Photo above: Historic view of history, the Mariscal Mines, at Big Bend National Park. Source: Library of Congress. Right: A mountain view at the park. Source: USGS.

Big Bend Then

For centuries, the area of the Rio Grande River and now Big Bend National Park has been a fluid place of culture, where Indians roamed and where Mexico and the state of Texas, and now the United States shared a border and culture. In fact, at one time, six nations claimed this land as theirs. But the culture reaches back much farther than that, and the archeological finds in the park date back up to ten thousand years. In more recent times, Comanche warriors would cross the land to raid. Today, you can drive along portions of the Comanche trail. Actual settlement by non-Indians is a more recent edition; Mexicans around 1900, Anglo-Americans around 1920.

Once the park was established in May 1933 as Texas Canyons State Park, development of the roads, camps, and other amenities was largely achieved through the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the depression. This corp was established by President Roosevelt as his "Tree Army," paid $30 per month, and sent to many natural sites to construct. From 1934 to 1942, the corp members at what is now Big Bend National Park (established 1944) built the seven mile access road to Chisos Mountains Basin, the Lost Mine Trail, and four cottages, still in use.

Photo above: Civilian Conservation Corps Camp at Big Bend, 1934. Courtesy National Park Service. Below: View of ruins at Big Bend National Park. Courtesy National Park Service.

Big Bend Now

What comes as somewhat surprising when you visit Big Bend National Park is the variety of scenes. From the dessert to mountain hilltops to the plains along the river, this large park covers the panoply of sites that are unique to the region. How high does it reach; try 5,400 feet at the Chisos Mountains Lodge or 7,832 feet at Emory Peak. How low? Along the Rio Grande River here you are at an elevation of 1,800 feet. Just drive along the park roads from east to west or north to south and note the difference. Or perhaps better still, park at one of the trailheads and hike. There are over one hundred and fifty miles of hiking trails in the park, ranging from the modest to the arduous. If you hike, know your limitations and bring plenty of appropriate supplies.

For those wanting a more pedestrian adventure, stop in at one of the five Visitor Centers. There are exhibits, ranger talks, films, guided hikes, and more. For a charm that brings the past and present together, consider staying at the Chisos Mountains Lodge in the center of the park. It's not cheap, but it's cool. Not temperature necessarily, BTW.

Beyond being a great place to hike, camp, and visit the history of the area, Big Bend National Park today has a variety of current concerns that you should be aware of. You can cross into Mexico from Wednesday to Sunday at the Boquillas Port of Entry and you will need a passport to do so. Being as the park shares a border with Mexico for one hundred and eighteen miles, the park is subject to illegal entry and care should be taken to keep valuables in a safe place, as well as to let park officials know of any suspicious activity.