By Blake Guthrie
What National Parks Do Tourists Visit in Texas?
There are only two national parks in the state of Texas--Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Both of these parks lie in the western portion of the state and are remote from major population centers and freeways. A visit to these two parks requires a great deal of driving, but the rewards are worth it, especially for those who like backcountry hiking and camping in arid climates among stark but scenic desert and mountain landscapes. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has other sites under its jurisdiction in Texas, but these areas have designations other than national park.
Big Bend National Park
Located inside the area of the southwestern horn of Texas, Big Bend gets its name from the grand, sweeping bend in the Rio Grande River here. The park's major distinction is its geographical diversity. Visitors can experience river, desert and mountain terrain all within the boundaries of Big Bend. You could be wading in the sandy shoals of the Rio Grande at sunrise and by sunset be standing well over a mile above sea level on the slopes of Emory Peak in the Chisos Mountains. For those who aren't up for the backcountry experience, Big Bend has more than 100 miles of paved roads with scenic overlooks and short side hikes available. Just make sure your vehicle has enough gas before entering the park, or be prepared to pay an inflated price at one of the two gas stations located inside the park, which are operated not by the NPS but by a resort company. These gas stations--which do not have actual street addresses--are located at Panther Junction and Rio Grande Village inside the park.
Big Bend National Park
P.O. Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
(432) 477-2251
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Located approximately 100 miles from the city of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the landmark peak El Capitan, as well as Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. El Capitan's distinctive castle-like formation made the mountain plateau a marking point on the trail west for the early pioneers. The park is a hiker's nirvana, and two of its more popular hikes are the Guadalupe Peak Trail and the El Capitan Trail. There are many other backcountry hikes for those who plan to camp overnight. Be aware that the nearest gas stations to the park entrance are 35 miles in each direction, so don't forget to fill the tank up on your trip out to the park.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon Road
Salt Flat, Texas 79847
(915) 828-3251
Other NPS Park Areas
The National Park Service has 12 other sites in Texas under its jurisdiction outside of the two national parks. Two of these sites are designated as National Historic Parks. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park is the actual ranch where the 36th president of the United States lived. It is a great place to learn about the public and private life of LBJ and best experienced as a day trip from Austin or San Antonio.
San Antonio Missions National Historic Park contains colonial Spanish missions from the 18th century, built when Spanish missionaries were trying to convert the local population to Christianity. The missions and lands around them are preserved by the park and provide a unique historical window through which to view the important Spanish colonial past of the area.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park
PO Box 329
Johnson City, TX 78636
(830) 868-7128 ext. 244
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
2202 Roosevelt Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 932-1001
About the Author:
Blake Guthrie has been a professional journalist since 1996. His articles have been featured in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Creative Loafing" and on Travels.com. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Auburn University.
Photo Credits:
John E. Stout
