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ALPINE TEXAS
The home of Sul Ross State University and Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine offers scenic mountain terrain. While you’re here, don’t miss the mysterious
Marfa Lights only a short drive away. They appear out of nowhere every night and drift across the skyline. To date, no one has been able to explain their existence. Another must see on this trip is the old
Gage Hotel in Marathon. You can spend the night and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
 Big Bend National Park’s rugged, beautiful mountains rise above the Rio Grande. Float trips down the river are available, as well as horseback riding, pack trips, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and camping. At the western edge of the park, the rustic little towns of
Terlingua, and
Lajitas, offer a mixture of Old West and Spanish history.
CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK
Located in New Mexico approximately 150 miles from Midland-Odessa,
Carlsbad Caverns is a fascinating system of mysterious caverns spread beneath the New Mexico Chihuahuan Desert. This is a developed cave with elevators that take you 750 feet down to the main part of the cave. You can walk in if you choose. This is definitely a must see.
 DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
In the not too distant geologic past, volcanic material flowed in molten sheets across this part of west Texas. The 2,708-acre
Davis Mountains Park offers scenic vistas at every bend in the road.
FORT DAVIS NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE
 Built in 1854 to protect travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road,
Fort Davis was occupied briefly during the Civil War by the Confederacy before being re-occupied by Union troops and then abandoned. Today, park rangers and volunteers dress in period clothing to give visitors a unique view into the past. While in the town of Fort Davis, be sure to visit the
McDonald
Observatory. Located at an elevation of 6,800 feet atop Mt. Locke, it is one of the world’s best-known star gazing sites. Make plans to spend the night at the historic
Indian
Lodge.
GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
 This rugged, high-desert mountainous park encompasses 86,416 acres and is Texas highest point at 8,749 feet. Desert plants give way to pine forests as the elevation climbs. From October to mid-November hikers converge on
Guadalupe Mountains National Park’s McKittrick Canyon to breathe in the crisp air and snap pictures of the brilliant fall colors of big-tooth maple and oaks as they change from green to yellow and orange.
PRUDE RANCH
 If you ever dreamed of being a cowboy or just want to see how they live and work, this is the place. The historic
Prude Ranch was established in 1889. For the last 60 years five generations of Prudes have operated it as both guest ranch and cattle ranch. Today, the facility offers visitor accommodations, tennis courts, swimming pools, and horseback riding. So, put on your boots Pardner and come on down.
MONAHANS SANDHILLS STATE PARK
A remarkable 3,840 acres of wind-sculpted sand dunes, some up to 70 feet high. The
Monahans State Park visitor center will give you all of the geological archeological and historical facts along with a description of the desert wildlife. Bring your camera for some of the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen.
CAVERNS OF SONORA
Although somewhat smaller than Carlsbad Caverns, the Caverns of Sonora is a natural cave. It is one of the most active caves in the world, with over 90% of the formations in the cave still growing. If you are looking for a cool spot, this is definitely it.
RUIDOSO NEW MEXICO
If you like to get away to the mountains and smell the fragrance of the pines after an almost daily shower, then
Ruidoso in the summer months is for you. The evenings are cool, so be ready to build a cozy fire in the fireplace. Winter brings out the skiers to enjoy some of the best skiing in the country. Even if you don’t ski, you will enjoy the beautiful winter landscape. While you’re here, be sure to take
the short drive to Lincoln, home to
Billy the
Kid. Plan to come back many times to see all that this area has to offer.
BALMORHEA STATE PARK Ready for a cool dip on a hot summer day. Then you must
try the Artesian pool at
Balmorhea State Park. Dive into 3 1/2 million gallons
of pure San Solomon Spring water in the 75,000 square foot pool.
Snorkelers and certified divers alike will enjoy the abundant
marine life.
EL PASO, TEXAS--JUAREZ, MEXICO
If you like history,
you'll love El Paso
and
Juarez. Spanish architecture abounds, and when you
cross the border into Mexico you enter another world.
You'll enjoy haggling for the Spanish crafts at the Old City
Market. Have a drink on the patio, and listen to the
Mariachi bands. Later you can dine on authentic Mexican
food. This is a cultural experience you will want to
relive over and over.
FOR MORE INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT CHECK OUT
TexasEscapes.com.,
Texas State Parks-Big Bend Region
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