Rock Art in Big Bend Ranch State Park

On a recent trip with the Tierra Grande Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, we were treated to a ranger-led hike to see some rock art in a remote area of Big Bend Ranch State Park.

From the park's website:

"Big Bend Ranch State Park offers some of the most interesting archeology and history in the region. There are presently over 500 documented sites on the park. Many of the known sites are located near water sources but sites also occur on upland areas away from any obvious drainages, springs or tinajas. There is both need and potential at BBRSP for additional archaeological research to be conducted.

The earliest artifacts identified within BBRSP indicate that Native Americans traversed the area as early as perhaps 11,000 years ago, and continued to do so well into the 19th century. Native American site types attributable to the prehistoric era include open campsites, open camps associated with rock shelters, rock shelters, quarries, lithic scatters, Late Prehistoric Cielo complex (ca. A.D. 1250-1680) sites, rock art sites (primarily pictographs, or rock paintings) and special-use or ritual sites."


Interested in seeing rock art at the park?  Our best recommendation is to contact a park ranger and schedule a ranger-led or outfitter-led outing. 

Cinco Tinajas in Big Bend Ranch State Park

We recently took a hike in Big Bend Ranch State Park with the Tierra Grande Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists to Cinco Tinajas.

Some great information on this trail can be found in the park's El Solitario newsletter from 2007:

"Cinco Tinajas Trail is a short 30-minute stroll from Sauceda. The round-trip hike of less than 2 miles has an elevation change of less than 200 feet. At the end of the mile-long trail lies a close-up view of
the tinajas. And there’s more. The canyon rim overlooking the Cinco Tinajas provides incredible panoramas of the far reaches of the park. Tinajas are desert water basins carved in bedrock by the erosive force of sand, gravels, cobbles and larger stones suspended in rushing water. Many tinajas, including these, hold water even in the driest of times. Knowing the location of one of these natural water basins was, and is, knowledge that could save a person’s life. 

Cinco Tinajas lies in a narrow slot canyon that contains a tributary of Leyva Creek. Almost all rain falling onto the upland area around Sauceda drains into this slot of dense volcanic rock, concen­trating a powerful erosive force on a fault or crack in the lava. Over millions of years the erosion formed five (cinco) interconnecting pools."

Bankhead Highway Meetings in Van Horn and El Paso

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is undertaking a two-year study of the historic Bankhead Highway. As part of this project, the THC and local organizations are holding public outreach meetings along the Bankhead Highway to exchange information and visual items with the public. This exciting project has the potential to assist Bankhead Highway towns with future heritage tourism and economic development endeavors. These meetings kicked off in August starting at the northeastern-most part of the Bankhead Highway in Texarkana and we are working our way westward.

Van Horn meeting: Thursday, November 7, 5:30-7pm, Hotel El Capitan
El Paso meeting: Tuesday, December 3, 5:30-7pm, El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon Street, 1st floor

The Bankhead Highway was one of the nation's earliest transcontinental highways.  Its beginnings can be traced back to 1916 when the Bankhead Highway Association was organized to promote the highway's development.  The roadway extended from Washington, DC to San Diego, California, by way of Alabama, home of US Senator John H. Bankhead and a major supporter of the highway.  Its path crossed approximately 850 miles of Texas, passing through Texarkana, Mt. Vernon, Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Midland, Van Horn, and El Paso, among other communities, and roughly followed US 67 and US 80.

The Bankhead Highway was one of the nation's earliest transcontinental highways.  Its beginnings can be traced back to 1916 when the Bankhead Highway Association was organized to promote the highway's development.  The roadway extended from Washington, DC to San Diego, California, by way of Alabama, home of US Senator John H. Bankhead and a major supporter of the highway.  Its path crossed approximately 850 miles of Texas, passing through Texarkana, Mt. Vernon, Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Midland, Van Horn, and El Paso, among other communities, and roughly followed US 67 and US 80. - See more at: http://www.thc.state.tx.us/preserve/projects-and-programs/historic-texas-highways/bankhead-highway#sthash.dCriyMhS.dpuf

Colorado Canyon, Along the River Road

Colorado Canyon pull-off along Hwy 170, the scenic River Road, between Presidio and Lajitas is a favorite river access site, but is also a great place to pull off the road and enjoy the surroundings.

