By Robin Thornley
Visitors find a variety of plant life at Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
They draw on the same geographic feature for their name, the large bend in the Rio Grande along the Texas-
Mexico border, and both offer visitors access to some of the most dramatic and isolated country in Texas. But the two vast parks encompassing 1 million-plus acres of rugged country have one thing that separates them--time. The national park opened during World War II and now attracts a third of a million visitors each year. The state park opened its doors in 1994, giving park planners the opportunity to examine what had gone right at the national park and what might be improved. Both parks control access, but the state issues fewer permits to back country visitors. The result is that there are fewer visitors to the state park, adding to the visitor's sense of remoteness and wonder.
National Park
A long campaign by Texas boosters prompted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to designate 800,000-plus acres of West Texas as Big Bend National Park just one week after D-Day in June of 1944. About a third of a million visitors now come to the park each year. The emphasis at the national park is on the area's natural rugged beauty, as well as its geologic and archaeological history.
State Park
Fifty years after Roosevelt acted, Texas leaders placed 300,000 acres of neighboring land under the protection of the state's park system, bringing the total amount of land under government protection to just over 1 million acres. In 2008, the Nature Conservancy purchased Fresno Ranch, an additional 7,000 acres within the state park that had remained under private ownership. Much of the state park served as open range for cattle ranchers. A semiannual longhorn cattle roundup celebrates those roots. But it is the 66 miles of trails--another 170 miles are planned--that attract hikers, equestrians and birdwatchers.
Chihuahuan Desert
Both parks protect large areas of the vast Chihuahuan Desert. It is the largest desert in North America, most of which lies in Mexico, across the Rio Grande. Both parks also feature long sections of riparian habitat along the river within their boundaries--118 miles on the southern boundary of the national park and 23 miles within the state park. Both also have mountain terrain that attracts hikers and climbers.
Visiting the Area
Both parks are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and there are several outfitters that provide various wilderness and river-rafting tours. Visitors should plan carefully since this area of Texas is remote, far from major population centers, gasoline stations and grocery stores. Even a scenic drive along one of the parks' paved roads should not be undertaken without adequate water and gasoline. Obviously, planning for off-road treks is vital.
Lodging
Both parks have limited lodging on-site. Reservations for campsites and other lodging should be made well in advance, particularly in early spring when the weather and wildflowers attract many visitors to the national park. Summers are often hot and sudden rainstorms can cause flash floods. Winters are mild and an ideal time to avoid crowds.
Resources
About the Author:
Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. She also is the author of two guidebooks.
Photo Credits:
big bend sotol cactus image by Larry Allen from
Fotolia.com
