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Texas—Big
Bend Country 2007 Mountains |
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Santiago Peak (elevation 6,524') is not in Big Bend National Park, but it was a landmark we saw every morning as we drove south into the park. |
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As one heads south into the park, the Chisos Mountains become visible on the horizon. |
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The Chisos Mountains lie at the heart of Big Bend National Park. An igneous intrusion rising through sedimentary layers, the mountains can be seen from anywhere in the surrounding desert. The "V"-shaped cleft to the left in the photo is known as "The Window." We also saw it from within the mountains looking out. |
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The Chisos Mountains are home to black bears and mountain lions. We kept looking, but didn't see either. |
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The Green Gulch Drive leads into the Basin within the Chisos Mountains. The vegetation changes dramatically, with the appearance of junipers, small oaks, and pinyon pines. The geological feature known as Casa Grande looms ahead. |
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From within the Chisos Basin, we could see out "The Window" to the Chihuahuan desert beyond. |
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The Chisos Mountain Lodge is in the Chisos Basin. The restaurant is seen here beneath Casa Grande. |
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We were treated to lunch by Bill and Carol Wellman. Bill became Superintendent of Big Bend in the fall of 2006. Norm and Bill are old friends, having been classmates at Ranger training in 1972 at Grand Canyon. |
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After lunch, we hiked part of the Lost Mine Trail with Bill. He took our picture with Casa Grande in the background. |
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The Chisos Mountains are mostly bare rock, with the vegetation climbing up the drainages. |
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From the Chisos Mountains one gets an idea of the immensity of Big Bend National Park. |
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Our day in the Chisos Mountains was capped off with a waxing gibbous moon over Casa Grande. |
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The day we left the park, we made a last stop to once again walk into the desert. The ever-present Chisos Mountains were in the background. |