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Hiking and Camping
Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains
State Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park offer
dozens of hiking, trekking and back country
camping opportunities. Check at the Visitor
Centers or with the respective Ranger stations
for trail information, camping permits and
other information. Check the buyers guide for
RV park reservation information.
Biking
The desert mountains of the Big Bend
region offer some of the most scenic bicycle
touring routes and challenging off road biking
trails in Texas. You can plan your own
adventure or consult with a local guide,
outfitter or ranger to help you experience the
best the region offers.
Motorcycling
The Big Bend region is one of the most
popular motorcycling destinations in the
southwest. Two of Texas’ most scenic, highly
prized and praised motorcycle touring routes
are the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop and FM
170, River Road, along the Rio Grande
between Terlingua and Presidio.
Bird Watching
Over 500 bird species have been recorded in
the Big Bend region of the Chihuahuan
Desert, making this area a birder’s paradise.
Just a few of the most popular birding sites are
Davis Mountains State Park, Chisos Basin and
Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park,
Big Bend Ranch State Park and The Post Park,
south of Marathon.
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Dana Jones
Outdoor Activities
Jeep Tours
Several area outfitters can provide an
unforgettable experience of breathtaking
scenery, adventurous touring, wildlife viewing,
and history.
Hunting
The Big Bend Region and Davis Mountains
regions are famous for exciting and challenging
hunting. Several area private ranches provide
outfitters that can arrange everything from a
fully guided hunt complete with luxury hotel
and fine dining, to a remote and rugged hunt
deep into the wilderness to test the most skilled
hunter. Check the Buyers’ Guide for area
hunting ranches.
Rock Hounding
The Big Bend Region of Texas is famous for
its beautiful agate and jasper. Because all of the
land in the Big Bend is privately owned or
parkland, you need the owner’s permission
before you can hunt. The Stillwell Ranch,
south of Marathon, is open daily from October
to May for rockhunting (432) 376-2244. Or
you can take a guided rockhunt with Teri
Smith, who leads field trips to several area
ranches. She can be reached at
www.terismithrockhunts.com, or (432) 8372451. You can also hunt rocks on the road
cuts in the area. To learn about what the local
alpine TEXAS | alpinetexas.com | alpinetexasguide.com
rocks look like, visit the Last Frontier Museum,
in the lobby of the Antelope Lodge, 2310 W.
Highway 90 in Alpine.
River rafting and canoeing
The mighty Rio Grande is a popular rafting
and canoeing destination. Several outfitters in
Terlingua can provide guides for your river
adventure of a few hours or several days. If
you’re planning your own adventure, please
check with an outfitter or with Big Bend
National Park or Big Bend Ranch State Park
for current river conditions, access points, and
permit requirements.
Horseback trail riding
There are several private horseback riding
outfitters in the region. You can choose to ride
in the cool pine forests of the Davis Mountains
or explore the rugged desert along the Rio
Grande and other unique spots.
Star Gazing
The night time skies of the Big Bend region
are among the darkest in the nation. Local
organizations are working to preserve this
unique quality of the region. You can attend
an organized Star Party at McDonald
Observatory, or step outside anywhere and
witness a spectacular heavenly display. See page
26.