dogs to get out and socialize, and allows visitors to get their puppy fix! Please check in at the front office for trailhead information. Entrance fees apply.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/fort-davis-grand-companions-dog-walk-davis-mountains-state-park#sthash.hwzBZ6sx.dpuf

Join the Davis Mountains State Park as we host the Grand Companions Humane Society of Fort Davis and a few dogs to hike with visitors every Thursday at 9am! This hike is priceless for the dogs to get out and socialize, and allows visitors to get their puppy fix! Please check in at the front office for trailhead information. Entrance fees apply.

- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/fort-davis-grand-companions-dog-walk-davis-mountains-state-park#sthash.hwzBZ6sx.dpuf

Hiking Hints from Britain, 1933

We just thought this was tons of fun....

#30DaysofBiking
And as we say goodbye to our April feature - cycling assets of our Texas Mountain Trail region, we want to give an additional shout-out to some friends in El Paso....

GeoBetty.com maps mountain biking trails in the Franklin Mountains and other destinations around El Paso

Velo Paso is El Paso's vibrant and growing bicycle and pedestrian organization, working hard to make alternative transportation, easy, fun, healthy and safe. 

A Museum for Travelers and a Cycling Event for Everyone!

Today we're featuring the photography of Dan Baeza showcasing the Clark Hotel Museum in Van Horn.  The museum tells the story of early travel in Far West Texas and the history of Van Horn and Culberson County, which is steeped in cross-country travel and hospitality to travelers.

Read more about the Clark Hotel Museum, and the "Front to back, back to front" story here. 

#30DaysofBiking

We want to give everyone EARLY notice of a great cycling event in our Texas Mountain Trail region, a fundraiser for the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County.  Mark your calendars and start planning to take part in the October 4th, Wheels and Heels for Meals event!  Participants will be raising support for the Food Pantry as part of their involvement in the event...which is definitely a WIN/WIN/WIN!!

From the calendar entry on our Texas Mountain Trail regional events calendar: 

Wheels/Heels for Meals is a charity bike ride from the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County to Valentine and back. Other shorter rides are also available. There are 2 pit stops along the way and lunch is served in Valentine. This year, a walk has been added. The entry may walk 2 to 8 miles. At the end of the day, there is the traditional cook out at Dolce Far Niente. - See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/fort-davis-wheelsheels-meals#sthash.yLHMoPnx.dpuf

Wheels/Heels for Meals is a charity bike ride from the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County to Valentine and back. Other shorter rides are also available. There are 2 pit stops along the way and lunch is served in Valentine. This year, a walk has been added. The entry may walk 2 to 8 miles. At the end of the day, there is the traditional cook out at Dolce Far Niente. - See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/fort-davis-wheelsheels-meals#sthash.yLHMoPnx.dpuf

"Wheels/Heels for Meals is a charity bike ride from the Food Pantry of Jeff Davis County to Valentine and back. Other shorter rides are also available. There are 2 pit stops along the way and lunch is served in Valentine. This year, a walk has been added. The entry may walk 2 to 8 miles. At the end of the day, there is the traditional cook out at Dolce Far Niente."

Sound like fun?  Put this one on your calendar and stay tuned for more information throughout the year!