This section of the road runs through Big Bend Ranch State Park, which says this about Colorado Canyon:

"The Rio Grande/Rio Bravo corridor is an easily accessible area of the park for day use, including rafting, canoeing and free bank fishing. Several river access points are found within the park along F.M. 170. Colorado Canyon includes Class II and Class III rapids. This section of the river is not considered dangerous under normal flow conditions. The walls of Colorado Canyon, unlike the limestone canyons of Big Bend National Park and the Lower Canyons, are composed entirely of igneous rock. Raft trips may be arranged through local outfitters in Terlingua and Study Butte."

Information on river trips offered by area outfitters, here!

Yesterday at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens

Pollinator Garden

Yesterday, we visited Fort Davis' Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, as it was a beautiful fall day, with a crisp blue sky and a soft breeze.  We saw the muted colors of autumn in the pollinator garden (above), and the more vibrant color of the Mexican Buckeye (below).

Fall color on the Mexican Buckeye

We took a short hike along the Hummingbird and Butterfly Trail, and visited the Cactus Greenhouse.

Hummingbird and Butterfly Trail

What better way to celebrate fall in the Texas Mountains!!

So, what's the Center all about?  Want to learn more?  From the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center website:

"In 1978, the board and supporters of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute purchased 507 acres of rolling grassland, oak-studded hills, and shady canyon springs in the foothills of the Davis Mountains. Here, they established the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. For over three decades, visitors have explored this tranquil and visually stunning site, taking the opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover the desert.
Highlights of the Nature Center include a desert botanical garden, 1400 sq. ft. cactus and succulent greenhouse, over 3 miles of hiking trails, and interpretive exhibits. Both formal and informal education programs for children and adults are offered throughout the year."

1940s in Van Horn: Fred Clark's Cactus Garden

Fred Clark's Cactus Garden, Photograph, 1940 - 1949;
digital image, (http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth14009/),
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
http://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Clark Hotel Museum, Van Horn, Texas.
CLICK ON THE PHOTO FOR A CLOSER VIEW!

Fred Clark owned the Clark Hotel in Van Horn, which is now the Clark Hotel Museum.  The Clarks sold cactus at the hotel, but we believe this garden was located at his home, rather than at the hotel.

The Clark Hotel Museum today

Big Bend is Back in Business!

Road into the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend
National Park

The Window and the wonderful Chisos Mountain Lodge

 Eager to get back here?  Back to the Big Bend?  Everything is open now and we're ready for you!
The Chisos Mountain Lodge is open, the campgrounds are open (links: http://visitbigbend.com/lodging/lodging-type/camping and http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm), the trails are open, the outfitters are ready for you, and even the Boquillas Crossing to Mexico is open!

Birding platform by Rio Grande Village

Travel Spotlight -the Rocking Chairs of the Hotel Limpia

Many of our travelers visit Big Bend and then head up
to the Davis Mountains on the same trip.  If you do, one of
the best places to relax in Fort Davis is the
historic HotelLimpia...on one of their many rocking chairs! 

Save the Date: Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest!

Beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers eager to ride our great Big Bend trails--including Big Bend Ranch State Park's EPIC ride (rated as such by the International Mountain Biking Association)--should put the Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest on their calendar for next year, February 13-15. 

We're definitely beginners and we had a terrific time on ride, accompanied by Texas Parks and Wildlife rangers, encouraging mountain bikers themselves.  They helped us see ruins of candelilla factories in the remote areas of Big Bend Ranch State Park, and the ruin of a rock house dating back to the 1890s.  We can't wait for this year's festival!

The Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest is already on our Texas Mountain Trail regional events calendar...along with lots of other fun things to do.  From our calendar listing:

"The fourth annual Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest will convene mountain-bikers of all skill levels for three days of trail adventures and social fun at Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend National Park, and the Lajitas Trails, February 13 – 15.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is partnering with Terlingua-based outfitter Desert Sports to produce Bike Fest as a fundraiser for the Big Bend Trails Alliance. Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa will host the event, with camping available at the resort’s Maverick Ranch RV Park. Post-ride fun each day will include keg parties, hooping, dinner and live music in laid-back Terlingua, and a chance to ride around on the Austin Bike Zoo’s fantastical bike creations.

With over 200 miles of multiuse and singletrack trails, including the only International Mountain Bike Association’s only “Epic” trail in Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park has become a world-class mountain-biking destination. The Epic trail, which can be extended from 54 to 70 miles depending on a rider’s preference, is a favorite among Bike Fest riders. There is also a two-day Epic ride option, with an overnight stay and meals at the Sauceda Headquarters bunkhouse.

Bike Fest participation has grown year to year because there is something for everyone, and each day offers a variety of ride options, including the Rincon Loop ride, and the 18-mile Contrabando Loop and singletrack Dome Trail."

The fourth annual Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest will convene mountain-bikers of all skill levels for three days of trail adventures and social fun at Big Bend Ranch State Park, Big Bend National Park, and the Lajitas Trails, February 13 – 15.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is partnering with Terlingua-based outfitter Desert Sports to produce Bike Fest as a fundraiser for the Big Bend Trails Alliance. Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa will host the event, with camping available at the resort’s Maverick Ranch RV Park. Post-ride fun each day will include keg parties, hooping, dinner and live music in laid-back Terlingua, and a chance to ride around on the Austin Bike Zoo’s fantastical bike creations.
With over 200 miles of multiuse and singletrack trails, including the only International Mountain Bike Association’s only “Epic” trail in Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park has become a world-class mountain-biking destination. The Epic trail, which can be extended from 54 to 70 miles depending on a rider’s preference, is a favorite among Bike Fest riders. There is also a two-day Epic ride option, with an overnight stay and meals at the Sauceda Headquarters bunkhouse.
Bike Fest participation has grown year to year because there is something for everyone, and each day offers a variety of ride options, including the Rincon Loop ride, and the 18-mile Contrabando Loop and singletrack Dome Trail.
- See more at: http://texasmountaintrail.com/events/big-bend-ranch-state-park-chihuahuan-desert-bike-fest#sthash.JxEsDvbq.dpuf

Check it out at www.texasmountaintrail.com/events

Travel Spotlight - the Rocking Chairs of the Historic Hotel Limpia

A Fort Davis institution, the historic Hotel Limpia offers
relaxing rocking chairs on every porch and veranda. What
better way to enjoy the quiet of the mountains!!

Ojito Adentro Trail in Big Bend Ranch State Park

Steady streams of running water

What do you find at the end of Big Bend Ranch State Park's Ojito Adentro trail?  Cool pools of water, ferns, dragonflies and damselflies, boulders and a quiet, relaxing beautiful place. 

The park lists the trail as one of their premier birding spots...and last weekend we heard birds, and saw lizards and dragonflies and damselflies.

From the park's website:

"The trail from the parking area traverses desert scrub into riparian woodland. The song of the Bell’s vireo is a common sound of the thickets along arroyos and in the understory of riparian habitats, and can hardly be missed between early March and September. In the spring and summer, watch for the zone-tailed hawk, vermilion flycatcher, summer tanager, blue grosbeak and varied bunting. Canyon, Bewick’s and rock wrens are present year-round, and a wide variety of sparrows can be found here in winter. This area can be very productive during migration (late March through mid-May and late August through mid-October) when flycatchers, warblers and tanagers can be common. Migration in West Texas is not as spectacular as farther east, but surprises can be found. Some of the more interesting finds at Ojito Adentro include painted redstart and a variety of eastern warblers."

