Big Bend - Rio Grande Village

On our full day (2/14/22) at Rio Grande Village (RGV) in Big Bend NP we took a couple of outings. We hiked into Boquillas Canyon in the morning. The river has sliced a narrow path through at least 1,000 foot high rock. You can’t even see the narrow canyon entrance until you are very close. We arrived to find two other cars in the lot and both couples were exiting the trail. We had the canyon to ourselves - at least from tourists. On every trail near the river, there are little souvenir shops set up along the trails. People come across the river and set up these honor system sales booths with a pay bucket. None of them were staffed, until we arrived a the canyon. There were about 8 people and several stations. Two of them had ridden their horses over. One was a young child who ran up to us sporting a great smile and displaying the handmade necklaces. Most of the items are jewelry or small animals shaped out of wire. Some had embroidered items or t-shirts. One was selling chicken tamales. They were all nice people just trying to make some money, but I really prefer my parks and trails to be vendor free. We saw many border patrol vehicles over the past few days - most of them just driving around in their cars. 

We hiked into Boquillas Canyon until the river met the vertical walls. Elena found some interesting rocks. The river water was very clear. Bebop took a nap in the van. 

In the afternoon we went to a natural hot springs on the river. It was a big resort a century ago. There is an old hall, house, and even motel where people used to drive down to enjoy the hot springs. They even have a huge palm growing, which was obviously imported and planted. The only remaining functioning item is the most important - the spring and the rock area built to contain the hot water. The water comes out at 105ºF, so the pool is generally around 100ºF - like a nice hot bath that never cools down. You can just slide over the rock wall into the river and swim, too - or wade across into Mexico. This happened to be Valentine's Day and this was probably the best gift I could have given Elena as she loves being in water. 

The old springs ruins

Natural hot springs along the Rio Grande

We hiked on the nature trail adjacent to our campsite and took some lovely sunset photos of the Sierra del Carmen range and the Chisos mountains. 

Sunset from the natural trail adjacent to our camp site in Rio Grande Village, Big Bend NP

On Tue (2/15) we crossed the park and moved from the eastern end to the western end. We made a quick stop in the Chisos Basin along the way. I’ve been to Chisos a couple of times, and it was busier, so we didn’t stay too long. We headed to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which led to the Cottonwood Campground. We hiked the Lower Burro Mesa Pouroff and Tuff Canyon, and made the obligatory stop at Mule Ears. Who wore them better - Kendall in 2002 or Paul in 2022?

 

Mule Ears - 20 years apart

Bebop can't go on National Park trails, so you'll have to put up with my blogging until she can get back on the trail with us and write some more. 

 - Paul