There are a lot of factors that determine the quality of our experiences. In some cases, it’s not fair to rate a location purely based on our overall enjoyment. Oft times, the way we approach a place determines how much fun we have. Big Bend was a “perfect storm” of National Park enjoyment.
Part of this is the Park itself does have a ton to offer. At it’s core, it’s an incredible specimen of desert (the Chihuahuan Desert), but it also has a river, mountains and… access to whole other country!
On top of that, WE OWNED this place. I feel like we left no stone unturned at Big Bend, and I for one, had no expectations for the National Park, and it blew me away.
We did two great hikes (Boquillas Canyon and Lost Mine). We got “rowed” across the border by a Mexican, and rode Donkey’s into Boquillas for lunch. We built a tree swing at the campsite. We watched a meteor shower. We floated the Rio Grande in a guided raft. We backcountry camped in the middle of nowhere in 23 degree temps! We saw a wild rattlesnake and tarantula. It was amazing!
This is one place that we probably don’t need to visit again, not because it’s not great, but because we kind of maxed out our first visit.
Arrival – Boquillas Canyon – Boquillas Mexico
Bike ride – Lost Mine Trail
Rafting Rio Grande – Tarantula – Backcountry Camping