 

From Trails.com: 

"The trailhead to Ojito Adentro not only marks the trail but provides hikers with an overlook of where they will end up. The arroyo that travels northeast from the trailhead ends in a cleft populated with a dense cluster of vegetation, interrupting an otherwise earthy colorscape with a sweep of bright green. Such is the nature of spring areas in this desert where long, uninterrupted vistas often offer trekkers with a view of distant but welcomed water sources. The Ojito Adentro Trail leads across a hot but mercifully short stretch of desert to a shady, cool oasis. The translation of “Ojito Adentro” is a charming one, where the diminutive suffix “ito” is added to “ojo,” meaning both “eye” and “spring.” Adentro is, in fact, an adverb rather than an adjective, and means “within.” Hikers who view the geography from the trailhead will begin to understand why Ojito Adentro is called “the little spring within” and will appreciate it fully once they are embraced by the spring’s cozy confines."

View from the trailhead

Travel Spotlight - the rocking chairs of the historic Hotel Limpia

What's better than a sunny spot to relax, and rock away the stresses of the city?  All week we're featuring the rocking chairs of the Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis.  Come, sit and stay awhile!

A Great Place to Sit...Relax! Rocking Chairs of the Historic Hotel Limpia!

Nothing like sitting in a rocking chair to chase away "the city" and start a relaxing stay in the mountains.  This week, we're featuring the rocking chairs of the historic Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis.  Truly a centerpiece for this historic city...the hotel's roots are noted on their website:

"Visitors to Fort Davis in 1884 found a hotel quite different from The Hotel Limpia as it stands today.

The original structure, opened on May 31, 1884 by James Kebbee, was built of red brick and located in what was and is still called Newtown, just outside the Old Fort Davis grounds.

When the Old Fort (a post-Civil War outpost, now Fort Davis National Historic Site) was abandoned, the town of Fort Davis almost closed down and the original “Limpia Hotel” became a private residence during the 1890′s.

In mid-1912 the Union Trading Company, which was owned by local stockholders J.W. Espy, J.P. Weatherby, and Nick Mersfelder, purchased land from Daniel Murphy for a building site for a new hotel.

Murphy had acquired the land from Pedro Guano, who had been deeded the land in return for service in the Army of the Republic of Texas.

Construction of the hotel began the same year under the direction of Campbell and Bance Contractors. Both The Hotel Limpia and the Fort Davis State Bank were built by Campbell and Bance."

Take a cue from Tux, the resident "manager" of the
Limpia Hotel...this fella knows how to relax!

Rescheduled!  Due to the federal government shutdown, the tours--originally scheduled for Saturday, October 12, have been resecheduled for Saturday, November 16! 

A not-to-miss event!  On Saturday, November 16, 2013 the public is invited to participate in guided tours at Fort Davis National Historic Site after hours and by lantern light.

 The twenty-person tours begin at 6:00 pm and start every half hour.  The last tour begins at 8:20 pm.   Each tour lasts an hour.  On a tour, encounter living history characters from the past in scenes based on historical events at the fort.  Visitors step back in time to when Fort Davis was an active 1880’s military post.

Reservations are highly recommended and are currently being accepted.  Call 432-426-3224, ext. 226.  Tours are free, but donations will be accepted for the park’s living history programs.  Wear comfortable shoes to walk about a mile.  Visitors needing assistance maneuvering around the Fort are encouraged to join us for the first 3 tour times while there is still some daylight.  More information is available at the website: www.nps.gov/foda

Travel Spotlight - Rocking Chairs of the Limpia Hotel

All this week, we're going to feature a truly relaxing place to sit and unwind...on the rocking chairs on the porches of the historic Limpia Hotel in Fort Davis.  If you're heading to Fort Davis for the lantern light tours at Fort Davis National Historic Site, consider a stay at the Limpia...and enjoy those rocking chairs!

Locally grown veggies at the Black Bear~

Thursday's special, a veggie omelet at the Black Bear
Restaurant at Indian Lodge outside Fort Davis

Texas Parks and Wildlife historic Indian Lodge's Black Bear Restaurant is now serving locally grown veggies from a private garden in their dishes.  Their source provides up to five varieties of tomatoes for the kitchen! 

