Big Bend Ranch is by far the largest state park in Texas, and probably the least well-known, since it lies in the most remote part of the state, occupying a large part of the desert west of Big Bend National Park. The land is mostly roadless, with harsh, irregular terrain and extreme temperatures most of the year - Presidio and Lajitas, the two small towns at either side, often vie to be the hottest place in Texas, and sometimes (in spring and early summer) in the whole US. They usually top 100°F for the first time during April and may still do so in October.
The Scenic Drive: The park adjoins a wild stretch of the Rio Grande River and is most notable for the one paved road through this region - farm road 170, El Camino del Rio ('The River Road'); for over 60 miles this narrow, especially scenic highway dives up and down steep ridges, across desert and through canyons alongside the river, past splendid empty, desert landscapes. There are no maintained trails or named viewpoints, just a few parking areas and side roads to the river for camping, fishing and boating access. One unusual picnic spot is towards the east of the park at The Tepees, a collection of Indian-style shelters beside the road with good views over the Rio Grande.
Canyons: The river is wide and usually slow-moving, flowing in some places through a wide valley with gently sloping sides, elsewhere through deep canyons with rapids, such as Colorado Canyon, near which the road reaches its maximum gradient of 15%. One unusual feature well worth a side trip is Closed Canyon, a very deep, narrow ravine through cliffs near the Rio Grande. The only other official trail is along Rancherias Canyon, a longer tributary of the river.
Other Features: The vast park interior is reached only by a few 4WD tracks, and permits are needed for all exploration - hiking or driving. North of the river is a rugged mountain range, with desert plains and more isolated peaks beyond. The most unusual feature is the Solitario, an ancient volcanic caldera 9 miles in diameter, with many twisted, curving rocky ridges. The ranch after which the area is named is located nearby, but the Solitario may only be reached by a drive along unpaved
roads followed by a lengthy hike.
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More Information
Closed Canyon - a scenic narrow ravine
Surroundings - roads, distances and places of interest in the vicinity |
Similar Places
Peach Springs Canyon, a colorful
canyon leading to the Colorado River, with a similar sense of isolation |
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