Desert trip episode 1: Big Bend

This is an account of the late March to early April trip I took with Liza and two close friends to the Big Bend National Park in Texas and the Gila Wilderness (and Cliff Dwellings) in southern New Mexico. It was amazing.

Beavertail cactus in bloom



Cane cholla (the least desirable fruit in the desert?)


Century plant- stores energy in roots for 20-30 years before blooming


Claret cup cactus



Many species of plants are endemic to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend and nowhere else in the US- Drooping Juniper (Juniperus flaccida) is one of those species


Ocotillo- firey red blooms on spikey stalks with leaves only after wet weather



Rock Nettle



Opuntia species


Liza snugged down on the Rio Grande


Langford Hot Springs along the Rio Grande






old store and post office at springs


mornin' dip


views of Mexico, the Rio Grande, and the Chihuahuan Desert on my morning hike to the hot springs





Desert fossil


Chisos Mountains- high mtn campground and visitor center (5,000'+)- this is the only mountain range that is entirely within a single national park in the country




Dayhike up Emory Peak (10m RT) with Cindy




Look of confidence


Emory Peak- 7825' above sea level




View of "The Window"- this is where all rainwater from the Chisos Basin drains onto the lower desert below


Pinyon Pine sap and lichen



SNBR crew


Mexican Jay- this park has more confirmed bird species than any other in the US


yes, there are ferns in the desert!



desert sunset



camera fun at night







sunrise