Currently, the restaurant and Indian Lodge remain OPEN, although Davis Mountains State Park is closed until March.  Consider yourself invited!

A portion of a mural showing the history
of the Davis Mountains in Black Bear restaurant

Glorious Light at the End of the Day

Click on the photo for a closer view!
Photo by Monte Riggs of Marfa

It is no secret that we've got clear beautiful skies and gorgeous light...and evening is a great time to put the stresses of the day behind you and just...LOOK. 

Today, we present some sky views taken this week around Marfa.  Enjoy one of the region's best..our sky!

Open for business! (Also an update on trail conditions at Guadalupe Mountains National Park)

After a LONG wait, our national parks facilities are OPEN!
(See our Travel Spotlight below for specific information on trail openings for Guadalupe Mountains National Park!)

Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso

Fort Davis National Historic Site

The view from the Top of Texas,
Guadalupe Peak in
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Big Bend National Park's Lost Mine Trail

Our parks are open and ready for visitors like YOU.  This is a great time to explore our state's great mountains, historic sites and parks! 

Travel Spotlight--Update on Trail Conditions in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! 

Click on the map for a closer view!

 We wanted to share the latest information on trail conditions at Guadalupe Mountains National Park because the fall color season is quickly approaching and so many of our fans travel to the park this time of year!



Last night the park issued a detailed update on trail closures; many trails are not open due to flood damage from the September rains:


McKittrick Canyon Trail is open from McKittrick Canyon Trailhead to Dog Canyon.

Also open:
*Guadalupe Peak Trail
*Pinery
*Manzanita Spring
*McKittrick Nature Loop
*Permian Reef
*Indian Meadows Trail
*Manzanita Ridge Route
*West Side of the Smith Spring Trail (east side between Smith Spring and Manzanita Spring is closed)
*Tejas Trail open from Dog Canyon to Marcus/Blue Ridge Trail Junction (but closed from Marcus/Blue Ridge Trail Junction to Pine Springs)
*El Capitan open to Salt Basin Overlook (but closed from Salt Basin Overlook to Shumard Canyon)
*Guadalupe Canyon Trail open to Salt Basin Overlook

All other trails in the park are closed.  Trail work and repair continues, and the park cautions visitors to take special care on trails undergoing work.  Do not go near working equipment and wait for trail crews to shut down equipment before passing.

For more information about trail conditions, visit the park website at: www.nps.gov/gumo

Neighborhoods and Shared Memories at the El Paso Museum of History

The El Paso Museum of History is holding a wonderful exhibit on the historic neighborhoods of their city.

From their website:  "The Neighborhoods and Shared Memories exhibit is composed of cherished photographs, special mementos and keepsakes from past and present residents of Chihuahuita and El Segundo Barrio. Every two years, the exhibit will feature a new set of neighborhoods. The Neighborhoods exhibit seeks to preserve, interpret, and increase an appreciation for neighborhood-based history."

Videos, oral histories and artifacts provide a peek at the strong communities in place in the city's neighborhoods.  The exhibit asks for memories to be added, see below:

 This exhibit, as well as general admission to the museum is free.  Some special exhibits may require a fee for entry.  Hours are below:

Regular Hours
	Tues–Sat 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
	Thurs 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
	Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
	Closed Mondays and major holidays

The Museum's listing on our Texas Mountain Trail website, along with information on a special event taking place there on October 19th!

Yesterday, a rare rainy day!

Paisano Pass on the road from Alpine to Marfa

Last night's rainy sunset in Marfa

The past few years have been dry with drought, but this year we've been blessed with more rain.  Yesterday, it rained all day long, and we know that soon the desert will respond with green growth. 

This is Good News: Waist High Grasses

Waist high grasses in the Marfa plain this year signals a recovery from the Rock House wildfire that ravaged the land two years ago, and is possible because of our relatively ample rains this year.

North of Marfa, looking east

This is what the same area looked like in June 2011,
a few months after the Rock House Fire
the photo was taken in the center of a dust devil!