AlpineDirectory_p32-33.qxp_Layout 1 5/19/15 1:12 PM Page 1
Outdoor Activities
McDonald Observatory
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.
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
32
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.
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
alpine TEXAS | alpinetexas.com | alpinetexasguide.com
Rafting down the Rio Grande
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) 837-2451. You can also
hunt rocks on the road cuts in the
area. To learn about what the
local 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.