Regional Parks
Santa Elena Canyon , Big Bend National Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Dana Jones
Big Bend National Park www . nps . gov / bibe / 108 miles south on TX 118 to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction .
At over 800,000 acres , Big Bend National Park is the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the U . S . The Park is known as “ Three Parks in One ”, with towering mountain , vast desert and thriving riparian environments , all situated along the “ big bend ” of the Rio Grande .
Big Bend Ranch State Park www . tpwd . state . tx . us 102 miles south and west on TX 118 and FM 170
This is the largest state park in Texas with 300,000 acres of rugged and remote Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande . Stop at the Barton Warnock Center on FM 170 just east of Lajitas for information .
Fort Davis National Historic Site www . nps . gov 27 miles north on TX 118 , in Fort Davis
One of the best remaining , restored and open to the public examples of frontier military posts in the American southwest . From 1854 to 1891 troops protected migrants , freighters , mail coaches and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road . Opportunities for touring the fort , and hiking trails which connect with Davis Mountains State Park .
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens www . cdri . org 20 miles north on TX 118
Provides public awareness of the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region . Features a visitor center , outdoor exhibits , botanical gardens and hiking trails .
Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge www . tpwd . state . tx . us 29 miles north on TX 118
4 miles northwest of Fort Davis , the park comprises nearly 2709 acres with elevations ranging from 5000-6000 feet . Opportunities for camping , lodging , birding , hiking , and dining in the scenic Davis Mountains .
The Marfa Lights 16 miles west on U . S . 90 / 67 to viewing area
Mysterious lights first observed and recorded in 1883 by early settlers . Still a visitor attraction today . A video can be seen at Apache Trading Post in Alpine .
Texas Mountain Trail www . texasmountaintrail . com
A driving route through the six western-most counties of Texas . Highlights along the trail are historic sites , museums , state parks and unique mountain and desert communities .
Big Bend National Park 2014 Community Guide & Chamber of Commerce Directory | alpine TEXAS 17