Alpine, Texas Community Guide 2016 | Page 21

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Regional Parks
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Hiking and Camping Big Bend National Park , Davis Mountains State Park . Big Bend Ranch State Park , Davis Mountains Preserve offer hiking , camping and backpacking . The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens near Fort Davis has four miles of hiking trails , a botanical garden , and a cactus and succulent greenhouse containing one of the largest Chihuahuan Desert cactus collections in the world .
Biking The region offers some of the most scenic bicycle touring routes and challenging off road biking trails in Texas . Plan your own adventure or consult with a local guide , outfitter or ranger .
Motorcycling
The Big Bend region includes two of the most scenic motorcycle touring routes in Texas : the 75- mile Davis Mountains scenic loop , which follows TX 118 and TX 166 ; and FM 170 , which parallels the Rio Grande as it weaves between Terlingua and Presidio .
Bird-Watching
Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the Big Bend region of the Chihuahuan Desert . 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 and Davis Mountains regions are famous for exciting and challenging hunting . Several private ranches provide outfitters who 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 .
Rock Hounding
The region is famous for its beautiful agate and jasper . Collecting at road cuts is legal ; collecting on parkland is prohibited . Collecting on private land requires the owner ’ s permission . It ’ s a good idea to go on a guided hunt with Teri Smith , who leads trips to several area ranches . She can be reached at www . terismithrockhunts . com , or ( 432 ) 837-2451 . To see and learn about area rocks , visit the Last Frontier Museum at the Antelope Lodge , 2310 W . Highway 90 in Alpine .
River Rafting and Canoeing
The Rio Grande is popular for rafting and canoeing . River guides are available through outfitters in Terlingua and Study Butte . Before venturing on your own , consult
with an outfitter or park ranger for current river conditions , access points , and permit requirements .
Horseback Trail Riding There are several private horseback riding outfitters in the region . Ride in the cool woodlands of the Davis Mountains or the rugged desert along the Rio Grande and other unique spots .
Star Gazing
The night skies of the Big Bend region are among the darkest in the nation . Attend a Star Party at McDonald Observatory , or step outside anywhere and witness a spectacular heavenly display .
REGIONAL PARKS
Balmorhea State Park tpwd . texas . gov 56 miles north on TX 118 & TX 17 Swim , scuba dive or just relax at this oasis in the high desert . Enjoy the cool , crystal-clear spring-fed waters of this large outdoor pool . Camping , picnic facilities , cabins and restored desert wetlands .
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 . The Barton Warnock Center on FM 170 just east of Lajitas serves as the park ’ s eastern visitor center ; stop there for information .
Continued on page 22 .
2016-17 Community Guide & Chamber of Commerce Directory | alpine TEXAS 21