Recreational Areas/Day Trips
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park’s rugged, beautiful mountains rise above the Rio Grande. Float trips down the river are available, as well as horseback riding, pack trips, hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and camping. At the western edge of the park, Terlingua and Lajitas offer a mixture of Old West and Spanish history…432/477-2251 or visit www.visitbigbend.com
A few remarkable communities near Big Bend National Park: Marathon, Terlingua and Study Butte, Terlingua Ghost Town, and Lajitas, offer services, amenities, and entertainment. A variety of guided outdoor activities are available. Big Bend is a diverse region with endless possibilities for adventure and discovery.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Carlsbad, New Mexico) is home to one of the world’s largest cavern systems, sculpted by nature over millions of years, and is home to literally thousands of bats. Don’t miss the spectacular bat flight at sundown each day - 505/785-2232
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Over 80 miles of trails in the park that offer a wide range of opportunities for exploring. This mountain mass contains portions of the world’s most extensive and significant Permian limestone fossil reef. Parts of the reef are exposed in two mountain ranges in the park. Considered one of the most beautiful spots within the park, McKittrick Canyon is famous for its fall colors, and offers a hike that meanders through desert and forest. 915/828-3251 or visit www.nps.gov/gumo.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Monahans Sandhills State Park is 380 acres of constantly shifting white sands offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities, nature study, picnicking and camping facilities.
Balmorhea State Park
Located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains, this state park has the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool (1.75 acres, 25 feet deep, 3,500 gallons) which is fed by the clear waters of the San Solomon Springs. Water temperature runs 72-76 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It is a great place for swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling. An 18-room motel and tent and recreational vehicle campsites are available. 432/375-2370 or visit www.stateparks.com/balmorhea.html