Tuesday, February 6 – Our first stop this morning in Big Bend National Park was the Panther Junction Visitor Center. We watched the introductory movie to Big Bend which was about 20 minutes long and was quite good. This Park is so big we have to divide it into various areas to make since of it all, and then do some serious planning so we can see the park by sections. It takes more than 90 minutes to drive across the park so we don't want to be driving back and forth. Also, there are only two gas stations in the Park, so we better keep an eye on the gas gauge and conserve when possible.
Big Bend spans 801,163 acres, which is about 1,252 sq. miles. It is the 15th largest unit in the National Park System. There are four campgrounds in the Park but only one with FHUs. There is the Chisos Mountains Lodge and Restaurant along with three camp stores.
After watching the movie, we traveled about ten miles to Grapevine Hills Road, an improved back road (bumpy dirt and gravel), which we crawled down for 7.7 miles to the Balance Rock Trail.
This is a 2.2 mile trail through a beautiful bolder and rock area. We had to do some scrambling up a rocky trail on the side of a mountain for about a quarter mile until we reached Balance Rock. Not only is the Balance Rock amazing, but the view of the surrounding area is spectacular. Do not miss this hike! It is rated easy…pretty good description.
The trail.
Lots of beauty all around.
At the top.
From the other side.
The rock formation is super.
Beauty at the top.
After returning to the truck, we crawled back Grapevine Hills Road to the main road. Our next destination was Hot Springs. This is a natural heated spring that empties into a pool enclosure adjacent to the Rio Grande River. Another improved(?) road...but much better than Grapevine. We couldn’t drive all the way back.
We hiked.
This little guy was a hoot….the Roadrunner.
Historical buildings from the past. The old store.
Lodging for the people and animals.
Everyone has read or heard how the Mexicans come across the river to sell their wares. If it is illegal to buy them in the Park, we have no idea why they allow the Mexicans to even bring the items across and set up a mini-sales booth. Good question for us to ask one of the volunteers.
Anyone can get in the heated pool and slip right into the River to cool off. We didn't get to enjoy the water this time. Kids were stirring up the mud, and it was way too crowded for our enjoyment. The water was really warm.
That is Mexico across the water on the left.
We got to see more pictographs.
We aren’t sure, but all along the water grew what we think is bamboo.
After both hikes, we were needing some nourishment.
We then returned to the RV to sit outside and relax in the 85 degree weather. We are amazed at how warm and sunny our time along the Rio Grande River has been. We enjoyed talking to the neighbors for awhile before getting a bite to eat for dinner and then heading out for one final adventure for the day.
We drove over to the other campground here at Rio Grande Village. It is much bigger than the area we are in but does not have hookups. Campers are only permitted to use a generator in certain areas, as well. At the back of the campground is a nature trail that leads to an elevated viewing area that is great for watching the sunset. Unfortunately, it was cloudy tonight so we'll have to return another night.
That's was enough for a day. We have much more exploring to do so stop back!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
