Have you ever dreamed of an adventure to the wilderness, where majestic mountains meet vast deserts and poetic rivers? Texas, with its diverse and abundant natural beauty, harbors hidden gems waiting for you to discover. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” unveil the secrets of lesser-known but stunning national parks in Texas, where you can enjoy peace, explore unique landscapes, and experience exciting activities.
Texas is not only famous for its vibrant cities and distinctive cowboy culture, but also a treasure trove of nature with beautiful national parks. Besides the well-known Big Bend National Park, there are still many other conservation areas waiting for explorers. Join us as we highlight these must-visit destinations, where you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and create unforgettable memories.
Discovering the Contrasting Beauty of Big Bend National Park
Located deep in the southwest of Texas, Big Bend National Park is a vast wilderness, stretching over 100 miles along the Mexican border. It offers a unique contrast between towering mountains, the arid Chihuahuan Desert, and ancient canyons carved by the Rio Grande River.
Aerial view of Big Bend National Park
The formation of Big Bend National Park is the result of a rich history, spanning centuries between the Spanish, Comanche Indians, and Mexican farmers. By the early 1900s, the area was mainly used for mining, and later, the movement to preserve natural beauty led to the official establishment of the national park in 1944.
Today, Big Bend is an outdoor adventure paradise with a diverse ecosystem. You can climb Emory Peak, 2400m high in the Chisos Mountains, explore the Chihuahuan Desert with its characteristic cacti, or kayak on the Rio Grande River.
However, this stunning beauty comes with a minor drawback: Big Bend is not the most accessible park. Its isolated location, vast scale, and scattered attractions make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and unique experiences.
Must-Do Activities in Big Bend
With over 150 miles of hiking trails, Big Bend offers countless options for trekking enthusiasts. Here are a few suggestions for you to choose from:
- Mountains: The Chisos Mountains have many trails with varying difficulty levels. Emory Peak Trail is one of the most popular, leading to the park’s highest peak. Lost Mine Trail and South Rim Trail are excellent choices for full-day hikes. If you don’t have much time, the Chisos Basin Loop Trail is a moderate option at only 1.8 miles long.
Beautiful landscape in Big Bend National Park
- Desert: Chimneys Trail is a moderate 4.8-mile hike, famous for its unique volcanic rock “chimneys”. Another option is the Grapevine Hills Trail, a shorter hike (2.2 miles) through shrubs and cacti to a group of perfectly balanced rocks.
Rock formations on the Grapevine Hills Trail in Big Bend National Park
- River: Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a classic Big Bend hike. This 1.7-mile trail starts at the end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and follows the Rio Grande to the mouth of the canyon, where you can look up at the towering 500m limestone walls.
If you want to see the entire Big Bend National Park by car, the 30-mile Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive is the best option. This route highlights the mountains, desert, and river, as well as the geological beauty the park is known for.
In addition, Big Bend National Park is one of the best places in North America for stargazing. It has the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Hot Springs Historic District, where you can relax in natural warm waters.
Night view of Dorgan House in Big Bend National Park
Must-See Attractions in Big Bend
Even a short walk in the desert can be full of discoveries. Visit at least four or five of the attractions listed below and you’ll get a pretty good idea of this entire vast area.
- Chisos Mountains Basin: The winding road into the Chisos will take you from the desert to woodlands. Here you’ll find the only lodging and restaurant in the park, as well as a gift shop, convenience store, ranger station, campground, amphitheater, and stables.
A bird in the Chisos Mountains Basin, Big Bend National Park
- Hot Springs: This riverside resort on the Rio Grande is a visitor draw in Big Bend National Park. The hot springs are easily accessed from a turnoff near Rio Grande Village.
Rio Grande River resort in Big Bend National Park
- Santa Elena Canyon: Parking at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Terlingua Creek offers a direct close-up view of this impressively deep cleft, with 500m high vertical limestone walls.
Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park
- Boquillas Canyon: Once inside the canyon, the trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views that inspire awe and dizzying neck craning.
Boquillas Canyon, Big Bend National Park
- South Rim: The view from the top of the Chisos is the best in the park and perhaps in the entire state of Texas.
South Rim, Big Bend National Park
Other “Hidden Gems” in Texas
Besides Big Bend National Park, Texas has many other nature preserves waiting for you to explore. Although lesser known, these destinations still possess unique beauty and memorable experiences. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” explore these “hidden gems” in future articles!
Conclusion
Texas is not only a large state in area but also a treasure trove of nature with beautiful national parks. Whether you love mountain climbing, desert exploration, or river boating, Texas can satisfy all your preferences. Plan an adventure to lesser-known but stunning national parks in Texas and discover the wonders that nature bestows upon this land. Are you ready for the exploration journey?