2004 Big Bend, Texas Trip

[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

These pictures were taken on our trip to Big Bend National Park, Texas during the third week of March (spring break vacationers). The primary objective was to obtain a record of wildflowers and cactus blooms, but we were two to three weeks early (recommend the second week in April). Campgrounds were all full and we were forced to camp in RV parks outside the park. Plenty of RoadRunners and a lizard were the only wildlife seen in the park. Temperatures ranged from 80 to 90 degrees during the day. Big Bend Map (pdf).
2004 Big Bend, Texas Trip
1
2
3
4
5

Dos and Don'ts:

Take the drive from LaJitas to Presidio through Big Bend State Park. It follows the river and is best photographed in the morning (we drove it around 4PM).
According to the park officials, spring wildflowers and cactus blooms begin around the second or third week in April.
Do not visit during spring break (2nd/3rd week in March) unless you have made advanced reservations for a campground or hotel.
Do visit the Rio Grande Village campground. It is the best stay within the park.
DO NOT drive the Old Maverick road unless you have a 4 wheel drive SUV. Very wash boardy (5mph) and prone to flash flooding (as with other dirt roads withing the park).
Do top up with gas periodically outside the park (Study Butte at Terlingua). Gas is more expensive in the park as well as groceries.
Do not try to make recommendations for improvments to park officials. They are always right and you will be wrong. I suggested:
1. More campgrounds and parking spaces for vehicles not needing picnic tables.
2. More pulloffs at scenic locations for photography (does not need to be paved) to avoid damage to plant life.
3. More federal funding to provide adequate service during peak usage. Their peak capacity plan needs updating.
I was told some of my points were valid while a few of my arguments were insulting. Guess I should have expected that would be the case.

| POM Home Page | Purchase |

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Revised: Sunday - April 11, 2004

[an error occurred while processing this directive]