Tuesday Travels: Big Bend

by Alysha Kaye on September 29, 2015 in Travels,
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Hey Texans, do you need a getaway that fits your budget? Go camping! But not just any camping spot will do, right? You want something grand, something epic, somewhere that feels like you’re in a different country! Big Bend National Park is the place.

For $14 a night per vehicle, you and your friends or family can sleep amongst the most majestic stars and magnificent mountains that you’ve ever seen. I didn’t even know that mountains like that existed in Texas!

mountains

I should probably make it clear that I am NOT your typical camper. In fact, my usual outdoor preference is lying in a hammock or drinking a beer on someone’s porch. That’s what’s so great about Big Bend—there’s something for every type of camper.

There are a few different campsites to choose from, each with their various surroundings (for a desert, Big Bend is insanely diverse). We chose Chisos Basin, which is engulfed by beautiful rocky cliffs. Our little plot was complete with a covered picnic table and a bear-proof food storage box. Close by, there were very clean restrooms and a dishwashing station. No showers though, which wasn’t ideal, but it IS camping after all.

camping site

The hikes are endless—if you’re happiest when you’re exploring the outdoors, you’re going to be in heaven. There are countless trails—shaded and not, child’s play to extremely difficult, stone steps and rocky treks, flat to crazy steep—you name it. I really enjoyed the Santa Elena Canyon hike along the Rio Grande River. It felt amazing to dip our feet in the water and wave hello to Mexico. The view was gorgeous as well.

river

Not much of a backpacker? The scenic drives alone are worth the trip! I couldn’t seem to stop snapping pictures.

mountain 2

There are also multiple visitor centers and a large lodge if you’re having first world problems—complete with cabins, a restaurant, a gift shop, a little grocery store and Big Bend beer!

big bend beer

And if you’ve just had enough of the great outdoors and need a little break, you can always drive an hour to Lajitas, TX to see Clay Henry, the town’s mayor and famous goat.

clay henry

clay henry 2

Add Big Bend to your Texas road trip list—it’s fantastic year-round. Even in the summer heat, the park cools down so much at night, making for an easy slumber under the pitch-black sky.

By Alysha Kaye