Welcome to the Park of the Week Newsletter for September 12, 2024. This week’s park is known for its stunning canyons and bird-watching.
Big Bend National Park
Location
West Texas, United States
Claim to fame
Big Bend National Park was established in 1944 for its scenic wonders–canyons carved over millennia and mountains sprouting from the desert. But the park is also shockingly biodiverse, boasting more bird, bat, cactus, scorpion, butterfly, and ant species than any other US national park. Big Bend is also home to one of the most complete fossil records in the world, with countless dinosaur and early mammal fossils.
Reason to visit
Attracting around half a million visitors a year despite its remote location, Big Bend is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. Hiking is a favorite pastime in Big Bend; the park maintains over 200 miles of trails that provide access to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Camping, birdwatching, or simply driving the park’s roads (lined with bluebonnets in spring) are also top attractions.
Wild Fact
Big Bend National Park has the least light pollution of any national park in the contiguous US. The night-sky viewing here is unparalleled, which is why the park was designated an International Dark Sky Park.
Bonus Wild Fact: A can’t-miss feature of Big Bend is its hot spring, right at the edge of the Rio Grande River. Make sure to spend an evening soaking in the spring’s naturally warm waters and gazing up at the Milky Way.
Thanks for reading. Each Thursday, we send out an image and description of a unique natural or cultural treasure like the one above. Learn new things, explore special places, and find your inspiration: sign up for the free newsletter today.